Laparoscopic reversal of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass into normal anatomy with or without sleeve gastrectomy

[Postoperative management]

Bariatric surgery results in significant weight loss, reduction or even remission of obesity-associated comorbidities, reduced mortality, and improved quality of life in many patients; however, obesity is a chronic disease, thus follow-up care is required after bariatric surgery. Furthermore, specific issues, such as micronutrient deficiencies and subsequent complications, can arise both in the short-term and the long-term. Abdominal pain after bariatric surgery must always be regarded as a serious symptom. A further focus should be on the diagnosis and treatment of dumping syndrome. Patients with type 2 diabetes should be regularly screened for recurrent hyperglycemia as well as specific sequelae, even though blood glucose levels may be substantially improved or normalized. In addition to centers with multidisciplinary teams, primary care and, in particular, general practitioners will play an increasingly more important role in the follow-up care after bariatric surgery.

One-anastomosis gastric bypass reversal due to severe malnutrition and acute hepatic failure: a case report

The one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is one of the most popular performed bariatric surgeries and has good long-term success for treating obesity and metabolic diseases. However, some patients can develop severe complications such as malnutrition and hepatic steatosis, which can be corrected with a reversal procedure, as seen in this case. A 20-year-old woman underwent OAGB surgery, which was converted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass 4 months after the initial procedure due to malnutrition, both surgeries were performed at a hospital in southern Mexico. After the second surgery, she presented to our hospital with intolerance to oral feeding, vomiting and loss of 44 kg in 4 months. The patient was stabilized and scheduled for reversion surgery to normal anatomy 5 months later. She had good short-term nutritional outcomes and at the 1-year follow-up her total weight gain was 14 kg.

Resizing of the Gastric Pouch for Weight Regain after Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: Is It a Valid Option?

Introduction: The laparoscopic resizing of the gastric pouch (LPR) has recently been proposed as a revisional technique in the case of weight regain (WR) after gastric bypass procedures. The aim of this study was to report our experience with LPR for WR. Materials and Methods: All patients with WR ≥ 25% after gastric bypass and with a dilated gastric pouch and/or gastrojejunal anastomosis who underwent LPR between January 2017 and January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. From a radiological point of view, a gastric pouch was considered dilated when its volume was calculated at >80 cm3 for LRYGB and >200 cm3 for OAGB upon a 3D-CT scan. The endoscopic criterion considered both the diameter of the gastrojejunal anastomosis and the gastric pouch volume. All anastomoses > 20 mm for LRYGB and >40 mm for OAGB were considered dilated, while a gastric pouch was considered endoscopically dilated when the retrovision maneuver with the gastroscope was easily performed. These selection criteria were arbitrarily established on the basis of both our personal experience and literature data. Results: Twenty-three patients had LPR after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or one-anastomosis gastric bypass. The mean BMI at LPR was 36.3 ± 4.7 kg/m2. All patients underwent LPR, while the resizing of the GJA was also performed in 3/23 (13%) cases, and hiatoplasty was associated with the resizing of the pouch in 6/23 cases (26.1%). The mean BMI at the last follow-up was 29.3 ± 5.8 kg/m2. The difference between the BMI before resizing and the BMI at the last follow-up visit was statistically significant (p = 0.00005). The mean %TWL at 24.2 ± 16.1 months was 19.6 ± 9%. Comorbidities had an overall resolution and/or improvement rate of 47%. The mean operative time was 71.7 ± 21.9 min. The conversion rate was nil. Postoperative complications occurred in two cases (8.7%). Conclusions: In our series, LPR for WR showed good results in weight loss and in improvement/resolution of comorbidities, with an acceptable complication rate and operative time. Only further studies with a greater cohort of patients and a longer postoperative follow-up will be able to highlight the long-term benefits of this technique.

The Panoramic View of Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Introduction: Obesity remains a major public chronic disease, and the multifactorial components of its relapse in many patients remain inevitable. Methods: This article provides a panoramic view of the most commonly performed revisional bariatric surgery (RBS). RBS is a complex procedure; thus, primary procedures should be well chosen and performed to avoid the increasing number of RBS cases. Results: Bariatric surgery is the only successful long-term treatment for obesity. However, a proportion of primary bariatric surgeries has failed during the follow-up period. In recent decades, the solution for these complications is by performing RBS. It is mandatory to understand obesity as a chronic disease to appropriately treat patients. Treatment strategies are needed to determine the indications for revision. RBS requires a meticulous evaluation to facilitate good long-term results. Conclusions: Treatment strategies will be a fundamental pillar to wisely determine the indications for revision and identify the factors influencing failure by prudently and rationally evaluating the revisional procedure that the patient will benefit from and acquiring a high level of surgical skills.

