Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 23, 2025
Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia
Published on: August 11, 2023
Controlled long term outcome of pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis: No long-term adverse effect
Johan Danielson1, Anna Svenningsson2, Patrik Jansson3
1Institution of Women´s and Children´s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Uppsala S-75185, Sweden.
Insights
Infant pyloric stenosis surgery generally has no long-term adult effects. Female patients reported more fullness and heartburn, but this is unlikely to be clinically significant. Structured follow-up is not needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Long-term health outcomes
Background:
- Pyloromyotomy is a common infant surgery for pyloric stenosis.
- Long-term effects of pyloromyotomy into adulthood are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term effects of pyloromyotomy into adult life.
- To compare outcomes in operated patients with age- and sex-matched controls.
- To determine the need for structured follow-up of these patients.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 101 infants operated for pyloric stenosis between 1972-1974 was studied.
- 91 patients were traced and sent validated questionnaires (PAGI-SYM, GIQLI) and a custom questionnaire.
- 60 patients responded and were compared to 132 age- and sex-matched controls.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed between operated patients and controls overall or in males.
- Female patients reported significantly higher PAGI-SYM scores for postprandial fullness and heartburn compared to controls.
- Despite statistical significance, the clinical implications for female patients are considered minimal.
Conclusions:
- Pyloromyotomy for infantile pyloric stenosis does not typically result in negative long-term effects into adulthood.
- The observed differences in female patients are unlikely to be clinically significant.
- Routine follow-up of these patients into adulthood is not indicated based on these findings.
Purpose:
Pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis is one of the more common surgical procedures performed on infants. The long-term effects of the procedure are however unclear. The purpose of this study was to study the effects into adult life, compare them with controls and to see if there is a need for structured follow up of patients.
Methods:
Of the 101 patients operated for pyloric stenosis between 1972 and 1974 at our tertiary referral center 91 could be traced. They were all invited to participate in the study and were sent validated questionnaires (PAGI-SYM, GIQLI) as well as a study-specific questionnaire examining the use of antacid drugs, incidence of gastroscopy and abdominal surgery. Sixty patients responded (66%, mean age 45 years, 46 male) and were included. Thereafter, 600 age and sex-matched controls were sent the same questionnaires. 132 responded (22%, 90 male) and were includes as controls.
Results:
No significant differences could be found in any of the examined parameters when looking at the whole material or the male patients. Female patients had higher PAGI-SYM-scores for post prandial fullness (mean 1.11 vs 0.43, P = 0.035) and heartburn (mean 0.59 vs 0.14, P = 0.043) when compared to controls.
Conclusions:
The present study shows that most patients operated for pyloric stenosis during infancy experience no negative effects into adulthood. The finding in the female patient group is interesting but is unlikely to have any clinical implications. The results from this study strongly implicate that there is no need for follow up of patients into adulthood.
Level Of Evidence:
Level III.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...