Treatment Overview

Pyloric stenosis is always treated with surgery (pyloromyotomy). After your baby has the surgery, pyloric stenosis usually will not develop again.

Types of surgery

Two methods of surgery are used to correct pyloric stenosis—open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Your doctor will choose which one is best for your baby.

• During open surgery, a small incision is made in the baby's abdominal wall. The ring of muscle (pyloric sphincter) is then cut to widen the channel between the stomach and the intestine.
• During laparoscopic surgery, an instrument called a laparoscope is inserted through a small incision made in the baby's belly button. The laparoscope provides access to the pyloric muscle so the muscle can be cut. Several other small incisions are usually necessary.

Before surgery

Your baby may not go to surgery immediately after being diagnosed with pyloric stenosis. If your baby is dehydrated, he or she may need to receive fluids through a vein (intravenous, or IV) for 24 to 48 hours. Another tube may be put through your baby's nose to drain fluids from the stomach (nasogastric tube).

After surgery

After surgery, your baby may be fed special fluids for one or two feedings and then formula or breast milk within 24 hours. Your baby likely will go home within 2 days after surgery.

It is normal for a baby to vomit a small amount during the first day or two after surgery. But if your baby continues to vomit after you return home, call your doctor. In some cases, persistent vomiting indicates an incomplete cutting of the pyloric muscle.

Complications from surgery (which may include infection at the incision site) are rare. A red or raised incision, with or without drainage, may indicate an infection.