Video Report: "Laparoscopic Reversal of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass to Normal Anatomy"

BACKGROUND

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the gold standard for surgical management of morbid obesity due to its good results on weight loss and correction of comorbidities related to obesity. However, RYGB could have some adverse effect in the mid and long term. Here, we describe simple technique for laparoscopic reversal of RYGB into normal anatomy.

METHODS

The video shows our laparoscopic technique of the reversal of RYGB that was performed for severe protein deficiency. A 35-year-old woman with history of RYGB was referred to our center for restoration of normal digestive anatomy.

RESULTS

A 35-year-old woman was managed for severe protein deficiency 3 years after RYGB. Renutrition was performed using peripherally inserted central catheter but nutritional status was dependent on PICC. No gastrostomy tube was implemented at the time where the patient was referred because the reversal of RYGB was decided. We found a modified RYGB with a common channel of 130 cm, an alimentary channel of 350 cm, and a biliopancreatic limb of 70 cm. Revision to normal digestive anatomy was performed using linear staplers, resection of 15 cm of the small bowel, and only one small bowel anastomosis. An uneventful post-operative course enabled rapid discharge (post-operative day 5). At 6-month follow-up, there was no more protein deficiency and the patient had acceptable weight regain.

CONCLUSION

Reversal of RYGB is not usual and can be performed safely with few small bowel sacrifices. The optimization of pre-operative nutritional status is necessary to avoid complications.

Surgical Treatment for Postprandial Hypoglycemia After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Literature Review

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is an effective treatment for severe obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. Postprandial hypoglycemia may occur as a long-term complication after RYGB. This study reviews the literature on surgical treatment for intractable post-RYGB hypoglycemia to provide updated information. A search was performed in Embase and PubMed, and 25 papers were identified. Thirteen papers on reversal were included. Resolution of postprandial hypoglycemic symptoms occurred in 42/48 (88%) patients after reversal. Twelve papers on pancreatectomy were included. Resolution occurred in 27/50 (54%) patients after pancreatectomy. The optimal surgical treatment for intractable post-RYGB hypoglycemia has not been defined, but reversal of RYGB seems to be more effective than other treatments. Further research on etiology and long-term evaluation of surgical outcomes may refine treatment options.

Reversal to Normal Anatomy (With Sleeve Gastrectomy) for Severe Hypoglycemia

Background. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) is an essential bariatric surgical procedure which is globally performed because of the associated effective weight loss and resolution of metabolic comorbidities, such as diabetes and dyslipidemia. Although some complications may occur, hypoglycemia is a rare complication, which can lead to lethal consequences. We aimed to describe the technical aspects and surgical results after reversal to normal anatomy (RNA). Methods. We conducted a retrospective data analysis including 16 patients who underwent laparoscopic RNA from 2011 to 2018. All data were archived in a prospective database. Previous bariatric surgery and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results. Sixteen patients underwent RNA, most of them after GBP, and 15 patients required sleeve gastrectomy. Among them, 80% were women; 5 patients presented with postoperative complications, such as colitis with intra-abdominal collection (n = 1), gastric leak (n = 2) treated with an endoprosthesis, mesenteric venous thrombosis (n = 1), and intra-abdominal bleeding (n = 1). Mean length of hospital stay was 5.93 (3-30). All patients recovered from their initial condition although 3 patients presented with mild hypoglycemia during follow-up. Seven patients regained weight (43.75%), and another 4 developed gastroesophageal reflux disease (25%). Conclusions. These laparoscopic RNA results are acceptable, indicating a clinical improvement in the hypoglycemic syndrome in all patients.

Guidelines for gastrostomy tube placement and enteral nutrition in patients with severe, refractory hypoglycemia after gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Postbariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) affects up to 38% of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients. Severe cases are refractory to diet and medications. Surgical treatments including bypass reversal and pancreatectomy are highly morbid and hypoglycemia often recurs. We have developed a highly effective method of treatment by which enteral nutrition administered through a gastrostomy (G) tube placed in the remnant stomach replaces oral diet: if done correctly this reverses hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia, yielding substantial health and quality of life benefits for severely affected patients.

