Pyloroplasty—Adult Overview

Pyloroplasty is a surgery to correct a narrowing of the pyloric sphincter. The pylorus is a muscular area that forms a channel between the stomach and intestine. Normally, food passes easily from the stomach into the intestine through this sphincter.

Pyloric Sphincter—Pyloroplasty © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Prior to Procedure

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

• Your doctor may order a laxative. This will help you clean out your intestines.

• If you have diabetes, discuss your medicines with your doctor.

• Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
• Blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Anesthesia

Your surgery will be done using general anesthesia . You will be in a deep sleep.

Description of Procedure

An incision will be made in the upper part of your abdomen. The pylorus will be exposed. Your doctor will cut through the pyloric muscle. The sphincter will be sewn back together in a way that will make the opening wider. The abdominal muscles will be sewn back together. The skin will be closed with stitches or staples.

If your pyloroplasty is done because you have an ulcer, other procedures may be done at the same time.

Immediately After Procedure

After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area for about 1-2 hours.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1-2 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will block pain during the procedure. After the surgery, you will feel pain. You will receive medicine to relieve pain.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 1-3 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

During your hospital stay, you will gradually return to a normal diet. Before you go home, a nurse will teach you how to take care of your surgical incision. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .

RESOURCES:

American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org/

Familydoctor.org, American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home.html

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Medical Association Journal
http://www.cmaj.ca

References:

Feldman M. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2002.

Khatri VP, Asensio JA. Operative Surgery Manual. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2003.

Townsend CM. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 17th ed. St. Louis, MO: WB Saunders; 2004.

Yamada T. Textbook of Gastroenterology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 2003.