Gastric Bypass Distal Roux-en-Y with Jejunal Interposition

Gastric bypass with jejunal interposition is a version of the distal Roux-en-Y. Ninety cm of the jejunum is interposed between the gastric stoma and the ileum. This new procedure initially was used in super-obese patients mainly to facilitate the gastric anastomosis.     

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A 7-year Retrospective Review of 3855 Patients

Background: 3855 patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity between 1988 and 1994 are presented. Methods: All patients were sent a standard questionnaire reflecting current weight, intervening complications and general health status and 1039 patients responded. Information gleaned from review of these questionnaires and a review of individual charts provided the data for this study. Results: Average weight loss at 1 year was 46 kg and at 5 years was 34.5 kg. Operative mortality was 0.18%. Surgical morbidity rate was 3.4%. Average length of stay for patients hospitalized in 1994 was 3.6 days. The average operating time during that same year was 78 min, and the average hospital charges were $7250. Conclusions: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can be performed with relative safety and acceptable morbidity. There is a demonstrable weight loss benefit which is maintained in the majority of patients over a period greater than 5 years. The expense and consumption of provider services are modest, and this procedure remains an excellent alternative for weight control among morbidly obese individuals.     

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Super/Super Obesity

Laparoscopic gastric bypass has been recently introduced as an alternative method to conventional open gastric bypass. This procedure has been generally limited to patients with a BMI <60 kg/m² due to the possible technical limitations of the laparoscopic instruments. In this article, we present a patient with super/super obesity (61 kg/m²) who underwent Rouxen-Y gastric bypass using the laparoscopic approach.     

Changes in Diabetic Management After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background: Control of hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus through diet, exercise, oral hypoglycemics and insulin has underlined the medical treatment for that disease. Morbidly obese diabetics can be more successfully rendered euglycemic if their excess body weight is reduced and their diets are carefully controlled. Methods: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass has been used as a weight control measure for 205 morbidly obese diabetics over an 8-year period, 1988-1995. Early follow-up has been possible in all patients up to 3 months, and late follow-up has been achieved by phone contact and office visits in 133 patients. Results: Operative mortality occurred in 1/205 patients (0.49%). Major operative morbidity occurred in 14/205 (6.8%). While 46/133 (35%) patients were on insulin preoperatively, only 11/133 (8%) have remained on insulin and 9/11 at lower doses. 64/133 (48%) were on oral hypoglycemics, but only 8/133 (6%) continue their use. 23/133 (17%) were on diet alone or no treatment before surgery, and 91/133 (68%) claimed diet alone or no treatment after surgery. The long-term mean % Excess Body Weight Loss is 55%. Conclusions: Morbidly obese diabetics undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass can experience markedly diminished need for insulin and oral hypoglycemics to control hyperglycemia.     

Laparoscopic Transgastric Access to the Biliary Tree after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Gallstone disease, common after Roux-en-Y gastricbypass (RYGBP), may be complicated by biliary ductobstruction and gallstone pancreatitis. Althoughendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographyplays an important role in management of biliary ductobstruction, the altered anatomy of patients who havehad a RYGBP makes this procedure technically difficult.With the increased number of patients undergoingRYGBP for morbid obesity, bariatric surgeonsmay benefit from an alternative laparoscopic techniquefor accessing the biliary tree. We describe alaparoscopic technique of accessing the biliary treethrough the bypassed stomach.     

A Technique for Converting the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass to a Modified Biliopancreatic Diversion

Our group has performed the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in 1450 patients since 1983: 805 patients had primary operations, and 645 were converted from previous gastroplasty procedures, i.e. horizontal gastroplasty, vertical banded gastroplasty, and gastrogastrostomy. Within the last 2 years, 38 patients who failed the RYGB were converted to a modified biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) using a technique that did not require dismantling a major portion of the original gastric exclusion. A 24-month follow-up has demonstrated a significant and sustained weight loss in all patients. In addition, the modified BPD completely eliminated the problem of reflux bile gastritis in those patients with a short Roux-en-Y jejunal limb.     

Roux Limb Volvulus after Long-Limb Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

A case is reported of a patient after long-limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass who presented with a volvulus of the Roux limb. This is the first report of this complication in the literature.     

