Esophagogastric and pyloric ultrasound in children
Pediatric digestive ultrasound (reflux, pylorus) in Casablanca
This ultrasound uses sound waves, without X-rays, to look at the lower end of the esophagus, the stomach and the pylorus (the muscle that closes the outlet of the stomach). In a baby who is vomiting, it mainly looks for a thickened pylorus; it can also show reflux. The exam is done without needles, on an awake child, and can be repeated if needed. It measures the thickness of the pylorus and follows the passage of milk, but it does not replace the pediatrician's examination.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Allow 15 to 30 minutes in general, including the bottle.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE & Hitachi
Contact the center
This exam is booked by phone or WhatsApp.
When is this exam needed?
- Repeated projectile vomiting in an infant a few weeks old.
- Significant spitting up with crying or weight that stalls.
- Suspected hiatal hernia (stomach pushed up toward the chest).
- Baby who vomits after every feed and wants to drink again right after.
- Crying or arching of the back during meals, when reflux is suspected.
How the exam is done
The parent settles the child and stays close from start to finish. The child lies on their back, then sometimes on their right side. The doctor places the probe with gel on the upper abdomen.
Depending on the case, a bottle is given during the exam to follow the passage of milk and watch for reflux. The stomach filled with milk acts as a window: the doctor can then see the pylorus open or stay closed, and measures the thickness and length of its muscle. When the exam is over, the abdomen is wiped, the child is dressed again and can resume feeding, unless the doctor instructs otherwise.
Preparation
- Bring a bottle of your child's usual milk and a pacifier.
- Bring a diaper and a change of clothes, in case of spitting up.
- Note the time of the last feed and how much your child usually drinks.
Fasting
Depending on the indication, the last feed may need to be moved: the exact instructions are given when you book. Do not extend the time without drinking beyond what you are told.
Contrast injection
Nothing is injected into the child.
Contraindications and precautions
- Ultrasound is safe for babies.
- Green vomit, a very listless baby or a baby who no longer drinks: seek emergency care.
- Diapers much less wet than usual: tell us, as this is a sign of dehydration.
- Blood in the vomit or stool: tell your doctor without waiting for the exam.
Documents to bring
- Prescription from the pediatrician or doctor
- Child health booklet, with the weight chart
- Any previous exams
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
What is pyloric stenosis?
A thickened pylorus muscle, which prevents milk from leaving the stomach and causes projectile vomiting in the first weeks of life. It is treated with a minor operation.
Does the ultrasound show all reflux?
No. It observes the child for a few minutes and looks for an anatomical cause, but reflux can go unnoticed. The doctor relies mainly on the clinical examination.
What if my baby cries?
This is common. A bottle or a pacifier often soothes the baby, and the doctor waits for a calm moment to observe.
Can I stay with my child?
Yes, a parent stays by the child's side throughout the exam, to reassure the child and help them stay still.
What should I do if the exam shows pyloric stenosis?
Show the results to your pediatrician without delay: the pediatrician will refer your child to a pediatric surgery team. After the operation, the vomiting most often disappears.
Can an additional exam be requested?
Sometimes. If the ultrasound does not answer the question, your doctor may request an upper GI series: X-rays taken while the child drinks a liquid that shows up on X-rays.