Pyloroplasty is a surgical procedure to widen the opening in the lower part of the stomach (pylorus) so that the stomach contents can empty into the small intestine (duodenum).

The pylorus is a thick, muscular area. When it thickens, food is not able to pass through.

See: Pyloric stenosis

Pyloromyotomy; Pyloric stenosis repair; Pyloroplasty

The surgery is done while you are under general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut around the belly button or in the upper right part of the belly. If the surgery is done laparoscopically, three smaller cuts are used.

The surgery involves cutting through some of the thickened muscle to relieve the narrowing (stenosis). The cut through the muscle is then closed horizontally to keep the pylorus open and allow the stomach to empty.

The surgery usually takes 1 - 2 hours.

Pyloric stenosis is caused by a thickened pylorus muscle. It is usually found in infants.

Pyloroplasty is the only effective treatment for pyloric stenosis. It may also be used to treat certain patients with peptic ulcers or other types of gastric disease that cause a blockage of the stomach opening.

Most patients make a complete and quick recovery. The average hospital stay is 2 - 3 days. Most patients can gradually return to eating a regular diet in a few weeks.

After surgery, the health care team will monitor your breathing, blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. Most patients can go home within 24 hours.

The results after pyloroplasty are excellent.

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Pyloroplasty Risks

Review Date: 11/05/2010
Reviewed By: Shabir Bhimji MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)