Pyloric Stenosis

Pyloric stenosis ( also known as Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis IHPS ) happens due to marked hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the circular and longitudinal muscles leading to gastric outlet obstruction in infants

IHPS is the most common cause of gastric outlet obstruction in the 2-12 week age group requiring surgery Described for the 1st time by Harold Hirschsprung in 1888 who believed that the condition was congenital IHPS is the most common gastrointestinal disease of the newborn Seen more commonly in white males ( 4 : 1 M/F ratio )- seen less commonly in Indian , Asian and Black populations One paper reports that the highest incidence is in N Europe In the UK it is seen in upto 4 in 1000 live births Peak age of presentation is between 5 -6 weeks with most infants presenting between 2-12 weeks , A familial link is known but the hereditary pattern is polygenic

Etiology The etiology of IHPS remains uncertain but several points or potential risk factors have been noted which may helpful It is not a congenital condition and research has shown that IHPS is not present at birth Environmental and genetic conditions are thought to be contributing factors ie...