OBJECTIVES

To provide clinical guidelines for placement of a G-tube to treat postRYGB hypoglycemia, including candidate selection, preoperative evaluation, surgical considerations, and post-RYGB management.

SETTING

Stanford University Hospital and Clinics.

METHODS

Based on our relatively large experience with placing and managing G-tubes for PBH treatment, an interdisciplinary task force developed guidelines for practitioners.

RESULTS

A team approach (endocrinologist, dietitian, surgeon, psychologist) is recommended. Appropriate candidates have a history of RYGB, severe hypoglycemia refractory to medical-nutrition therapy, and significantly affected quality of life. Preoperative requirements include education and expectation setting, determination of initial enteral feeding program, and establishing service with a home enteral provider. Close postoperative follow-up is needed to ensure success and may require adjustments in formula and mode/rate of delivery to optimize tolerance and meet nutritional goals. G-tube nutrition must fully replace oral nutrition to prevent hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

G-tube placement in the remnant stomach represents a relatively well-tolerated and effective treatment for severe, refractory hypoglycemia after RYGB.

International consensus on the diagnosis and management of dumping syndrome

Dumping syndrome is a common but underdiagnosed complication of gastric and oesophageal surgery. We initiated a Delphi consensus process with international multidisciplinary experts. We defined the scope, proposed statements and searched electronic databases to survey the literature. Eighteen experts participated in the literature summary and voting process evaluating 62 statements. We evaluated the quality of evidence using grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Consensus (defined as >80% agreement) was reached for 33 of 62 statements, including the definition and symptom profile of dumping syndrome and its effect on quality of life. The panel agreed on the pathophysiological relevance of rapid passage of nutrients to the small bowel, on the role of decreased gastric volume capacity and release of glucagon-like peptide 1. Symptom recognition is crucial, and the modified oral glucose tolerance test, but not gastric emptying testing, is useful for diagnosis. An increase in haematocrit >3% or in pulse rate >10 bpm 30 min after the start of the glucose intake are diagnostic of early dumping syndrome, and a nadir hypoglycaemia level <50 mg/dl is diagnostic of late dumping syndrome. Dietary adjustment is the agreed first treatment step; acarbose is effective for late dumping syndrome symptoms and somatostatin analogues are preferred for patients who do not respond to diet adjustments and acarbose.

Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia after Bariatric Surgery

Postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (PHH) is one of the serious complications after bariatric surgery, it can lead life-threatening neuroglycopenic symptoms, such as seizures, disorientation, impairment of version and loss of consciousness without any premonitory. The presentation, prevalence, diagnosis, pathology and treatment are reviewed in this summary.

A Spanish Society joint SECO and SEEDO approach to the Post-operative management of the patients undergoing surgery for obesity

PURPOSE

Bariatric surgery is the method of choice for the management or treatment of obesity. Bariatric surgery brings about several physiological changes in the body and is associated with set of complications. The aim of this study is to provide guidelines on post bariatric surgery management based on consensus by the Spanish society for Obesity Surgery (Sociedad Española de Cirugía de la Obesidad) (SECO) and the Spanish Society for the Study of Obesity (Sociedad Española para el Estudio de la Obesidad) (SEEDO).

METHOD

The boards proposed seven experts from each society. The experts provided the evidence and a grade of recommendation on the selected topics based on systematic reviews/meta-analysis. A list of clinical practical recommendations levels of evidence and grades of these recommendations was derived from the consensus statements from the members of these societies.

RESULTS

Seventeen topics related to post-operative management were reviewed after bariatric surgery. The experts came with 47 recommendations and statements. The mean number of persons voting at each statement was 54 (range 36-76).

CONCLUSION

In this consensus, we have designed a set of guidelines to be followed while managing patients after bariatric surgery. Expertise and knowledge of the clinicians are required to convey suitable considerations to the post-bariatric patients. There should also be extensive follow-up plans for the bariatric surgery patients.

Medium-Term Outcomes after Reversal of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

BACKGROUND

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can be reversed into normal anatomy (NA) or into sleeve gastrectomy (NASG) to address undesired side effects. Concomitant hiatal hernia repair (HHR) may be required. Before reversal, some patients benefit from placement of a gastrostomy, mostly to predict the result of recreating the native anatomy.

