Primary acquired gastric outlet obstruction in children: A retrospective single center study

Background/ PurposeIdiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is by far the most common cause of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in young infants, with more than 90% of cases presenting between 3 and 10 weeks after birth. While cases of late onset pyloric stenosis beyond infancy have been reported, the etiology is poorly understood. We report our experience of 5 cases, describing the similarities and differences in management of our patient population which happens to be the second largest reported in literature.MethodsFrom July 2014 to June 2018 (4 years) a total of five patients of primary acquired GOO were encountered at our center.ResultsThe age range was 3 to 6 years and only one of them was a female. All presented with characteristic nonbilious vomiting that was recurrent and episodic. Upper GI (gastrointestinal) contrast study series revealed a dilated stomach and delayed gastric emptying. Upper GI endoscopy also demonstrated a dilated stomach without any intraluminal polyp, ulcer or any other pathology. Intraoperatively the pylorus had no evidence of scarring, inflammation, external compression or any mass in and around the pylorus. A retrocolic gastrojejunostomy was curative in all patients.ConclusionThough rare, one must maintain a high index of suspicion for primary acquired GOO in the differential diagnosis of older children with nonbilious vomiting and failure to thrive. Following appropriate diagnostic workup, surgical interventions should be performed expeditiously because adequate nutrition is key to proper physical and mental development of the child. Further research will hopefully elucidate the underlying pathophysiology in order to guide clinical options for both prevention and treatment.Type of studyRetrospective single center study.Level of evidenceLevel 4.