Resizing a large pouch after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: comparing the effect of two techniques on weight loss

Gastric Pouch Resizing for Recurrent Weight Gain After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass-Does It Have Its Rational?

INTRODUCTION

The most effective treatment for obesity and associated comorbidities is metabolic-bariatric surgery (MBS). Nevertheless, recurrent weight gain is reported in up to 40% of patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), eventually with a recurrence of obesity-associated comorbidities. Gastric pouch resizing (GPR) is performed as a low-risk secondary surgery to cease weight regain. We herewith analyzed the effect of GPR after primary RYGB on long-term weight loss, course of comorbidities, safety, and patient satisfaction.

METHODS

Forty-eight patients undergoing GPR between 2016 and 2020 at the University Hospital of Zurich were included. Data were collected from a prospective database. GPR was performed laparoscopically and included a resection of the enlarged gastric pouch and a redo of the gastrojejunostomy. Additionally, 37 patients participated in a survey to evaluate PROMs (patient-reported outcome measures).

RESULTS

GPR followed RYGB after a mean time of 106.2 ± 45.5 months at a mean BMI of 39 ± 5.4 kg/m2. Mean follow-up was 55.9 ± 18.5 months with a mean BMI 1- and 5-years postoperative of 37 ± 5.5 kg/m2 and 35 ± 7.5 kg/m2, respectively. Obesity-associated comorbidities were resolved in 53% of patients at follow-up (p < 0.05). Minor postoperative complications occurred in 12.5% while major complications occurred in 10.4% of patients. The PROMs showed high levels of satisfaction after GPR.

CONCLUSION

GPR for recurrent weight gain after primary RYGB is a safe procedure resulting in weight stabilization and resolution of obesity-associated comorbidities. It is thus a valuable surgical option in well-selected patients.

Gastric bypass revisional surgery: percentage total body weight loss differences among three different techniques

INTRODUCTION

Suboptimal weight loss or weight regain may occur after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). For this reason, revisional surgery has gained increasing interest. We aimed to compare the percentage of total body weight loss (%TBWL) at one-year follow-up among three different techniques: Jejuno-jejunostomy distalization (JJD), Sleeve resection of the gastrojejunostomy and gastric pouch (SRGJP), and the combination of both (JJD + SRGJP).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all patients who underwent revisional surgery after RYGB (2020-2021). The cohort was stratified by the type of revisional technique performed. Postoperative bariatric outcomes and nutritional deficiencies were compared among groups.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients underwent revisional surgery after RYGB: JJD was performed in 8 (10.3%), SRGJP in 34 (43.6%), and JJD + SRGJP in 36 (46.1%) patients. The most common indication for surgery was weight regain, in 72 (92.3%) patients. The median lengths of the BP limbs before and after distalization, were 50 cm (IQR 40-75 cm) and 175 cm (IQR 150-200 cm), respectively. The median length of the new common limb (NCL) and total alimentary limb length (TALL) were 277 cm (IQR 250-313 cm) and 400 cm (IQR 375-475 cm), respectively. Median percentage of total body weight loss (%TBWL) at one year was 15% (IQR 15-19%) for JJD, 20% (IQR 13-26%) for SRGJP, and 21% (IQR 15- 28%) for JJD + SRGJP (p = 0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the combined procedure (JJD + SRGJP) exhibited higher %TBWL at one year, however no statistically significant difference was identified among the three techniques.

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.

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.