Can the duration of vomiting predict postoperative outcomes in hypertrophic pyloric stenosis?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is a common cause of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in infants. Prolonged GOO is believed to result in acid and electrolyte disturbances, gastric atony, and delayed postoperative recovery. We studied the impact of prolonged vomiting as an indicator of GOO symptoms on the post-operative outcomes in HPS. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent pyloromyotomy at a tertiary care center between February 1997 and February 2009. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The duration of pre-operative vomiting was correlated with presenting electrolytes and acid-base balances, postoperative time to full feed, postoperative morbidity and duration of hospitalization. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were identified. At presentation, the median (range) for duration of symptoms was 14 (3-60) days, and surgeries were performed at 2 (0-6) days after admission. Apart from one case of postoperative wound infection, all patients had an unremarkable recovery. The unusually prolonged duration of vomiting in our cohort did not correlate with the mean (SD) preoperative chloride level of 93.9 (8.8) mEq/L, mean (SD) pH level of 7.5 (0.9), mean postoperative time to full feeding of 31 (15.1) hours, or mean duration of hospitalization of 5.1 (2.2) days. CONCLUSION: Duration of vomiting in HPS at presentation does not seem to have a significant impact on the postoperative outcomes.