The Gastric Remnant in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Challenges and Possibilities

Complications of Post-Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Case of Excluded Stomach Perforation

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a common surgical treatment for morbid obesity, but rare complications involving the excluded gastric remnant can pose significant challenges. A 65-year-old female with a history of RYGB presented with sudden onset of left upper quadrant abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite. Laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis. An initial CT scan showed significant distention of the excluded stomach, suggesting possible obstruction. While preparing for percutaneous decompression, her abdominal pain worsened acutely. A repeat CT scan demonstrated decompression of the excluded stomach and new free fluid in the abdomen, indicating a perforation. Emergent exploratory laparotomy uncovered a large necrotic perforation in the excluded gastric remnant and extensive adhesions from prior surgeries. A partial gastrectomy and antrectomy were performed to remove the perforated tissue. Pathological examination revealed ulcerated gastric mucosa with acute and chronic inflammation, reactive gastropathy, and no evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection or malignancy. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well with supportive care and was discharged home. Diagnosing complications in the excluded stomach after RYGB is challenging due to altered anatomy and nonspecific symptoms. Maintaining a high index of suspicion is essential when evaluating post-RYGB patients with unexplained abdominal pain. Early recognition and prompt surgical intervention are critical for favorable outcomes in these patients.

Gallstone in the gastric remnant after bariatric surgery

In the last decades, bariatric surgery has been widely performed to treat obesity and its co-morbidities, with the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) being the second most commonly performed procedure. Abdominal pain after LRYGB is a common symptom. This report concerns a case of a rare cause of chronic abdominal pain after LRYGB and cholecystectomy in a 48-year-old woman due to a cholesterol stone within the gastric remnant that was removed via open gastrectomy. This is the first documented case of cholesterol stone formation in the gastric remnant and underscores the importance of vigilance for atypical complications in patients undergoing bariatric procedures.

Remnant Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass: A Systematic Review of Indications and Outcomes of Resectional Gastric Bypass

BACKGROUND

In this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the reasons and outcomes behind remnant gastrectomy with or after gastric bypass procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 66 studies examining 1918 patients were included in this study with 70% of female predominance. Twenty studies reported RGB on 1751 patients and 46 studies reported remnant gastrectomy after gastric bypass in 167 patients. The most common etiology of RGB was related to the in situ remnant stomach neoplasia in 10 studies on 981 patients; mostly for preventive intentions in high prevalence areas. Remnant gastrectomy after gastric bypass was performed to treat a complication such as GGF, retrograde bile reflux gastritis, cancer mostly adenocarcinoma. Studies revealed that RGB has similar weight loss in comparison to standard Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Gastric mucocele after conversion of open butterfly gastroplasty to Roux-En-Y gastric bypass - A case report with a review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

There has been a significant increase in the prevalence of morbid obesity across the globe. Various non-surgical weight loss options have shown limited long-term efficacy, leading to the popularity of surgical treatment alternatives with long-term efficacy.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

This case report describes the development of a gastric mucocele in a 51-year-old female patient. The patient initially underwent open butterfly gastroplasty in August 2016. Seven years later, she presented with severe symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). After further diagnostic evaluations, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y bypass surgery was performed. However, the patient experienced complications including fever, abdominal pain, and fluid collection around the stomach. Conservative management initially helped, but persistent symptoms led to laparoscopic exploration, which revealed a distended remnant stomach forming a gastric mucocele. Severe adhesions hindered attempts to remove the remnant stomach, resulting in the need for gastro-gastric anastomosis. Following the surgery, the patient had no symptoms, could eat solid food, and was discharged in good condition.

DISCUSSION

Although various non-surgical weight loss options such as diet modifications, lifestyle changes, and drug therapy have been used for weight loss, they have demonstrated limited long-term efficacy. Surgical treatment has demonstrated long-term efficacy in such patient groups. In recent years, there has been an increased popularity of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) due to long-term weight loss. However, in some cases, complications have also been reported.

CONCLUSION

This case emphasizes the challenges in managing complications from open butterfly gastroplasty and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of gastric mucocele development and consider appropriate management strategies.