METHODS

Retrospective study on mid-term effects of RYGB reversal to NA and NASG, including clinical and weight evolution, surgical complications, and incidence of gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD).

RESULTS

Undesired side effects leading to reversal included early dumping syndrome, hypoglycemia, malnutrition, severe diarrhea and excessive nausea and vomiting. Twenty-five participants to the study, 13 NA, 12 NASG, and 15 HHR. Mean follow-up time was 5.3 ± 2.3 years. Reversal corrected early dumping, malnutrition, diarrhea, and nausea/vomiting. For hypoglycemic syndrome, resolution rate was 6/8 (75%). NA caused significant weight regain (14.2 ± 13.7 kg, (p = .003)). NASG caused some weight loss (4.8 ± 15.7 kg (NS)). Gastrostomy placement gave complications at reversal in five of seven individuals. Eight patients suffered a severe complication, including leaks (one NA vs. three NASGs). Eight out of 14 (57.1%) patients who previously had never experienced GERD developed de novo GERD after reversal, despite HHR.

CONCLUSIONS

RYGB reversal is effective but pre-reversal gastrostomy and concomitant HHR may be aggravating factors for complications and development of de novo GERD, respectively.

Reconstruction options following pancreaticoduodenectomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer which may be treated with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and represents an increasing morbidity. Post-RYGB anatomy poses considerable challenges for reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), a growing problem encountered by surgeons. We characterize specific strategies used for post-PD reconstruction in the RYGB patient.

METHODS

PubMed search was performed using MeSH terms "Gastric Bypass" and "Pancreaticoduodenectomy" between 2000 and 2018. Articles reporting cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy in post-RYGB patients were included and systematically reviewed for this study.

RESULTS

Three case reports and five case series (25 patients) addressed PD after RYGB; we report one additional case. The typical post-gastric bypass PD patient is a woman in the sixth decade of life, presenting most commonly with pain (69.2%) and/or jaundice (53.8%), median 5 years after RYGB. Five post-PD reconstructive options are reported. Among these, the gastric remnant was resected in 18 cases (69.2%), with reconstruction of biliopancreatic drainage most commonly achieved using the distal jejunal segment of the pre-existing biliopancreatic limb (73.1%). Similarly, in the eight cases where the gastric remnant was spared (30.8%), drainage was most commonly performed using the distal jejunal segment of the biliopancreatic limb (50%). Among the 17 cases reporting follow-up data, median was 27 months.

CONCLUSION

Reconstruction options after PD in the post-RYGB patient focus on resection or preservation gastric remnant, as well as creation of new biliopancreatic limb. Insufficient data exists to make recommendations regarding the optimal reconstruction option, yet surgeons must prepare for the possible clinical challenge. PD reconstruction post-RYGB requires evaluation through prospective studies.

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.

Indications and Operative Outcomes of Gastric Bypass Reversal

BACKGROUND

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the best-known and most commonly performed bariatric procedures. However, this procedure carries infrequent but serious long-term complications, which may require revisional procedures. This study reports the indications and outcomes of gastric bypass reversal that have not been described well in the literature.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study of 50 patients who underwent reversal of RYGB conducted between 2006 and 2015 was reviewed to describe the usual indications and outcomes of gastric bypass reversal surgeries.

RESULTS

Of 50 patients, 7 (14 %) were males and 43 (86 %) were females. The mean age of the patient population was 40.4 ± 11.6 years (range 19-66). Reasons for reversal included anastomotic ulcers (n = 27), anastomotic complications (n = 9), malnutrition (n = 2), and functional disorder (n = 12). The mean BMI before the reversal was 29 ± 9.4 kg/m(2) (range 16-60). The mean time between the primary procedure and reversal was 60 ± 65.5 months (range 2-300). Fourteen of the reversals were done via laparotomy. Mean hospital stay was 8.4 ± 7.3 days (range 3-34 days). There was no peri-operative death 30 days after reversal. Following gastric bypass reversal, 92.6 % (n = 25) of the patient population had resolution from ulcers, 77.8 % (n = 7) of the patient population had resolution from anatomic complications, 100 % (n = 2) of the patient population had resolution from malnutrition, and 66.7 % (n = 8) of the patient population had resolution from functional disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric bypass reversal is a reasonable and safe treatment for complications arising from the GBP surgery. A laparoscopic approach is feasible in select patients.

