Pyloroplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to widen the opening at the lower end of the stomach, the pylorus. It is spelled as /paɪləˈrɒplæsti/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), where the stress is on the second syllable. The word is derived from two Greek roots, pyloros, which means ‘gatekeeper,’ and plastos, meaning ‘molded or formed.' The ‘y’ in the beginning is pronounced as a long ‘i,’ and the ‘o’ is pronounced as a short ‘o.’ The ‘t’ in the end is silent.
Pyloroplasty is a noun that refers to a surgical procedure aimed at enlarging or widening the opening to the pylorus, which is the lower part of the stomach that connects to the small intestine. The term "pyloroplasty" is derived from the Greek words "pylorus" meaning "gatekeeper" and "plassein" meaning "to form."
This surgical technique is generally performed to treat pyloric stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the pylorus, causing the obstruction of gastric contents flowing into the small intestine. Pyloric stenosis is most commonly seen in infants and typically presents with symptoms such as projectile vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration. Pyloroplasty aims to alleviate these symptoms by widening the pylorus and improving the passage of food from the stomach to the intestines.
During the pyloroplasty procedure, an incision is made in the pylorus, and this incision is generally extended longitudinally. The edges of the incision are then sutured together in a transverse manner, allowing for the widening of the pyloric opening. The goal of pyloroplasty is to enhance gastric emptying, ultimately alleviating symptoms related to pyloric stenosis.
Pyloroplasty is a relatively safe and effective surgical technique, often leading to significant improvement in the symptoms associated with pyloric stenosis. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications that may occur, such as infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Hence, individuals undergoing pyloroplasty should be carefully evaluated by a healthcare professional in order to determine the most appropriate approach tailored to their specific medical needs.
Reparative or plastic surgery of the pylorus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pyloroplasty" has its roots in Greek. It is formed from two Greek words:
1. "Pyloros" (πυλωρός): This word refers to the "gatekeeper" or "doorkeeper" of the stomach, specifically the lower portion of the stomach known as the pylorus. It is derived from the combination of "pylē" (πύλη) meaning "gate" and "horos" (ὅρος) meaning "keeper" or "watcher".
2. "Plastēs" (πλαστής): This word means "one who forms" or "molder", derived from the Greek verb "plassein" (πλάσσειν) meaning "to mold" or "to form".