Pyloric stenosis

Definitions

Description

A condition in which the opening between the stomach and small intestine thickens, blocking food from entering the small intestine.

Overview

In pyloric stenosis, the opening between the stomach and small intestine, called the pylorus valve, thickens and gets bigger, blocking food from reaching the small intestine. Pyloric stenosis happens most often in babies under 6 months. It happens more often in males.

Symptoms

Pyloric stenosis can lead to forceful vomiting, dehydration and weight loss. Babies with this condition may seem to always be hungry.

Treatments

Pyloric stenosis can be fixed with surgery.