The pylorus connects the stomach to the small intestine and consists of the pyloric antrum and pyloric canal. Its main function is to prevent food from returning to the stomach and limit undigested food in the intestinal tract. Pyloric stenosis can occur in infants or adults and is caused by a narrowing in the opening between the stomach and intestines. Surgery is the preferred treatment with no long-term side effects.
The pylorus consists of two parts and is the area of the stomach that is connected to the beginning of the small intestine. This part of the small intestine is called the duodenum. The pyloric antrum is the part of the pylorus that connects to the stomach. The part that connects to the duodenum is known as the pyloric canal.
The pylorus is a cone-shaped structure that marks the end of the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine. The main function of the pylorus is to keep food from returning to the stomach once it has moved into the small intestine. It also works to limit the amount of undigested food that is able to move through the intestinal tract.
At the end of the pyloric canal, there is a valve called the pyloric sphincter. This valve allows food to pass into the duodenum from the stomach. The nerve supply for this valve comes from the celiac ganglion. This is a mass of nerve tissue located in the upper abdomen.
Pyloric stenosis is a common medical disorder that affects the pylorus. This condition often occurs soon after birth and causes severe, uncontrollable vomiting. In some cases, pyloric stenosis becomes present in adulthood. While having the same name, this type of pyloric stenosis is not the same as the infantile version.
The type of pyloric stenosis present at birth is also referred to as infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. This condition affecting the pylorus is caused when there is a stricture, or narrowing, in the opening between the stomach and intestines. It is not known whether this condition is actually present at birth or if it develops within the first few weeks.
In the adult version of pyloric stenosis, the pylorus is usually constricted. This is thought to be caused in many cases by peptic ulcer disease. If this becomes a chronic problem, scarring of the pylorus and surrounding areas causes the stricture to develop. A physical exam is unlikely to be sufficient to confirm a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis. Blood tests are often used when this condition is suspected. An ultrasound is often needed to accurately diagnose or confirm the diagnosis of pyloric stenosis.
Treating medical conditions that affect the pylorus, such as pyloric stenosis, can sometimes be difficult. Only a few cases are mild enough to be treated without surgery. Because surgery is the preferred and most successful method of treatment, it is important to note that there are usually no long-term side effects from the surgery, and the prognosis is usually excellent.
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