How to manage pyloric stenosis?

[Srabanti]

A 3 week old male infant has a chief complaint of vomiting for 3-4 days. His mother states that the vomiting has gotten progressively worse and now seems to "shoot out of his mouth." The emesis always occurs after feeding, sometimes vomiting the entire volume of his feed. The vomitus is non-bilious and non-bloody. After vomiting, the infant remains hungry and is still eager to feed. He is exclusively bottle fed with formula. There is no history of fever, URI symptoms, or diarrhea. He is less active than normal. He is making fewer wet diapers and less stool than usual. There is no history of trauma or recent travel. There are no ill contacts.

[Neel]

@srabanti Surgery called pyloromyotomy treats pyloric stenosis. After diagnosing pyloric stenosis, your surgeon will discuss the surgery with you. It’s a safe surgery. Infants with pyloric stenosis often have dehydration because they vomit so much. Your provider will make sure your baby is properly hydrated before performing surgery. Your baby will probably need fluids through an IV which will be given at the hospital. A blood test to test hydration may be taken during this time to make sure it’s improving. Your child won’t be able to have milk or formula starting six hours before surgery. Keeping them off these fluids reduces the risk of vomiting and aspiration (breathing in vomit) while under anesthesia.