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: An Effective Antireflux Procedure in the Less Than Morbidly Obese

Background: Since Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is an excellent antireflux procedure, why is it necessary to do it only for those who are morbidly obese: why not anyone who has had a longstanding severe weight problem with chronic disabling reflux esophagitis? Methods: RYGBP was done primarily as an antireflux procedure in 332 patients late from 1987 through October 1996. Eighty-nine were less than 100 lb (45 kg) overweight. Forty-five were lost to follow-up. All but one had Visick ratings from 2 to 4 preoperatively. Thirty-one were primary RYGBP and 13 were conversions from previous gastroplasties. The diagnosis in each case was made by esophagogastroscopy with esophageal biopsy with or without the Bernstein test when indicated. Results: Postoperatively, only one patient was symptomatic. The remaining had Visick ratings of 1. The average preoperative weight of 192 lb (87 kg) dropped to 145 lb (66 kg) postoperatively, or 67% of excess weight loss at a mean of 56 months. Compared to the morbidly obese group, there was no significant difference in 1-year postoperative laboratory values. Conclusion: This study supports the efficacy and safety of RYGBP for reflux esophagitis in the less than morbidly obese patient. Esophagitis is truly a comorbid condition of severe obesity, and it should be accepted as such. The arbitrary elimination from the consideration of candidacy for this procedure by those with a body mass index of less than 35 kg/m² and unproven comorbidity appears unjustified.     

Conversion of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Results in Restoration of the Positive Effect on Weight Loss and Co-morbidities: Evaluation of 101 Patients

Background Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is a widely used restrictive procedure in bariatric surgery. However, the re-operation rate after this operation is high. In the case of VBG failure, a conversion to Rouxen-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is an option. A study was undertaken to evaluate the results of the conversion from VBG to RYGBP. Methods 101 patients had conversion from VBG to RYGBP. Patients were separated into 3 groups, based on the indication for conversion: weight regain (group 1), excessive weight loss (group 2) and severe eating difficulties (group 3). Data for the study were collected by retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data. Results Weight regain (group 1) was the reason for conversion in 73.3% of patients. Staple-line disruption was the most important cause for the weight regain (74.3%). Excessive weight loss (group 2) affected 14% of patients and was caused by outlet stenosis in 78.6% of patients. The remaining 13% had severe eating difficulties as a result of outlet stenosis (46.1%), pouch dilatation (30.8%) and pouch diverticula (23.1%). Mean BMI before conversion to RYGBP was 40.5, 22.3 and 29.8 kg/m2 in group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Minor or major direct postoperative complications were observed in 2.0% to 7.0%. Long-term complications were more frequent, and consisted mainly of anastomotic stenosis (22.7%) and incisional hernia (16.8%). Follow-up after conversion was achieved in all patients (100%), with a mean period of 38 ± 29 months. BMI decreased from 40.5 to 30.1 kg/m2, increased from 22.3 to 25.3 kg/m2. and decreased slightly from 29.8 to 29.0 kg/m2 in group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. All patients in group 3 noticed an improvement in eating difficulties. Conclusion Complications after conversion from failed VBG to RYGBP are substantial and need to be considered. However, the conversion itself is a successful operation in terms of effect on body weight and treating eating difficulties after VBG.     

A Randomized Trial of Bupivicaine Pain Pumps to Eliminate the Need for Patient Controlled Analgesia Pumps in Primary Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background The use of a bupivicaine pain pump has previously been reported to lower costs to hospitals, while providing similar pain relief to opioid-based patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps. However, these benefits have not been investigated in laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Methods We prospectively randomized 40 laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) patients into two groups. The first group received the ON-Q? bupivicaine pain pump placed subxiphoid and radiating in both directions caudally beneath the lowest rib. The second group was treated with a meperidine PCA, which was initiated in the PACU and discontinued at 06:00 hrs the following morning. Both groups had identical surgery, anesthesiologists, anesthesia protocol and postoperative nausea prophylaxis. Results There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to age, sex, pain scores, nausea scores, gas pain scores, antiemetic use throughout their stay, or opioid use in the PACU. However, there was a dramatic decrease in opioid use between the two groups over the time interval from leaving the PACU to 06:00 hrs (meperidine by PCA mean 217 mg vs ON-Q? 129 mg meperidine equivalents, P = 0.008). Conclusions The use of a bupivicaine pain pump offers the opportunity to dramatically reduce the use of opioids postoperatively in all bariatric patients by eliminating PCA. This change could potentially reduce the incidence of respiratory failure from oversedation, while offering the same levels of pain control.     

