Obstruction in the stomach of the babies
Imagine a swollen balloon, and our fingers covering the air outlet. Something like that, but in the stomach, is the effect that occurs in hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (EHP). In this entity, the pylorus, which is the most distal area of the stomach, thickens and lengthens; in this way, the emptyin
Imagine a swollen balloon, and our fingers covering the air outlet. Something like that, but in the stomach, is the effect that occurs in hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (EHP).
In this entity, the pylorus, which is the most distal area of the stomach, thickens and lengthens; in this way, the emptying of the digested food into the intestine is prevented by an 'obstruction' effect.
Causes and symptoms of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in children
The cause is unknown, although the implication of a series of risk factors has been described: administration of prostaglandins (this is a medication used in the management of some congenital heart diseases), early consumption of erythromycin (antibiotic of the group of macrolides), presence of family history and maternal smoking.
This entity debuts clinically at 2-6 weeks of life, and not before. Its main symptom is repeated vomiting. The vomiting of these patients is of food content (never bilious). They emit with force ('in shotgun'), immediately after all the shots. The baby is very irritable and hungry. With the passing of the hours, the rule is that dehydration and electrolyte alterations appear.
Diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
The diagnosis, as in many problems that affect the digestive system of children, is confirmed by an abdominal ultrasound. In it we can see an increase in the thickness of the pyloric muscle and a lengthening of the terminal part of the stomach.
The treatment is executed in two phases. First, dehydration should be corrected by administering intravenous serum. After correcting this, the patient must undergo surgery (called pylorotomy), which can be done 'openly', or laparoscopically. Its main sequel is the appearance of gastroesophageal reflux.
