• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Pyloroplasty

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Definition:

Pyloroplasty is surgery to widen the opening of the end of the pylorus, which is found in the lower portion of the stomach, so that stomach contents can empty into the duodenum (small intestine).

See: Pyloric stenosis

Alternative Names:

Pyloromyotomy; Pyloric stenosis repair

Description:

The surgery is done while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut around the belly button or in the right upper part of the belly. If the surgery is done laparoscopically, three smaller cuts are used. The end of the pylorus is repaired, so that muscles in the area can relax and the stomach can empty its contents.

Indications:

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.

• Review Date: 10/16/2006
• Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.