Digestive system
Digestive system
Pyloric stenosis
Pyloric stenosis


Pyloric stenosis

Definition:
Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the outlet from the stomach to the small intestine (called the pylorus). The condition primarily occurs in infants.

Alternative Names:
Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; Gastric outlet obstruction

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This condition is caused by a thickening of the muscles of the pylorus. This prevents the stomach from emptying into the small intestine.

The cause of the thickening is unknown, although genetic factors may play a role. It occurs more commonly in boys than in girls and is rare in patients older than 6 months.

Approximately 1 in 4,000 infants is affected with this condition.




Review Date: 12/30/2002
Reviewed By: Jonathan Fanaroff, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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