Introduction of transumbilical surgical access in patients with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital

Abstract

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is one of the most common surgical diseases in young infants. A descriptive study was carried out including eleven infants diagnosed with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, who underwent surgery at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City, from March 2018 to February 2019. The incidence of this condition was high compared to international reports. Males were predominant, and the average age was 33.5 days. The most frequent symptom was non-bilious vomiting, and the pyloric olive was not palpated in most cases. Preoperative electrolyte imbalances were uncommon. Abdominal ultrasound was the confirmation study in all cases. The transumbilical surgical access described by Tan and Bianchi was performed for the first time in this institution, with excellent cosmetic results and no increase in morbidity. Only one patient had dehiscence of the wound with evisceration that required reoperation. The average hospital stay was 3.9 days. No other complications or mortality were reported. Transumbilical access represents a safe and effective route for the surgical treatment of this condition.