Follow-up of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Patients at 5 or more Years Postoperatively

Background Short-term results (24 to 36 months) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) have been extensively described. Little is reported on the patients operated ≥ 5 years ago. We analyzed the results of weight loss, resolution of co-morbidities and nutritional complications of patients submitted to the silicone ring RYGBP, at least 5 years before. Methods 75 morbidly obese patients who underwent silicone ring RYGBP between Oct 1995 and Dec 1999, 18 men and 57 women, were studied. Demographic data, nutritional status and the presence of co-morbidities (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia) were accessed. Pre- and postoperative BMI were registered, along with excess weight loss (EWL). Nutritional deficiencies were accessed by laboratory assays. Results Mean follow-up was 87 months. Initial BMI was 56.7 ± 10 kg/m². After 2 years, BMI had dropped to 29.3 ± 6.8, and by the last interview BMI was 35.5 ± 10. %EWL after 2 years was 80.2 ± 17.3%, and at the end was 71.8 ± 21.6%. After 2 years, only 1 of the 75 patients (1.33%) had not achieved an EWL of at least 50%. At the end, 23 patients (30.6%) could not maintain this EWL. Resolution of diabetes was 76.5%, arterial hypertension 37.3% and sleep apnea 93.5%. Iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D were the most common nutritional deficiencies. Conclusions Long-term follow-up (5 to 9 years) after the RYGBP was associated with satisfactory mantainance of EWL, and resolution or improvement of the main co-morbidities was observed in the majority of the patients.     

Influence of a Forced Air Warming System on Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background: Hypothermia during and after major abdominal surgery decreases host defenses, increases the incidence of coagulopathy and may alter blood pressure, cardiac contractility and myocardial stability. Methods: We designed a prospective randomized study to compare the benefits of a forced air warming system with warm blanket treatments in minimizing the effects of hypothermia on 64 morbidly obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Results: Patients in the forced air warming group (n = 32) had significantly higher perioperative body core temperature, lower central venous pressure and blood pressure readings, lower incidence of shivering, less blood loss intraoperatively and achieved a higher post anesthesia Aldrete Score than those patients in the warmed blanket group (n = 32). Conclusion: The forced air warming system is safe, cost effective and beneficial in minimizing the undesirable consequences of hypothermia in morbidly obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.     

The Effect of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Morbidly Obese Chinese Patients

Background  The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing in Eastern and Western countries. Obesity is recognized as a risk factor of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, little information is available on the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in morbidly obese Chinese patients. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of GERD in Chinese patients with morbid obesity and age- and sex-matched controls, and we also assessed the effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on reflux symptoms and erosive esophagitis. Methods  Between November 2006 and February 2008, 150 morbidly obese Chinese patients underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaires and esophagogastroduodenoscopy results were assessed in all cases before surgery. The prevalence of reflux symptoms and erosive esophagitis was compared with the prevalence in a database of 300 age- and sex-matched controls. We also compared baseline and postoperative characteristics at 12 months after operation. Results  Patients with morbid obesity had higher frequencies of reflux symptoms (16% vs. 8%, P = 0.01) and erosive esophagitis (34% vs. 17%, P < 0.01) than those of controls. Twelve months after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, 26 patients received follow-up evaluations. In addition to substantial weight loss, the prevalence of reflux symptoms and erosive esophagitis decreased significantly after operation (19.2% vs. 0%, P = 0.05, and 42.3% vs. 3.8%, P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions  Gastroesophageal reflux disease is pervasive in Chinese patients with morbid obesity and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass substantially improves not only the reflux symptoms but also the erosive esophagitis.     

