One-stage conversion of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to a modified biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch using a hybrid sleeve concept

Is conversion to duodenal switch after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass safe? Short-term outcomes review

BACKGROUND

Weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can be seen in approximately 20% of patients. Surgical management options include revision of RYGB and conversion to duodenal switch (DS). Using recently included revisional surgery variables in the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database, we compared the safety and efficacy of RYGB revision versus conversion to DS.

METHODS

An analysis of the 2020 MBSAQIP Participant Use Data File (PUF) revealed 1421 patients who underwent revision of RYGB (n = 1255) or conversion from RYGB to DS (n = 166) for inadequate weight loss or weight regain. Patient characteristics, preoperative body mass index (BMI), operating room (OR) time, and 30-day complications were compared between groups.

RESULTS

When compared with the revision RYGB group, the DS group had higher mean BMI (47.5 vs 42.7, p < 0.001) and longer operative time (209.1 vs 133.4 min, p < 0.001). DS had higher rates of any complication compared to revision RYGB (22.3 vs 5.58%, p < 0.001). DS had higher 30-day readmission rates (16.3 vs 5.50%, p < 0.001), reoperation within 30 days (9.04 vs 2.87%, p < 0.001), venous thromboembolism (VTE) (3.01 vs 0.08%, p < 0.001), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (8.43 vs 0.72%, p < 0.001), anastomotic leak (7.83 vs 0.40%, p < 0.001), surgical site occurrence (SSO) (11.5 vs 2.71%, p < 0.001), and death (0.60 vs 0%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This short-term data suggests that conversion of RYGB to DS is associated with higher rates of postoperative complications when compared with revision of RYGB. Given the complexity of the procedure, it is best performed by experienced surgeons with careful consideration given to appropriate patient selection and only after extensive patient counseling on associated risks and complications.

Long-term results of conversion of Roux-en-Y to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most efficient bariatric procedures, postoperative weight regain still can be seen.

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively assess the early outcomes and up to 10-year weight results of the conversion of RYGB to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS).

SETTING

French private hospital, 2-surgeon practice in a bariatric surgery center with an experience of >20 RYGB procedures.

METHODS

Analysis was conducted on patients who had a conversion of RYGB to BPD-DS performed since 2010 for a percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) <50% with a small gastric pouch.

RESULTS

A total of 65 females and 9 males aged 46.8 ± 8.8 years had an RYGB procedure done 110.6 ± 38.8 months earlier for a body mass index of 47.4 ± 7.8 kg/m2. Conversion was always performed in 1 stage and laparoscopically for 93% of the patients. The 30-day complication rate was 25.7%, with 14.8% of patients undergoing reoperation. Maximum results were seen 2 years after conversion, outranging RYGB: %EWL of 78.3% ± 24% with percent total weight loss (%TWL) of 35.9% ± 11.9% and %EWL of 72% ± 24.1% with %TWL of 32.6% ± 11%, respectively. The 5-year weight of all the patients (85.7% follow-up) remained lower than the pre-conversion weight. Over time, 1 reversal and 4 revisions were required, and frequent stools and gastroesophageal reflux were the most frequent complaints.

CONCLUSION

Despite its complexity, conversion of RYGB to BPD-DS can be performed in 1 stage, although the use of an unconventional technique could not reduce the high complication rate. BPD-DS remains an efficient procedure after RYGB in selected patients, comparable to distalization of RYGB, which can be less risky.

Mid-term Results of Laparoscopic Conversion of Gastric Bypass to Duodenal Switch for Weight Regain: the Review of the Literature and Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a nightmare for the patients and the surgeons and is mostly regarded as "irreversible." However, conversions to duodenal switch (DS) have been done previously with promising success. The current paper reports a single center's mid-to-long-term follow-up outcomes.

METHODS

The data from all patients undergoing a conversion of RYGB (and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB)) to DS were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic, operative, and weight loss parameters were analyzed, including age, duration of surgery, weight loss, body mass index (BMI), and morbidity/mortality.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were operated on between January 2013 and December 2021. The mean BMI was 45 kg/m2 (33-70) before conversion. The overall average %EWL was 74.4%, the least was 52% at 6 months, and the most was 91% at 24 and 36 months. All comorbidities resolved after conversion. One patient had a gastro-gastrostomy leak needing prompt surgical repair on the same day of diagnosis. Three patients had other complications: a duodenal stump leak, an intrabdominal abscess, and an ileus. All resolved without surgery. One sudden death happened on the 5th postoperative day.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic conversion of gastric bypass operations to DS is a complicated procedure that may have severe complications despite excessive patience and expertise but can be performed in a single step. The mid-to-long-term outcomes are promising for weight loss and control of associated co-morbidities.

