Pyloroplasty

What is pyloroplasty?

Pyloroplasty is a laparoscopic surgical procedure to treat gastroparesis. If you have debilitating symptoms of gastroparesis that aren’t treatable with medications, Dr. Hughes can determine if you’re a candidate for pyloroplasty surgery.

Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach doesn’t empty normally. This condition develops due to nerve damage in the pylorus, the muscle that keeps food inside your stomach during digestion. As a result, you may experience symptoms that become severe and debilitating, such as:

• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Upper abdominal pain

Gastroparesis can also make you feel fuller sooner after eating or drinking. If not treated, the condition can lead to severe dehydration, malnutrition, and a worsening of diabetes. You may also develop blockages if bacteria ferments and hardens, blocking the passing of food from your stomach to your small intestine.

The goal of pyloroplasty is to decompress your stomach and move food in the direction of your small intestine, so you can eliminate it properly.

What happens during pyloroplasty?

Pyloroplasty is a procedure that Dr. Hughes typically performs laparoscopically. This means he only needs small incisions in your abdomen to access your pylorus.

Using specialized tools with an attached camera, Dr. Hughes cuts open the pylorus, then sews it shut in a crosswise fashion. This keeps the pylorus wide open, so food can pass through more easily.

A pyloroplasty generally takes about an hour to complete. After a brief period of rest, you can expect to go home to start your recovery.

How long does it take to recover from pyloroplasty?

Immediately after a pyloroplasty, your pyloric channel is wide open. However, surgery can cause it to swell and narrow for 1-3 weeks afterward.

During this time, you may still experience symptoms of gastroparesis. Dr. Hughes may recommend that you stick to a diet of liquids and soft, pureed foods. As you feel better, you can start eating more solid food.

You can expect to follow up with Dr. Hughes within a month of your procedure to determine if you need a gastric stimulator. This treatment is effective for relieving persistent nausea that doesn’t go away after a pyloroplasty.

To find out if you’re a candidate for pyloroplasty, call Vanguard Surgical LLC today to schedule an appointment.

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