Long-term analysis of ultrasonic features of the antropyloric region 17-27 years after treatment of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

Long-term follow-up was performed 17 years to 27 years after conservative (n = 12) and operative (n = 36) treatment in 48 patients with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). The follow-up examination included an interview to define any existing gastrointestinal symptoms and to determine whether a current disorder of the gastrointestinal tract was present; a clinical examination, including a scintigraphic determination of gastric emptying; as well as--for the first time--abdominal sonography emphasizing the antropyloric region. The sonographical examination included measurements of pyloric diameter and length, as well as wall and muscle thickness in the antropyloric region. The results were compared with data from a control group with the same age and gender distribution. No association was found between the sonographic parameters obtained, reported gastrointestinal symptoms, or altered gastric emptying times for solids and liquids. Clinically relevant disorders of stomach motility after IHPS appear to be a rare occurrence.