Successful Surgery Corrects Rare Condition in 2.5-Month-Old Infant in Vietnam
A rare and potentially life-threatening condition, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, was successfully treated at Binh Dinh Hospital in Gia Lai, Vietnam, on December 23. The surgery, performed on a 2.5-month-old girl, offers hope for infants facing this challenging diagnosis and underscores the importance of early detection.
Understanding Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a condition affecting the pylorus, the muscular valve between the stomach and the small intestine. It occurs in approximately 1 in 1,000 newborns, typically presenting between 3 and 4 weeks after birth, though cases can emerge as late as 5 months of age. The condition is characterized by an abnormal enlargement of the pyloric muscle, obstructing the passage of food and leading to forceful vomiting.
The infant was initially hospitalized on December 22 after experiencing repeated vomiting following feedings. Her family initially attributed the symptoms to normal newborn physiology, but the persistent vomiting and subsequent slow weight gain prompted a medical evaluation. Diagnostic imaging, including an abdominal ultrasound, confirmed the diagnosis.
Surgical Intervention and Technique
The surgical procedure, performed by People’s Physician Pham Van Phu, a Level 2 Specialist at Binh Dinh Hospital, was carried out in coordination with an anesthesia and resuscitation team led by Specialist Nguyen Minh Dang, Head of the Anesthesia and Resuscitation Department. Doctors utilized the Fredet-Ramstedt technique, an extramucosal pyloric myotomy. This involves a precise longitudinal incision into the thickened pyloric muscle layer, carefully preserving the underlying mucosa to relieve the obstruction and restore normal digestive flow.
“The surgery went smoothly,” according to reports from the hospital, and the child is currently under close post-operative monitoring.
Recognizing the Signs and Importance of Early Diagnosis
Delayed diagnosis and improper treatment of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis can lead to serious complications, including prolonged vomiting, dehydration, rapid weight loss, fatigue, and delayed development. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant for key indicators of the condition, which include:
- Frequent, often forceful, vomiting.
- Vomiting that appears as a stream.
- Vomiting occurring outside of mealtimes.
- Vomiting without the presence of bile.
- Persistent hunger despite vomiting.
- Slow weight gain or weight loss.
- In some cases, a palpable firm mass in the upper abdomen.
A senior official stated that prompt medical attention is crucial for infants exhibiting these symptoms. Doctors recommend that any child between 3 weeks and 5 months of age experiencing unusual or persistent vomiting, or demonstrating slow weight gain, should be immediately evaluated by a medical professional.
This successful surgery at Binh Dinh Hospital serves as a critical reminder of the importance of recognizing the signs of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and seeking timely medical intervention to ensure the best possible outcome for affected infants.
