Ultrasound Paediatric Pyloric Stenosis

This is a specific ultrasound test to see if the muscle at the stomach outlet is too thick, and therefore causing gastric outlet obstruction and projectile vomiting. Pyloric stenosis typically affects newborns in the first few months of life.

Ideally the baby will come in just before a feed (fasted). A bottle with water, or a feed (formula or breast milk) must come with the baby. Clothes are removed from the abdomen.

Baby will usually lie supine (on its back) on the examination table. The baby is scanned pre and post feed to assess the gastric outlet and the passage of liquid (water or feed) through the outlet. Measurements of the pyloric muscle are made.

The baby may need to be rolled right or left to facilitate the view of the pyloris. The scan does not hurt the baby, but they will often cry during the examination because they do not like it. Do not be alarmed if your  baby cries, we expect this.

If the baby is very unsettled, crying and struggling, imaging will be sub-optimal. A calm happy baby is best (where possible).

The Radiologist (Specialist Imaging Doctor) is frequently in attendance during these examinations due to the difficulty in acquiring and interpreting these examinations. Do not be alarmed by their presence, they’re here to help get the best results for your baby.

The specialised doctor will carefully analyse your images and make a report to your referring doctor. If the referring doctor is in the hospital they will be able to access the results on the computer. If your doctor is not in the hospital then the clerks will be able to burn the results on a disc.

Other Examinations.....
Any examination as offered on an adult can generally be performed on a child if clinically indicated.
(eg: thyroid, breast, musculoskeletal, lump, bump, testes, abdo, pelvis, gynae etc).....