Infantile Pyloric Stenosis

A series of 200 cases of infantile pyloric stenosis is presented. Amongst other clinical features reported are a family history of the condition in 6 per cent of the patients; a male: female ratio of 3.8: 1; no increased incidence amongst firsborn babies; no significant evidence of a seasonal variation; and a normal distribution of birth weights. 99.5 per cent were treated by a Ramstedt's pyloromyotomy with a mortality of 0.5 per cent. The duodenal mucosa was opened in 3.5 per cent and in 3.5 per cent there was no definite pyloric tumour at operation. The incidence of ruptured wounds was 1.5 per cent, of incisional hernias 3 per cent, and of some type of infection 14 per cent. The varying incidence of the condition in time and place, the aetiology, and the treatment are also discussed.