Changing trends in the management of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis--an audit over 11 years.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This article is a follow-up to an audit performed by the Department of Surgery and published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science in 1996. This audit reviewed all cases of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS) operated on over 22 years up to 1991. AIMS: We aim to demonstrate that radiologic investigations, namely barium meal and ultrasound, have been increasingly employed in the diagnosis of IHPS. In addition, ultrasound is now the investigation of choice. METHODS: We have reviewed all cases of IHPS, at the same institution, over the subsequent 11 years, with reference to any radiological investigations performed. In the previous study, the diagnosis of IHPS was made clinically in 92.6% with the remainder diagnosed radiologically. RESULTS: Over 11 years, 157 patients were diagnosed with IHPS. Male to female ratio was 4.06:1. Median age was four weeks (range 1-18 weeks).Twenty-four per cent had a barium meal, 36% had an ultrasound and 13% had both performed. CONCLUSION: We conclude a change in practice in the management of IHPS with radiology, particularly ultrasound, playing an increasing role.