Pregnancy after bariatric surgery: what should we tell our patients?

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery: improving outcomes for mother and child

The significant increase in the prevalence of obesity has led to an increase in the number of obese women who become pregnant. In this setting, in recent years, there has been an exponential rise in the number of bariatric procedures, with approximately half of them performed in women of childbearing age, and a remarkable surge in the number of women who become pregnant after having undergone bariatric surgery (BS). These procedures entail the risk of nutritional deficiencies, and nutrition is a crucial aspect during pregnancy. Therefore, knowledge and awareness of the consequences of these techniques on maternal and fetal outcomes is essential. Current evidence suggests a better overall obstetric outcome after BS, in comparison to morbid obese women managed conservatively, with a reduction in the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorders, macrosomia, and congenital defects. However, the risk of potential maternal nutritional deficiencies and newborns small for gestational age cannot be overlooked. Results concerning the incidence of preterm delivery and the number of C-sections are less consistent. In this paper, we review the updated evidence regarding the impact of BS on pregnancy.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes after bariatric surgery: a Spanish multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery (BS) has become more frequent among women of child-bearing age. Data regarding the underlying maternal and perinatal risks are scarce. The objective of this nationwide study is to evaluate maternal and perinatal outcomes after BS.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective observational study of 168 pregnancies in 112 women who underwent BS in 10 tertiary hospitals in Spain over a 15-year period. Maternal and perinatal outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorders (PAHD), pre-term birth cesarean deliveries, small and large for gestational age births (SGA, LGA), still births, and neonatal deaths, were evaluated. Results were further compared according to the type of BS performed: restrictive techniques (vertical-banded gastroplasty, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD).

RESULTS

GDM occurred in five (3 %) pregnancies and there were no cases of PAHD. Women whose pregnancies occurred before 1 year after BS had a higher pre-gestational body mass index (BMI) than those who got pregnant 1 year after BS (34.6 ± 7.7 vs 30.4 ± 5.3 kg/m(2), p = 0.007). In pregnancies occurring during the first year after BS, a higher rate of stillbirths was observed compared to pregnancies occurring after this period of time (35.5 vs 16.8 %, p = 0.03). Women who underwent BPD delivered a higher rate of SGA babies than women with RYGB or restrictive procedures (34.8, 12.7, and 8.3 %, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy should be scheduled at least 1 year after BS. Malabsorptive procedures are associated to a higher rate of SGA births.

Internal hernia in late pregnancy after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

A 27-year-old patient in late pregnancy presented to the department of obstetrics with crampy abdominal pain located in the right flank, 3 years after a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Clinical investigation showed tenderness on palpation in the upper abdomen without signs of peritonitis. The cardiotocogram and blood tests were normal. The ultrasound showed a hydronephrosis on the right side, and a pigtail catheter was inserted. The abdominal symptoms did not abate and the abdominal surgeon was consulted 36 hours after admission. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed promptly because of high suspicion of internal hernia (IH). Laparoscopy showed IH at the mesojejunal intermesenteric defect with a herniated common channel and volvulus of the anastomosis. Conversion to open reduction and complete closure with non-absorbable interrupted sutures was performed. Small bowel resection was avoided. The patient was discharged 10 days after the operation and a healthy boy was born 4 weeks later.