Optimal Small Bowel Limb Lengths of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) have come full circle, from a loop configuration to a Roux-en-Y and finally back to a loop configuration as one anastomosis gastric bypass and single-anastomosis duodenal switch. Most surgeons performing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) do not measure the common channel (CC) length and most surgeons performing BPD do not measure the biliopancreatic limb length (BPL).

RECENT FINDINGS

The small bowel length in humans is variable from as short as < 400 cm to as long as > 1000 cm. The combination of these two facts means that even if surgeons keep the limb lengths constant, surgeons will get variable limb length due to the variability of small bowel length in patients. Hence, outcomes of weight loss, resolution of medical problems, or developing nutritional deficiencies which are related to limb length are variable. In this article, we evaluate the published literature related to the effect of varying the Roux limb, BPL, CC, and total alimentary limb lengths on the outcomes of RYGB. We have focused on historical and current randomized controlled trials as well as systematic reviews and meta-analysis to outline the current literature and our interpretation of this literature.

Conversion of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to single anastomosis duodenal ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy with gastrogastric jejunal bridge

Surgical conversion of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) to one anastomosis duodenal switch with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S), can be effective, when there is obesity recidivism, but surgically challenging. This case report video aims to detail the technical modifications that simplifies this conversion, in one stage. This video article demonstrates the conversion of RYGB to SADI-S using a jejunal bridge to facilitating the gastro-gastric reconnection. Surgical conversion was done laparoscopically, firstly removing the fundus, gastric body and the proximal part of the antrum. The gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomosis from the previous RYGB was preserved and the jejunal alimentary limb that follows was transected, 8cm distal to the GJ anastomosis, and anastomosed, at this level, with the antrum. The remaining alimentary limb was removed, until the jejuno-jejuno anastomosis, from the previous RYGB. The interposition of a segment of jejunal alimentary limb between the gastric bypass pouch and the antrum, has shown to be safe and feasible in RYGB conversion to SADI-S, without complications. Not reconnecting the remnant jejunal alimentary limb to the intestinal transit, but removing it, makes the procedure shorter and safer.

Long-Term Results at 10 Years of Pouch Resizing for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Failure

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is currently one of the most performed bariatric procedures and it is associated with rapid weight loss. However, weight loss failure and weight regain after RYGB occurs in approximately 30% and 3−5% of patients, respectively, and represent a serious issue. RYGB pouch resizing is a surgical option that may be offered to selected patients with RYGB failure. The aim of this study is to assess long-term results of pouch resizing for RYGB failure. Materials and Methods: From February 2009 to November 2011, 20 consecutive patients underwent gastric pouch resizing for RYGB failure in our tertiary bariatric center. The primary outcome was the rate of failure (%EWL < 50% with at least one metabolic comorbidity) after at least 10 years from pouch resizing. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) was also assessed. Results: Twenty patients (18 women (90%)) were included and seventeen (85%) joined the study. The failure rate of pouch resizing was 47%. Mean %EWL and mean BMI were 47%, and 35.1 kg/m2, respectively. Some of the persistent co-morbidities further improved or resolved after pouch resizing. Seven patients (41%) presented GERD requiring daily PPI with a significantly lower GERD-HQRL questionnaire score after pouch resizing (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Pouch resizing after RYGB results in a failure rate of 47% at the 10-year follow-up while the resolution of comorbidities is maintained over time despite a significant weight regain.

Conversions of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to duodenal switch (SADI-S and BPD-DS) for weight regain

BACKGROUND

Duodenal switch is a choice of conversion when patients fail to lose or regain weight after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of duodenal switch as a secondary operation for patients who presented with insufficient weight loss or weight regain after a RYGB.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 15 patients who underwent a conversion of RYGB to single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve (SADI-S) or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) due to weight regain between December 31, 2013 and October 31, 2018. For the body mass index (BMI) analysis, the multilevel model for change was used.

