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FIGURE 116.15 Dilated loops of small intestine and absence of air in lower abdomen
indicating a high intestinal obstruction caused by postoperative adhesions.

To lessen the risk of vomiting and aspiration, the barium should be evacuated
from the stomach after the upper GI series has been completed. Surgical
pyloromyotomy is standard, and such infants can usually be discharged from the
hospital 2 days after surgery. Infants may have some regurgitation postoperatively
as a result of a temporary relaxation of the gastroesophageal sphincter.

Postoperative Adhesions
Prior abdominal surgery or peritonitis places a child at risk for intestinal
obstruction from adhesions ( Fig. 116.15 ). Such obstruction can occur relatively