Revisional Bariatric/Metabolic Surgery: What Dictates Its Indications?

Bariatric/metabolic surgery is currently the only effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity- and obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and dyslipidemia. In addition, bariatric/metabolic surgery has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of diabetes and cancer and prolong life when compared to non-surgical therapies. However, as obesity is a chronic disease, recidivism of weight and comorbid conditions can occur. In addition, the surgical construct can lead to long-term consequences such as marginal ulceration, bowel obstruction, reflux, and nutritional deficiencies. Despite these drawbacks, prospective randomized controlled studies and long-term longitudinal population-based comparative studies greatly favor surgical intervention as opposed to traditional lifestyle, diet, and exercise programs. Revisional surgery can be quite complex and technically challenging and may offer the patient a wide variety of solutions for treatment of weight recidivism and complications after primary operations. Given the paucity of high quality published data, we have endeavored to provide indications for revisions after bariatric surgery.

Dumping syndrome after esophageal, gastric or bariatric surgery: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management

BACKGROUND

Dumping syndrome, a common complication of esophageal, gastric or bariatric surgery, includes early and late dumping symptoms. Early dumping occurs within 1 h after eating, when rapid emptying of food into the small intestine triggers rapid fluid shifts into the intestinal lumen and release of gastrointestinal hormones, resulting in gastrointestinal and vasomotor symptoms. Late dumping occurs 1-3 h after carbohydrate ingestion, caused by an incretin-driven hyperinsulinemic response resulting in hypoglycemia. Clinical recommendations are needed for the diagnosis and management of dumping syndrome.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed through February 2016. Evidence-based medicine was used to develop diagnostic and management strategies for dumping syndrome.

RESULTS

Dumping syndrome should be suspected based on concurrent presentation of multiple suggestive symptoms after upper abdominal surgery. Suspected dumping syndrome can be confirmed using symptom-based questionnaires, glycemia measurements and oral glucose tolerance tests. First-line management of dumping syndrome involves dietary modification, as well as acarbose treatment for persistent hypoglycemia. If these approaches are unsuccessful, somatostatin analogues should be considered in patients with dumping syndrome and impaired quality of life. Surgical re-intervention or continuous enteral feeding may be necessary for treatment-refractory dumping syndrome, but outcomes are variable.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of these diagnostic and treatment recommendations may improve dumping syndrome management.

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

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is widely applied in the treatment of morbid obesity. Health personnel meeting these patients should thus be familiar with the potential clinical consequences of the modified anatomy induced by the surgery. After a RYGB, the stomach is left in situ after the closure of the upper part of the organ. This blind-ended gastric remnant may cause complications and surgical emergencies, but also opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. The present review focuses on complications related to the gastric remnant including bleeding and acute dilatation in the early postoperative period and later adverse events such as gastroduodenal peptic disease, tumors, gastrogastric fistulas, and late dilatation. Opportunities offered by the remnant, including minimal invasive or open access for enteral nutrition, and therapeutic and diagnostic access to the bile ducts, the duodenum, and the gastric remnant, which is challenged by the modified anatomy, are discussed. Reversal of the gastric bypass and gastrointestinal reconstruction after esophageal resection have been commented on. The review aims to improve the awareness of issues related to the gastric remnant for physicians involved in the treatment and the follow-up of patients after a RYGB.

The future of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Archaic surgical procedures such as the jejunoileal bypass, vertical banded gastroplasty and duodenal switch have contributed to the current best practice of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure for the treatment of obesity and its consequences. Despite this, RYGB has been blighted with late occurring adverse events such as severe malnutrition, marginal ulcer and reactive hypoglycemia. Despite this, RYGB has given us an opportunity to examine the effect of surgery on gut hormones and the impact on metabolic syndrome which in turn has allowed us to carry out a lower impact but equally, if not more effective, procedure - the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). We examine the benefits of sleeve gastrectomy from the less challenging technical aspect to the effect on obesity and its metabolic syndrome long-term and have concluded that sleeve gastrectomy is possibly the next current best practice.

