A FURTHER CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF PYLORIC STENOSIS

The treatment of pyloric stenosis is a topic which is still very much under discussion. This is mainly due to the fact that some clinicians advocate immediate operation while others get excellent results in many cases without such a radical procedure. Good results are often obtained without surgery because the spasm frequently relaxes when certain dietary measures are instituted. Operation, soon after the diagnosis is made, doubtless subjects many infants to unnecessary operation. On the other hand, persistence in unsuccessful feeding may increase the surgical risk. The statement occasionally made by some pediatricians that the diagnosis of pyloric stenosis is synonymous with indication for operation is not in accord with the opinion held by the foremost surgeons in this field. Thus Downes, 1 points out very clearly that medical treatment is justifiable for a period of from seven to ten days, provided the patient does not lose too much weight