Question
A baby born in October 2005 has been suffering from severe gastroesophageal reflux since birth, often vomiting and sometimes regurgitating from the nose and mouth. Although the baby underwent a pyloric stenosis surgery at Huangshan Hospital when two and a half months old, the symptoms were only temporarily relieved. A few months later, the symptoms recurred, though less frequently. After multiple follow-up visits, doctors have indicated that the condition might improve with age. However, over the past five plus years, the condition has not improved and has shown a worsening trend. The parents hope to understand if there is a possibility of being referred to the Affiliated Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine in Hangzhou, and inquire about the opportunity for inpatient treatment.
Answer
The only definitive treatment for congenital pyloric stenosis is surgical intervention, but any invasive medical procedure carries risks. It is recommended to seek consultation with a surgeon at a second-grade level or above comprehensive hospital. The doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the patient’s specific condition. Although surgery requires general anesthesia and carries certain risks, current medical technology is very mature, and the surgical outcome is usually good. After surgery, the baby can typically begin to resume eating within 24 hours, but will need to be fed with liquid through a gastric tube.