RESULTS

Of 15 patients, 10 underwent a conversion to SADI-S, and 5 underwent a conversion to BPD-DS. Also, 7 patients underwent the conversion in two-stages, while 8 did as single-stage. One patient had a duodenal stump leak after SADI-S, and another patient had a sleeve leak after BPD-DS. One patient underwent a reoperation to increase the common channel 20 months after the conversion to BPD-DS due to malnutrition. There was no mortality. Mean percentage of total weight loss (TWL) was 18.4% at 6 months, 25.0% at 12 months, 26.4% at 18 months, and 25.7% at 24 months after the conversion. The rate of decrease in BMI was slower in SADI-S patients than in BPD-DS patients (p < 0.01), adjusting for preoperative BMI.

CONCLUSION

Conversions of RYGB to SADI-S and BPD-DS can provide significant additional weight loss. However, complications and malnutrition can develop after the conversion, and further research is needed for evaluating safety.

Bariatric revisional surgery: What are the challenges for the patient and the practitioner?

Bariatric revisional surgery represents an important new issue for obese patients because of the considerable rate of failure and complications following bariatric surgery. As the frequency of bariatric procedures increases, so too does the incidence of revisional surgery, which has become becoming increasingly important. The surgeon must know the indications and the results of the various revisional procedures in order to best guide the therapeutic decision. The current challenge is to correctly select the patients for revisional surgery and to choose the appropriate procedure in each case. Multidisciplinary management is essential to patient re-assessment and to prepare the patient for a re- intervention. The objective of this update, based on data from all the most recent studies concerning revisional surgery, is to guide the surgeon in the choice of the revisional procedure, depending on patient characteristics, co-morbidities, the previously performed procedure, the type of failure or complication observed, but also on the surgeon's own habits and the center's expertise. The collected results show that revisional surgery is difficult, with higher complication rates and weight-loss results that are often lower than those of first-intent surgery. For these reasons, patient selection must be rigorous and multidisciplinary and the management in expert centers of these difficult situations must be encouraged.

Outcome of revisional bariatric surgery for insufficient weight loss after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Insufficient weight loss or secondary weight regain with or without recurrence of comorbidity can occur years after laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). In selected patients, increasing restriction or adding malabsorption may be a surgical option after conservative measures failed.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluation of short and long term results of revisional surgery for insufficient weight loss or weight regain after LRYGB.

SETTING

Tertiary hospital.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a cohort of 1150 LRYGB patients. Included were patients, who underwent revisional bariatric surgery after LRYGB for insufficient weight loss with a follow-up of minimal 1 year.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients were included in the analysis. After an interdisciplinary evaluation, patients with insufficient weight loss, signs of dumping syndrome, and lacking restriction were offered a nonadjustable band around the pouch (banded group, n = 34) and patients with sufficient restriction, excellent compliance, and adherence were offered a revision to laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion (BPD group, n = 20). The revisional procedure was performed 3.3 ± 2.3 years after LRYGB in the banded-group and after 6.4 ± 4.3 years in the BPD group (P = .001). Mean body mass index at the time of the primary bariatric procedure was 41.7 ± 6.2 kg/m² in the banded group and 45.2 ± 8.2 kg/m² in the BPD group (P = .08); minimal body mass index between both operations was 29.1 ± 4.7 kg/m² in the banded group and 36.5 ± 9.4 kg/m² in the BPD group, and, at the time of revisional surgery, 31.4 ± 5.5 kg/m² in the banded group and 40.8 ± 6.7 kg/m² in the BPD group (P = .0001). The mean body mass index difference 1 year after revisional surgery was 1.3 ± 3.0 kg/m² in the banded group and 6.7 ± 4.5 kg/m² in the BPD group (P = .01). In the banded group, 11 patients (32.4%) needed removal of the band, 4 patients (11.8%) needed an adjustment, and 4 patients (11.8%) were later converted to BPD. In the BPD group, 2 (10.0%) patients needed revision for severe protein malabsorption.

CONCLUSIONS

Insufficient weight loss or secondary weight regain after LRYGB is a rare indication for revisional surgery. Banded bypass has modest results for additional weight loss but can help patients suffering from dumping. In very carefully selected cases, BPD can achieve additional weight loss with acceptable complication rate but higher risk for reoperation. Future "adjuvant medical treatments," such as glucagon-like peptide 1 analogues and other pharmacologic treatment options could be an alternative for achieving additional weight loss and better metabolic response.