Bleeding Mass in Remnant Stomach, Unveiling Lynch Syndrome 18 Years After Bariatric Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

There is sparse literature on the development of malignancy in remnant gastric stomach after bariatric Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. We report a case of overt upper gastrointestinal bleeding from malignant adenocarcinoma in the remnant stomach presenting several years after bariatric Roux-En-Y gastric bypass surgery. The mass in the remnant stomach was surgically resected, and the patient was subsequently diagnosed with Lynch syndrome on genetic analysis.

Involvement of Helicobacter pylori in Preoperative Gastric Findings on a Bariatric Population

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in bariatric patients is common and related to gastric pathology. With preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE), these pathologies and the presence of Hp are diagnosed. The histopathological study of the UGE biopsies is classified based on the Sydney System, a scoring system that stages chronic gastritis (CG) and precancerous gastric lesions. The objective is to assess the histological findings of gastric biopsies during routine UGE and to determine the involvement of Hp in gastric disorders in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. A multicenter retrospective review of prospectively collected databases was performed. The presence of CG, gastric atrophy (GA), and gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) in the study of the biopsies was assessed and correlated with Hp infection. The incidence of Hp among our bariatric population was 36.1%, and it increases with age. The percentage of patients with severe Hp infection is higher in patients with GA or GIM. The Hp eradication rate is also reduced when GA and GIM are present. A histological examination of all the biopsies did not show features of malignancy in any of the cases. Hp is not the only factor involved in the development of gastric pathology in bariatric patients.

The Protective Effect of Transit Bipartition and Its Modification Against Sleeve Gastrectomy-Related Esophagitis in a Rodent Model

BACKGROUND

The protective effect of transit bipartition against esophagitis has not yet been proven. Thus, we investigate and compare the bariatric outcomes and esophagus' histological changes of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), SG with transit bipartition (SG-TB), and the proximal SG-TB (SG-PTB) in a rodent model.

METHODS

This study included 45 diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats assigned to one of the four groups, SG-PTB (n = 15), SG-TB (n = 12), SG (n = 10), and SHAM (n = 8). Eight surviving rats from each group were included for further investigation. Histological analysis of the gastroesophageal junction was performed. Body weight, food intake, glucose control, and hormonal changes (glucagon-like peptide-1 and insulin) were assessed before and after surgery in all groups.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, no significant differences were observed in food intake, body weight, and fasting blood glucose levels among the groups. Postoperatively, the SG-PTB and SG-TB groups showed significantly superior glucose control compared to the SG group following the gavage of glucose (p < 0.05). Postoperatively, the SG-PTB and SG-TB groups had higher postoperative GLP-1 levels than postoperative SG and SHAM groups. More severe esophageal hyperpapillomatosis (EHP) of the esophageal section was observed in the SG group. The mucosal height of the SG group was significantly higher than that of the SG-PTB, SG-TB, and SHAM groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The transit bipartition procedure may protect the distal esophagus from histological changes associated with esophagitis. Clinical studies are needed to confirm the anti-reflux effects of transit bipartition.

Chronic Gastric Dilation-Surgical Management

Background: Chronic dilation of the gastric remnant is a rare complication, although it can be serious. It is due to an exaggerated distension of the gastric remnant after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Clinical suspicion and computed tomography (CT) are essential for its diagnosis. Its treatment is by means of a decompressive gastrostomy, which can be percutaneous or surgical, an option that can be carried out in certain patients. We present a clinical case of chronic dilation of the gastric remnant and its laparoscopic surgical resolution. Methods: We present a clinical case of a 67-year-old patient who underwent a RYGB. An abdominal CT scan showed chronic dilation of the gastric remnant. A laparoscopic biopsy and a laparoscopic-assisted percutaneous gastrostomy were performed. Conslusion: The combined percutaneous laparoscopic approach is a good option for cases of chronic gastric dilations of unknown origin, allowing to discover and treat its causes.

