Paediatric Surgery in Lagos
Pyloric Stenosis
The signs, what causes it, and when to see a paediatric surgery specialist in Lagos.
Signs to look for
Pyloric Stenosis
- Forceful, projectile vomiting soon after feeds, getting worse over days
- Vomit that is milk, not green
- A baby who is hungry again straight after vomiting
- Fewer wet nappies and fewer stools
- Weight loss or poor weight gain
Pyloric stenosis is a thickening of the muscle at the outlet of the stomach, the pylorus, which stops milk passing into the bowel. It usually starts between two and eight weeks of age and is more common in boys. The baby vomits forcefully, often shooting milk across the room, soon after feeds, and is hungry again straight away. Without treatment the baby becomes dehydrated and loses weight. It is confirmed with an ultrasound and cured with a short operation, a pyloromyotomy, once the baby's fluids have been corrected in hospital. Babies recover quickly and feed normally afterwards.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Forceful, projectile vomiting soon after feeds, getting worse over days
- Vomit that is milk, not green
- A baby who is hungry again straight after vomiting
- Fewer wet nappies and fewer stools
- Weight loss or poor weight gain
- A baby who becomes tired, floppy or less alert
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital today if a young baby vomits forcefully after feeds, has few wet nappies, is losing weight, or is sleepy or floppy. Go to a hospital immediately if the vomit is green or contains blood, or if the baby's tummy is swollen. These babies need fluids by drip and an assessment, not a wait. See a doctor if your baby vomits more than usual but is otherwise feeding and growing well.
Treatment options
- Admission to hospital for assessment
- An ultrasound of the stomach outlet to confirm the diagnosis
- Fluids by drip to correct dehydration and the salts in the blood
- Pyloromyotomy, a short operation that splits the thickened muscle
- Feeding again within hours of the operation
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
How do I tell pyloric stenosis from normal spitting up?
Most babies bring up small amounts of milk and keep growing. In pyloric stenosis the vomiting is forceful, happens after most feeds, gets worse over days, and the baby starts to lose weight.
Will it come back after surgery?
No. Once the muscle is split it does not thicken again, and babies feed and grow normally.
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