Pyloroplasty

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

The pylorus is a thick, muscular area. When it thickens or its opening narrows, food cannot pass through.

Description

The surgery is done while you are under general anesthesia (asleep and pain free).

If you have open surgery, the surgeon:

• Makes a large surgical cut in your belly to open the area.
• Cuts through some of the thickened muscle so it becomes wider.
• Closes the cut in a way that keeps the pylorus open. This allows the stomach to empty.

Surgeons can also do this surgery using a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a tiny camera that is inserted into your belly through a small cut. Video from the camera will appear on a monitor in the operating room. The surgeon views the monitor to do the surgery. During the surgery:

• Three to five small cuts are made in your belly. The camera and other small tools will be inserted through these cuts.
• Your belly will be filled with gas to allow the surgeon to see the area and perform the surgery with more room to work.
• The pylorus is operated on as described above.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Pyloroplasty is used to treat complications in people with peptic ulcers or other stomach problems that cause a blockage of the stomach opening.

Risks

Risks for anesthesia and surgery in general are:

• Reactions to medicines or breathing problems

  Breathing problems

  Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air

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• Bleeding, blood clots, or infection

  Bleeding

  Bleeding is the loss of blood. Bleeding may be:Inside the body (internal)Outside the body (external)Bleeding may occur:Inside the body when blood le...

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  Blood clots

  Blood clots are clumps that occur when blood hardens from a liquid to a solid. A blood clot that forms inside one of your veins or arteries is calle...

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Risks of this surgery include:

• Damage to the intestine or nearby organs
• Hernia

  Hernia

  A hernia is a sac formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The sac comes through a hole or weak area in the strong layer of the be...

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• Leakage of stomach contents
• Long-term diarrhea
• Malnutrition

  Malnutrition

  Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.

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Before the Procedure

Tell your surgeon:

• If you are or could be pregnant
• What medicines you're taking, including medicines, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription

During the days before your surgery:

• You may be asked to stop taking blood thinners. These include NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen), vitamin E, warfarin (Coumadin), dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), and clopidogrel (Plavix).
• Ask your surgeon which drugs you should still take on the day of the surgery.
• If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your health care provider for help quitting.

On the day of your surgery:

• Follow instructions about not eating and drinking.
• Take the medicines your surgeon told you to take with a small sip of water.
• Arrive at the hospital on time.

After the Procedure

After surgery, the health care team will monitor your breathing, blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. Many people can go home within 24 hours.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most people recover quickly and completely. The average hospital stay is 2 to 3 days. It's likely you can slowly begin a regular diet in a few weeks.