Management strategies of anastomotic ulcer after gastric bypass and risk factors of recurrence

Marginal ulcer perforation after one anastomosis gastric bypass: a case report

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has gained popularity and it is currently the third most frequently performed bariatric procedure worldwide. A marginal ulcer (MU) at the anastomosis site between the gastric pouch and the small intestine is a common complication of gastric bypass procedures but a rare complication of OAGB. Risk factors for MUs include cigarette smoking, alcohol misuse, and Helicobacter pylori infection. MU symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting; however, some patients are asymptomatic. MU perforations are repaired as follows: laparoscopy with or without ulcer debridement, omental patch closure, conversion into Y gastric bypass, or reoperation. This report describes MU perforations in two patients after OAGB.

The Relevance of Gastroscopy in the Diagnostic Work-up for Marginal Ulceration in Patients Presenting with Abdominal Pain Following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

It is unknown what the incidence of gastroscopy-diagnosed marginal ulceration is, while gastroscopy is a frequently chosen diagnostic modality in patients presenting with abdominal pain with a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in history. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and treatment of gastroscopy-diagnosed marginal ulceration in patients presenting with the first episode of abdominal pain after RYGB, in which gastroscopy is chosen as the first step in the diagnostic work-up.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A post hoc analysis was performed of a prospective cohort of 2273 patients undergoing RYGB between 2014 and 2019 in a large non-academic hospital with a dedicated bariatric unit. All patients presenting with abdominal pain > 30 days postoperatively were included. Primary outcome was gastroscopy identified marginal ulceration and treatment.

RESULTS

One hundred two out of 498 patients presenting with abdominal pain after RYGB (20%) underwent gastroscopy as the first diagnostic step. In 84% of these patients, no marginal ulcer was found. Marginal ulceration was observed in 16/102 patients (16%). All patients underwent optimization of PPI treatment and lifestyle advises. Seven patients underwent revisional surgery, at a median of 163 days (range 80-1287) after diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

In a minority of patients undergoing gastroscopy for abdominal pain post-RYGB, a marginal ulceration is identified. Revisional surgery is rarely needed in all patients undergoing gastroscopy and only performed after several months when complaints persist despite PPI optimization. Only performing gastroscopy when symptoms persist safely reduces the number of gastroscopy for abdominal pain after RYGB.

Comparison of Sleeve Gastrectomy with Loop Duodenojejunal Bypass Versus One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass for Type 2 Diabetes: The Role of Pylorus Preservation

BACKGROUND

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is recognized as a standard procedure in metabolic surgery. However, concerns about postoperative bile reflux and nutritional risks are prevalent. Comparatively, sleeve gastrectomy with loop duodenojejunal bypass (SG + LoopDJB) bypasses an equivalent length of the foregut as OAGB while maintaining pyloric function. The role of pylorus function remains to be further elucidated regarding these metabolic procedures' therapeutic outcomes and side effects.

METHOD

A retrospective study was conducted in our center to compare the surgical safety and 1-year outcomes of OAGB and SG + LoopDJB regarding type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission, weight loss, gastrointestinal disorders, and nutritional status in T2DM patients matched by gender, age, and BMI.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Compared with OAGB, SG + LoopDJB had longer operative time and length of stay (LOS) but similar major postoperative complications. At 1-year follow-up, OAGB has similar diabetes remission (both 91.9%), weight loss effect (28.1 ± 7.1% vs. 30.2 ± 7.0% for %TWL), and lipidemia improvement to SG + LoopDJB (P > 0.05). However, OAGB presented a higher incidence of hypoalbuminemia (11.9% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.026) but a low incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms (9.5% vs. 26.2%, P = 0.046) than SG + LoopDJB. There was no statistical difference regarding other gastrointestinal disorders and nutritional deficiencies between groups.

CONCLUSION

Both OAGB and SG + LoopDJB show comparable, favorable outcomes in weight loss, T2DM remission, and lipidemia improvement at the 1-year follow-up. Pylorus preservation, while increasing surgical difficulty and the risk of de novo GERD, may reduce the risk of postoperative hypoalbuminemia.

Marginal Ulcer Incidence and the Population of Gastrin Producing G cells Retained in the Gastric Pouch after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Is There a Relationship?

INTRODUCTION

Marginal ulcers are the most prevalent endoscopic abnormality after RYGB. The etiology is still poorly understood; however, an increase in acid secretion has been strongly implicated as a causal agent. Although gastrin is the greatest stimulant of acid secretion, to date, the presence of gastrin producing G cells retained in the gastric pouch, related to the occurrence of marginal ulcers, has not been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the density of G cells and parietal cells in the gastric pouch of RYGB patients with a diagnosis of marginal ulcer on the post-op EGD.

METHOD

We retrospectively evaluated 1104 gastric bypasses performed between 2010 and 2020. Patients with marginal ulcer who met the inclusion criteria and controls were selected from this same population. Endoscopic gastric pouch biopsies were evaluated using immunohistochemical study and HE staining to assess G cell and parietal cell density.