Recurrent Perihepatic Abscesses Arising from a Gastric Remnant Leak: Delayed Complication of a Revision Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a procedure commonly used for weight loss associated with improved outcomes and decreased complications when compared to some counterparts. The procedure involves restriction of the stomach that is achieved by creation of a gastric pouch and bypass of the duodenum and a portion of the jejunum to aid in restrictive and malabsorptive weight loss. While many complications, both early and late, have been described following the procedure, recurrent perihepatic abscess has not been described in the literature. We present a case of a 66-year-old woman with recurrent extrahepatic abscesses following revision of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Management of Acute Gastric Remnant Complications After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Single-Center Case Series

PURPOSE

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a common bariatric procedure. Its configuration creates an excluded gastric remnant, which is subject to potential acute complications such as bleeding, perforation, and necrosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospective database including all patients presenting between 2007 and 2019 to our institution with acute gastric remnant complications after RYGB was performed.

RESULTS

Seven patients were included, including 3 hemorrhages, two of which were treated with double-balloon enteroscopy, as well as 3 perforations and 1 necrosis, all of which required emergent surgery. Overall gastric remnant complication rate was 0.3% in this series.

CONCLUSION

Acute gastric remnant complications after RYGB are infrequent, but their diagnosis and management can be challenging. Double-balloon enteroscopy has diagnostic and therapeutic value for selected patients. Emergent surgery remains the standard of care for unstable patients and should not be delayed.

Short-Term Results Suggest That Sleeved Stomach without Resection Is as Effective as Sleeve Gastrectomy in Improving Glucose Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Sprague-Dawley Rat Model

Background

Although sleeve gastrectomy results in good weight loss and metabolic improvements, it is an irreversible procedure. Therefore, we attempted to assess the possibility of creating a sleeved stomach without resection. Material and Methods. A total of 22 male Sprague-Dawley rats with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned into 3 different groups: (1) sleeve gastroplasty with gastric remnant-jejunal anastomosis (SGP, n = 8); (2) sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 8); and (3) SHAM (n = 6). Body weight, food intake, fasting blood glucose (FBG), hormonal analysis, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed and measured preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results

During the postoperative period, SGP and SG showed significantly lower food intake and body weight when compared with the preoperative levels, respectively (p value < 0.05). Postoperatively, SGP and SG showed improvements in FBG and glucose tolerance levels compared to their respective preoperative levels (p < 0.05). FBG and glucose tolerance levels did not differ between SGP and SG postoperatively. SG resulted in a reduction in fasting ghrelin levels when compared with the preoperative level (p < 0.05). Fasting insulin levels did not differ preoperatively and postoperatively among all groups. Postoperatively, fasting GLP-1 levels were higher in SGP and SG when compared with the preoperative levels, but no statistical significance was observed. Compared preoperatively, the SGP and SG procedures resulted in a decline in HOMA-IR at postoperative 6th week (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our animal experiment suggested that at least in the short term, sleeved stomach without resection resulted in similar weight loss and improved glucose control effects compared to sleeve gastrectomy.

Feeding the gut after revisional bariatric surgery: The fate of 126 enteral access tubes

BACKGROUND

Revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) is associated with higher complication rates compared with primary bariatric surgery. Feeding tubes (FTs), including gastrostomy and jejunostomy tubes placed during RBS, may serve as a safety net to provide nutrition when oral intake is contraindicated or limited; however, FTs in this setting have not been well investigated.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to determine complications, use, and duration of FTs placed during RBS.

SETTING

A high-volume academic medical center in the United States.

METHODS

Included patients underwent RBS between January 2008 and December 2016 with FTs placed at the time of RBS.

RESULTS

There were 126 patients identified (84.9% female, 76.2% Caucasian, mean age 53.4-±10.9 yr). Patients had previously undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (34.1%), vertical banded gastroplasty (27.8%), and adjustable gastric band (14.3%). Indications for RBS included correction of complication of prior bariatric surgeries (50%), weight regain/failure to lose weight (32.3%), or both (17.3%). Most FTs were placed in the excluded stomach (89.7%), and median tube size was 18 F. FTs were used for feeding in 68.2% of patients, with feeding initiated in a median of 2 days. Leakage around the tube (32.5%) and pain (26.8%) were common complaints. Significant tube-related complications included infection (9.1%), dislodgement (5.9%), reintervention (5.8%), and reoperation (2.8%); 16.7% experienced at least 1 significant complication. FTs were removed at a median of 36 days.

