Pyloric Stenosis

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Definition, Epidemiology & Pathophysiology - Tiny Tummy Trouble

  • Definition: Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) from progressive hypertrophy & hyperplasia of the pyloric sphincter's circular muscle.
  • Epidemiology:
    • Incidence: 1-3/1000 live births (Caucasians ↑).
    • M:F ratio 4-5:1; common in first-born males.
    • Peak age: 3-6 weeks (rare >12 weeks).
    • Risk factors: Family history, neonatal erythromycin/azithromycin exposure, maternal smoking.
  • Pathophysiology:
    • Etiology: Multifactorial (genetic predisposition, environmental factors, neuronal dysfunction e.g., ↓NO synthase, ↑gastrin).
    • Leads to thickened, elongated, firm pylorus (palpable "olive" in ~50-70%). 📌 Olive-mass, Little Infant Vomits Everything (OLIVE).

    ⭐ Pyloric stenosis is the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in infancy requiring surgery. Pyloric Stenosis in Infants: Healthy vs. Stenosed Pylorusoka

Clinical Features & Classic Signs - The Projectile Puzzle

  • Onset: 2-8 weeks (up to 12 weeks); M:F 4:1.
  • Vomiting:
    • Non-bilious, projectile (forceful, non-staining).
    • Progressive, occurs post-feed, increases over days.
    • Infant hungry after emesis ("hungry vomiter"), eager to refeed.
  • Palpable "Olive":
    • Firm, mobile, ~1-2 cm smooth muscle mass in RUQ/epigastrium.
    • Pathognomonic; best felt post-vomiting, with relaxed abdomen.
  • Other Signs:
    • Visible gastric peristalsis (L→R waves).
    • Dehydration (↓ urine output, sunken fontanelle, poor skin turgor).
    • Weight loss / failure to thrive despite good appetite.
    • Jaundice (~5%; unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, resolves post-op). Pyloric Stenosis: Healthy vs. Stenosed Pylorus in Infant

⭐ Classic triad: Projectile non-bilious vomiting, palpable "olive" mass, and visible gastric peristalsis.

Diagnosis & Investigations - Unmasking the Muscle

  • Clinical Clues:
    • Non-bilious projectile vomiting (typically 3-6 weeks).
    • Palpable "olive" mass in RUQ/epigastrium (pathognomonic, felt in ~50-70%).
  • Laboratory Findings:
    • Classic: Hypochloremic, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis.
    • Paradoxical aciduria (late finding).
    • Serum: ↓Cl⁻ (<98 mEq/L), ↓K⁺ (<3.5 mEq/L), ↑HCO₃⁻ (>26 mEq/L).
  • Imaging - The Decider:
    • Ultrasound (USG): Gold Standard
      • Pyloric Muscle Thickness (PMT): >3-4 mm (most accurate)
      • Pyloric Canal Length (PCL): >14-16 mm
      • Pyloric Diameter: >12 mm
      • Signs: "Antral nipple", "Cervix sign", "Target sign". Pyloric Stenosis Ultrasound: Donut Sign
    • Upper GI Contrast (Barium Meal): (If USG inconclusive)
      • "String sign" (narrowed pyloric channel).
      • "Shoulder sign" (pylorus indents antrum).
      • "Mushroom sign" (pylorus indents duodenum).

⭐ The single most accurate ultrasonographic criterion for diagnosing pyloric stenosis is a pyloric muscle thickness (PMT) of >3 mm (some sources say >4 mm).

Management & Complications - The Surgical Solution

  • Pre-operative Stabilization (KEY):

    • IV Fluids: Correct dehydration, hypochloremic, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis.
      • 0.9% NaCl bolus (20 mL/kg).
      • Maintenance: D5 0.45% NaCl + KCl (20 mEq/L).
    • NG tube for gastric decompression.
    • Aim: Urine output >1-2 mL/kg/hr, Cl⁻ >85, K⁺ >3.5, HCO₃⁻ <30 mEq/L.
  • Definitive Surgery: Fredet-Ramstedt Pyloromyotomy

    • Longitudinal myotomy of hypertrophied circular muscle; mucosa intact.
    • Open (RUQ incision) or laparoscopic.
  • Post-operative Management:

    • Feeding: Start 4-6 hrs post-op, advance as tolerated.
    • Analgesia.
  • Complications:

    • Intra-op: Mucosal perforation (repair + omental patch).
    • Post-op:
      • Persistent emesis: Incomplete myotomy (most common), edema, GERD.
      • Wound infection, dehiscence.

High-Yield: The most common reason for persistent vomiting after pyloromyotomy is an incomplete myotomy.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Non-bilious projectile vomiting in infants aged 2-8 weeks is the cardinal symptom.
  • A palpable "olive" mass in the epigastrium is a classic physical finding.
  • Hypochloremic, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis is the characteristic electrolyte disturbance.
  • Ultrasound: pyloric muscle thickness >4 mm, channel length >16 mm are diagnostic.
  • Definitive treatment is Ramstedt pyloromyotomy after initial fluid resuscitation.
  • Increased risk in first-born males and with postnatal erythromycin exposure.

Practice Questions: Pyloric Stenosis

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Congenital pyloric stenosis causes: 1. Bilious vomiting 2. Non-bilious vomiting 3. Projectile vomiting 4. Non-projectile vomiting 5. Forceful vomiting

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Flashcards: Pyloric Stenosis

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According to modified Bell staging, presence of signs of generalized peritonitis and definitive ascitis is classified as stage _____

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According to modified Bell staging, presence of signs of generalized peritonitis and definitive ascitis is classified as stage _____

IIIA

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