RESULTS

In total, 572 (51.8%) of the patients performed endoscopic follow-up after RYGB. The incidence of marginal ulcer was 23/572 (4%), and 3 patients required revision surgery due to a recalcitrant ulcer. The mean time for ulcer identification was 24.3 months (2-62). G cell count per high-power field (× 400) was statistically higher in the ulcer group (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in parietal cell density between groups (p 0.251).

CONCLUSION

Patients with a marginal ulcer after gastric bypass present a higher density of gastrin-producing G cells retained in the gastric pouch.

The Trajectory of Revisional Bariatric Surgery: Open to Laparoscopic to Robotic

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective therapeutic intervention for patients with obesity, with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) being the most commonly performed primary MBS procedure. Long-term studies have demonstrated that 15-20% of patients require revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) due to weight-related issues or surgical complications. Despite the gold standard being laparoscopic revision, there are other available approaches such as open or robotic-assisted. An extensive literature review was performed for articles from their inception to February 2024. A descriptive review of MBS procedures (SG, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), single anastomosis duodeno-ileostomy (SADI) and biliopancreatic diversion-duodenal switch (BPD-DS)) was carried out to report and compare outcomes between primary and revisional bariatric surgery. A similar review was conducted to compare outcomes of revisional approaches (open, laparoscopic, robotic). RYGB remains the dominant RBS with a similar safety profile compared to revisional SADI and BPD-DS. In terms of the RBS surgical approach, all three options showed comparable short and long-term outcomes, with robotic RBS being associated with longer operative time and variable length of stay. Additional long-term studies are required to further validate our conclusions.

Marginal Ulcers after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Marginal ulcer (MU) is a potential complication following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), with a mean prevalence of 4.6%. Early identification and prompt intervention are crucial to mitigating further complications. The pathophysiology of MU is complex and involves multiple factors, including smoking, Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and larger pouch size. Patients with MU may experience acute or chronic abdominal pain. Rarely, they may present with a complication from the ulceration, such as bleeding, perforation, or strictures. Following diagnosis by endoscopy, management of MU typically involves modification of risk factors and medical therapy focused on proton pump inhibitors. In case of complicated ulcers, surgical intervention is often required for the repair of the perforation or resection of the stricture. For recurrent or recalcitrant ulcers, endoscopic coverage of the ulcer bed, resection of the anastomosis, and abdominal or thoracoscopic truncal vagotomy may be considered. This review aims at providing an overview of the etiology, diagnosis, and management of MU after RYGB.

Anastomotic Ulcers: Current Understanding of the Pathogenesis and Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Anastomotic ulceration following intestinal resection is an under- recognized problem in pediatrics. We discuss the relevant literature regarding this condition.

RECENT FINDINGS

Anastomotic Ulceration following intestinal resection is a potentially life threatening cause of refractory anemia. Evaluation should include correction of micronutrient deficiencies and endoscopic evaluation by upper and lower endoscopy and small intestinal endoscopy if necessary. Initial treatment by medical therapy may consist of anti-inflammatory agents as well as antibiotics to treat small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Surgical resection should be considered if refractory to treatment. Anastomotic ulcers in pediatric patients with small bowel resection should be considered as a cause of refractory iron deficiency anemia. Endoscopic evaluation should be undertaken to look for evidence of anastomotic ulcers. Surgical resection should be considered if medical therapy fails.

Surgical Management of Failed Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) Reversal: A Case Study

With the growing obesity epidemic, surgeons are performing more bariatric surgeries, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) reversals. Although studies have identified indications for RYGB reversals, little information is available about the long-term effects of the procedure. We wish to highlight a case with long-term complications of RYGB reversal and subsequent management. We present a patient with multiple abdominal surgeries including an RYGB reversal that was complicated by a stenosed gastrogastric anastomosis that caused several gastrojejunostomy ulcerations and malnutrition secondary to intractable nausea and vomiting. A 51-year-old female with a complex surgical history including a simple RYGB reversal in 2019 presented to the ER with complaints of abdominal pain, uncontrolled diarrhea, and an inability to tolerate food for six months. Workup revealed multiple marginal ulcers at the remnant jejunum attached to the gastric pouch, and a stenosed gastrogastrostomy placed high along the cardia of the remnant stomach and pouch. This stenosis resulted in a nonfunctional, nondependent reversal that only drained when filled. Ultimately, a large gastrotomy was performed, and an endoscope was utilized to identify a small pinhole connection between the patient's pouch and the remnant stomach along the superomedial portion of the remnant stomach's fundus. The anvil of a 60 mm GIA black load stapler was guided through and fired twice to come across the stricture. After the stricture was completely crossed, the endoscope was passed through, confirming that it was widely patent. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on postoperative day 15 before being discontinued at her follow-up visit. She reported that she had been gaining weight and eating well. Long-term complications following RYGB reversal are not well-discussed in the literature. This case offers insight into such complications, discusses the surgical technique utilized to fix them, and calls for further research on the topic to better inform surgeons and patients alike.