Question
A friend’s child has been diagnosed with congenital pyloric stenosis and is only thirty days old. The parents do not wish to undergo surgery. Are there any other treatment methods available? What risks might be associated with surgery if it is the only option?
Answer
Congenital pyloric stenosis is caused by hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the pylorus, leading to narrowing of the pyloric canal and causing incomplete obstruction of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Typical symptoms include vomiting, usually starting within 2-4 weeks after birth and gradually worsening over 3-4 months. Vomiting may progress from milk leakage to shooting vomiting, with vomit possibly containing undigested milk clumps. In rare cases, vomiting may present as a coffee-colored substance due to bleeding from the gastric mucosa. After vomiting, the baby usually feels hungry and seeks to eat. Treatment for this condition can be divided into conservative medical treatment and surgical treatment. Conservative medical treatment may include adjusting treatment plans and medication, but surgical treatment (such as pyloroplasty) is typically the first choice and most effective.