Laparoscopic revision of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to sleeve gastrectomy: A ray of hope for failed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

INTRODUCTION

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most commonly performed bariatric operation across the world, but sometimes revision is necessary. Inadequate weight loss, weight regain, and complications such as dumping syndrome are common reasons for revision. We report the 1-year outcomes of five patients who underwent laparoscopic conversion of RYGB to sleeve gastrectomy during surgical revision.

METHODS

Mean age was 38.8 ± 9.1 years. Mean BMI at primary surgery was 57.9 ± 8.1 kg/m(2) . Two patients were diabetic and sleep apneic. One was hypertensive. All patients underwent a RYGB as the primary weight loss procedure. Mean weight loss was 36.8 ± 8.6 kg (excess weight loss  = 39.8 ± 14.9%) at 2 years. At the end of 5 years, these patients regained 10.9 ± 4.1 kg (31.5 ± 13.6% of excess weight loss). Primary indications for revision surgery were failure to lose weight, weight regain, and intractable dumping syndrome. Mean duration between primary and revision surgery was 6.2 ± 1.1 years. RYGB was converted to sleeve gastrectomy as a first stage in all cases.

RESULTS

Mean duration of revision surgery was 120.0 ± 15.5 min. Mean blood loss was 70 ± 50 mL. One year after revision surgery, a mean weight loss of 21.5 ± 10.5 kg was achieved (mean excess weight loss = 35.8 ± 8.8%). Two patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the one with hypertension achieved remission. Dumping was resolved. There were no complications.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic conversion of RYGB to sleeve gastrectomy as a first stage may be considered as an additional option in the armamentarium of revision procedures after RYGB.

A novel technique of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass reversal for postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycaemia: A case report

•

Postprandial hypoglycemia may be a serious adverse effect following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

•

Most patient can be treated with diet and pharmacological agents, but some patients need surgical reversals.

•

This Roux-en-Y gastric bypass reversal alleviates severe postprandial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia.

•

The technique retains some component of rapid transit of food into a shorter alimentary limb in an attempt to reduce weight regain.

•

This new surgical procedure also attenuates s-GLP-1 and s-insulin responses along with improved p-glucose.

Background

We describe an evaluation of the effects of partial Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) reversal on postprandial hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia, insulin and GLP-1 levels.

Case summary

A 37 year old man was admitted with neuroglycopenia (plasma–glucose 1.6 mmol/l) 18 months after RYGB, with normal 72 h fasting test and abdominal CT. Despite dietary modifications and medical treatment, the hypoglycaemic episodes escalated in frequency. Feeding by a gastrostomy tube positioned in the gastric remnant did not prevent severe episodes of hypoglycaemia. A modified reversal of the RYGB was performed. Mixed meal tests were done perorally (PO), through the gastrostomy tube 1 (GT1), 4 weeks (GT2) after placement and 4 weeks after reversal (POr), with assessment of glucose, insulin and GLP-1 levels.

Results

Plasma–glucose increased to a maximum of 9.6, 5.4, 6.5 and 5.8 mmol/l at the PO, GT1, GT2 and POr tests respectively. The corresponding insulin levels were 2939, 731, 725 and 463 pmol/l. A decrease of plasma–glucose followed: 2.2, 3.0, 3.9 and 2.9 mmol/l respectively and insulin levels were suppressed at 150 min: 45, 22, 21 and 14 pmol/l, respectively. GLP-1 levels increased in the PO test (60 min: 122 pmol/l, 21 fold of basal), but was attenuated in the two latter tests (12–23 pmol/l at 60 min).

Conclusions

Reduction of plasma–glucose, insulin and GLP-1 excursions and symptoms were seen after gastric tube placement and partial RYGB reversal. This attenuation of GLP-1 response to feeding could reflect an adaptation to nutrients.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass reversal: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Due to the large number of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries performed over the last decade, reversal of the bypass to normal anatomy has been increasingly reported.

SETTING

University affiliated Teaching Hospital, United States.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the literature data regarding the indications, technical considerations, and outcomes of gastric bypass reversal.

METHODS

PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted for articles reporting reversal of gastric bypass to normal anatomy. Patients' demographic characteristics, primary reason for reversal, reversal technique, and postreversal events were retrieved and categorized from each eligible paper.

