Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: experience in a district general hospital

Abstract

One hundred and twenty-nine infants with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis were referred to one consultant surgeon over a 13-year period. In all cases general anaesthesia was used and a standardized surgical technique followed. No mortality was recorded. Twenty-seven infants had postoperative complications, excluding vomiting. Wound infections developed in 3% of cases and required treatment; there was no abdominal wound dehiscence. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment was not indicated. Postoperative vomiting occurred in 69% of the infants; in 15% this was severe and required an alteration in clinical management and a lengthened hospital stay. Attention to the severity rather than the incidence of postoperative vomiting will reduce morbidity further. Low morbidity and zero mortality can be achieved in non-specialist centres.