CONCLUSION

FTs may aid in prevention of perioperative dehydration and malnutrition after RBS, but should not be considered a benign intervention. FT use should be balanced against institutional outcomes and care goals.

Abdominal Pain After Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity

Background and Aims:

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is widely used as treatment of morbid obesity. Weight loss, effects on obesity-related co-morbidities and quality of life are well documented post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Other outcome measures are less well studied. This review explores aspects of prevalence, diagnostic evaluations, etiology, and treatment of abdominal pain specific to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Methods:

The review is based on PubMed searches and clinical experience with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Symptoms in the early postoperative phase (<30 days) were not included.

Results:

Based on limited evidence, up to about 30% of the patients may perceive recurrent abdominal pain post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the long term. A substantial subset of patients will need health-care evaluation for acute abdominal pain and hospital admission. The etiology of abdominal pain is heterogeneous and includes gallstone-related disease, intestinal obstruction, anastomotic ulcerations and strictures, intestinal dysmotility, dysfunctional eating, and food intolerance. Surgical treatment and guidance on diet and eating habits may allow symptom relief. The cause of pain remains undefined for a subset of patients. Impact of abdominal pain post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on the perception of well-being, quality of life, and patient satisfaction with the procedure needs to be further evaluated and may be influenced by complex interactions between new symptoms post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and relief of pre-existing symptoms.

Conclusion:

Abdominal pain should be part of follow-up consultations post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Future studies should focus on combined evaluations before and after surgery to enlighten potential casual relationships between abdominal pain and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy in morbid obese patients: a valid option to laparoscopic gastric bypass in particular circumstances (prospective study)

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) without resection of the distal stomach is largely performed over the world for morbid obesity. Potential risk of gastric remnant carcinoma development has been suggested.

PURPOSE

To present the results obtained after LRYGB with resection of distal stomach.

METHOD

This prospective study includes 400 consecutive patients. The mean body weight was 105.9 ± 16.8 Kg (range 83-145 kg), and body mass index (BMI) was 38.5 ± 4.4 kg/m² (32.9-50.3). Postoperative morbid-mortality and follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS

Operative time was 128.5 ± 18.7 min, hospital discharge occurred at 3rd postoperative day, postoperative complications occurred in 9.25%, early surgical complications were observed in 3% and medical complications 4%, late surgical complications occurred 2.25%, no mortality was observed. At 1 year follow-up, BMI was 25.3 ± 2.7 kg/m² with % of weight loss (%WL) of 84.6 + 19.1%. At five years follow-up very similar values were observed.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained after LRYGB with resection of distal stomach are similar to results published after non resection LRYGB regarding early and late results and can be indicated in high risk areas of gastric carcinoma.

Nutritional and Micronutrient Care of Bariatric Surgery Patients: Current Evidence Update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The continued success of bariatric surgery to treat obesity and obesity-associated metabolic conditions creates a need for a strong understanding of clinical nutrition both before and after these procedures.

RECENT FINDINGS

Surgically induced alteration of gastrointestinal physiology can affect the nutrition of individuals, especially among those who have undergone malabsorptive procedures. While uncommon, a subset of patients may develop protein-calorie malnutrition. In these cases, nutrition support should be tailored to the severity of malnutrition. Among all patients who undergo bariatric surgery, high rates of micronutrient deficiencies have been observed. To mitigate these deficiencies, empiric supplementation with multivitamins, calcium citrate, and vitamin D is generally recommended. Periodic surveillance should be performed for commonly deficient micronutrients, including thiamin (B1), folate (B9), cobalamin (B12), iron, and vitamin D. Following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, serum levels of copper and zinc should also be monitored. In addition, lipid-soluble vitamins should be monitored following biliopancreatic diversion with/without duodenal switch.