RESULTS

Thirty-five articles encompassing a total of 100 patients were eligible. Malnutrition was the most common indication for reversal (12.3%), followed by severe dumping syndrome (9.4%), postprandial hypoglycemia (8.5%), and excessive weight loss (8.5%). Techniques for gastrogastrostomy were available in 42 patients, with the hand-sewn technique as the most common (67.4%) followed by the linear stapler (23.2%) and the end-to-end anastomosis stapler used in 3 patients (6.9%). The reversal technique was performed endoscopically and described in 3 studies (3 patients). Techniques for handling the Roux limb were described in 56 patients (56%); the limb was reconnected in 32 patients (57.2%) and resected in 24 patients (42.8%). Weight regain was the most prevalent postreversal event (28.8%), followed by severe gastroesophageal reflux diseases (10.2%) and persistent abdominal pain (6.8%). There was no reported mortality.

CONCLUSION

Gastric bypass reversal is indicated for excessive weight loss, dumping syndrome, and postprandial hypoglycemia. The procedure is well tolerated and feasible when performed laparoscopically and has no reported mortality.

Long-Term (7 Years) Follow-Up of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Obese Adolescent Patients (<18 Years)

BACKGROUND

Few data are available about obesity surgery in adolescent patients.

OBJECTIVE

To assess long-term outcomes after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in patients <18 years.

SETTING

University Hospital, Europe.

METHODS

A retrospective study of prospectively collected data of patients <18 years (childhood group; ChG) (n = 28) treated by LRYGB of which 19 were available for follow-up between 2.4 and 10.2 years (mean 7.2 years). This group of patients was matched with an adult control group (AdG) of randomly chosen patients with similar characteristics who underwent LRYGB during the same period. The extensive survey included a telephonic questionnaire.

RESULTS

19 (12 females) of the 28 patients (67.9%) were available for follow-up. Preoperatively, 3 had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 1 arterial hypertension, 5 dyslipidemia and 1 sleep apnea. In the ChG, average BMI after 7 years dropped from 38.9 kg/m2 preoperatively to 27.5 kg/m2. In the AdG, average BMI decreased from 39.4 to 27.1 kg/m2 in the same time period (nonsignificant between groups). One patient in the ChG needed a reoperation (internal hernia) versus 3 patients in the AdG (1 leak, 2 obstructions). All patients resolved their initial comorbidities. Two of 12 female patients in the ChG became pregnant 6 and 8 years after surgery, respectively, despite seemingly adequate oral contraception. Compliance with postoperative guidelines was good in 16/19 patients in ChG and in 14/18 patients in the AdG. Overall degree of satisfaction was high: 8.2/10 (SD 1.2, range 6-10) in the ChG and 8.9/10 (SD 1.7, range 5-10) in the AdG.

CONCLUSION

LRYGB seems to be safe, provide good weight loss, and cure comorbidities in an adolescent population. Satisfaction degree is high. Inadvertent pregnancy despite conventional contraception is a possible issue.

[Dumping syndrome following gastric surgery]

BACKGROUND

Dumping syndrome is the term used to describe a common set of symptoms following gastric surgery, and is characterised by postprandial discomfort which can entail nutritional problems. The condition was well known when surgery was the usual treatment for peptic ulcer disease. The increasing number of operations for morbid obesity means that the condition is once again of relevance, and health personnel will encounter these patients in different contexts. This article discusses the prevalence, symptomatology and treatment of dumping syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This review article is based on a selection of articles identified in PubMed and assessed as having particular relevance for elucidating this issue, as well as on the authors' own clinical experience.

RESULTS

Early dumping syndrome generally occurs within 15 minutes of ingesting a meal and is attributable to the rapid transit of food into the small intestine. Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, a sensation of heat, dizziness, reduced blood pressure and palpitations are typical symptoms. Lethargy and sleepiness after meals are common. Late dumping syndrome occurs later and may be attributed to hypoglycaemia with tremors, cold sweats, difficulty in concentrating, and loss of consciousness. Dumping-related symptoms occur in between 20 and 50% of patients following gastric surgery. Early dumping syndrome is more frequent than late dumping syndrome. It is estimated that 10-20% of patients have pronounced symptoms and 1-5% have severe symptoms. The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of typical symptoms. Most patients experience alleviation of the symptoms over time and with changes in diet and eating habits. Further patient evaluation and drug or surgical intervention may be relevant for some individuals.

INTERPRETATION

Dumping-related symptoms are common after gastric surgery. The extent of obesity surgery in particular means that health personnel should be familiar with this condition.