Unique Considerations in the Neonate and Infant: Pyloric Stenosis

Pyloric stenosis is a common pediatric surgical condition with an incidence of 2–4 per 1,000 live births.1 It affects males four times more than females. The etiology of this condition is unclear. It is postulated to occur due to failure of relaxation of the pyloric muscle secondary to abnormal innervation. The prolonged contraction causes hypertrophy of the muscle fibers and development of a pyloric mass. There is a definite genetic component to the condition. 1 in 20 of male offspring and 1 in 50 of female offspring from a male parent with pyloric stenosis will be affected.2