Pyloroplasty

Pyloroplasty is a surgery performed to widen the opening at the lower part of the stomach, also known as the pylorus. When the pylorus thickens, it becomes difficult for food to pass through. The surgery is performed to widen the band of muscle known as the pyloric sphincter, a ring of smooth, muscular fibers that surrounds the pylorus and helps to regulate digestion and prevent reflux (see illustration). The widening of the pyloric sphincter enables the contents of the stomach to pass into the first part of the small intestine known as the duodenum.