How to Care for Your Child at Home After a Pyloromyotomy

Your child had a pyloromyotomy (surgery to repair the pylorus, or the opening from the stomach to the small intestine). Learn how to care for your child after their pyloromyotomy.

Dressing

Your child will have a white gauze dressing covered by a clear plastic (Tegaderm®) – Remove this dressing 2 days after surgery. Beneath the gauze dressing(s) are small white bandages (Steri-strips®). These will usually fall off in 1-3 weeks.

Stitches

Stitches hold the incision together. They are under the skin. They do not need to be removed. The body will absorb them.

Bathing

Remove the dressing 2 days after surgery. Sponge bathing is okay while the dressing is in place. After the dressing is removed, your child should have tub baths in warm water.

Activity

Your child may resume normal activities without restriction as tolerated.

Diet

• Your child may drink breastmilk ad lib.
• If your child drinks formula, please continue at the same volume your child had consumed on the day of discharge. No more than 3-4 ounces every 3 hours.
• You can expect a small amount of regurgitation (spit-up) of either breastmilk or formula feeds. However, if your child is vomiting or if you are concerned that the child is regurgitating “too much” of the feeds, please call our office.

Pain

Your child may take Tylenol® (acetaminophen) or Motrin® (ibuprofen) for discomfort if the pain is mild.

Please call the office if you child develops any of the following:

• Fever > 100.4
• Redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision site
• Pain despite the prescription medication

These instructions are provided as a basic post-operative guideline. Please call 617-726-0270 to speak with your pediatric surgeon or the nurse practitioner if you have any questions or concerns.

Rev. 12/2019. Mass General for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed in this handout. This document is intended to provide health related information so that you may be better informed. It is not a substitute for a doctor's medical advice and should not be relied upon for treatment for specific medical conditions.