Distal Gastric Bypass/Duodenal Switch Procedure, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Biliopancreatic Diversion in a Community Practice

Background: Hybrid procedures combining purely restrictive and purely malabsorptive components to achieve stable long-term weight reduction have evolved since the 1970s. In a solo surgical community-based practice over the period 1984-1997, three different hybrid procedures were utilized as primary operations in patients who had not had prior bariatric surgery. Methods: Restrospective comparison of 32 patients who underwent biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), 138 patients who underwent distal gastric bypass Roux-en-Y (RGB) and 105 patients undergoing distal gastric bypass/duodenal switch procedure (DS) with 2-4 year follow-up in 37 DS patients. Results: Height, initial weight and initial body mass index (BMI) were similar in the three groups. The DS patients were older. Mean BMI at 2 years fell from 49 to 29 kg/m² in both DS and RGB. Mean percentage maximum preoperative weight lost was 40% in both the DS and RGB groups. Two-year mean percentage excess weight lost in DS was 78%, compared to 74% in RGB. There were no operative deaths and no ulcers in the DS group. Conclusion: DS is an important new option for primary treatment of morbid obesity. It can be performed safely, with up to 4 year follow-up showing stable weight loss.     

Abnormal Findings on Routine Upper GI Series following Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background The use of postoperative upper GI series (UGIS) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) varies among bariatric surgeons. The authors describe the findings and impact of UGIS after LRYGBP. Methods From July 2003 to January 2006, 487 patients undergoing primary LRYGBP at a single academic institution had a single-contrast Gastrografin? UGIS performed on the first postoperative day, without complication. Patient and operative demographics were: mean age 43 years, mean BMI 47 kg/m², female 84%, and laparoscopic 100%. Results Of the 487 patients, the UGIS revealed 14 (2.9%) major and 88 (15.2%) minor abnormalities. Among the majorUGIS abnormalities, 6 (1.2%) demonstrated a gastrojejunal anastomotic (GJA) leak, 8 (1.4%) confirmed complete obstruction at the GJA, and 1 (0.2%) disclosed a communication with the bypassed stomach. For the minor UGIS abnormalities, 45 (9.2%) displayed significant delay in contrast passage through the GJA, 23 (5.0%) had evidence of dilated loops of small and/or large bowel, and 6 (1.2%) verified miscellaneous abnormal findings (malrotation, lower esophageal dysmotility, jejunal clots). Patients with UGIS abnormalities necessitated additional procedures, delayed oral intake and/or longer length of stay (LOS). Conclusions UGIS on postoperative day 1 is a useful means of evaluating postoperative LRYGBP anatomy and influenced postoperative care. Presented at the 11th World Congress of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity, Sydney, Australia, August 31, 2006.     

Open vs Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Comparison of Operative Morbidity and Mortality

Background: Open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) has proven to be an effective method for weight control for the morbidly obese patient. With technologic and surgical skill advancement in the application of laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic RYGBP has also been found to be of value in surgical control of obesity. Risk/benefit ratios in comparison of the 2 methods are undergoing definition by experience. Methods: 779 patients who underwent RYGBP between March 1, 2000 and June 30, 2002 were evaluated retrospectively. 328 patients underwent laparoscopic RYGBP (Group A) and 451 underwent open RYGBP (Group B). All charts and hospital records of these patients were reviewed. Questionnaires were mailed to all patients who had undergone RYGBP. Follow-up was 5-29 months. Results: 89 patients in Group A and 162 patients in Group B experienced significant morbidity. There were no surgical deaths in Group A and one surgical death in Group B.Weight loss profiles were the same. Significant differences in morbidity were noted with respect to gastrojejunal stenosis (Group A = 11.6%, Group B = 4.7%, P=.0012), occurrence of ventral incisonal hernia (A=0%, B=10%, P<.00013), and wound problems (abdominal wall hematoma A=1.5%%, B=0%, P=.013; wound infection A=1.2%, B=6.2%, P=.00037). Gastrojejunal perforation was not significantly different (A=1.5%, B=0.89%, P=.50), as was true of small bowel obstruction (A=2.7%, B=3.3%, P=.68). Conclusions: Each operative approach has associated problems.Wound care problems and ventral hernias are more common in Group B (open) and anas tomotic stenoses are more common in Group A (laparoscopic). Anastomotic leaks and small bowel obstruction are troublesome but not statistically different in occurrence.     

Internal Hernias and Nonclosure of Mesenteric Defects During Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Background  Internal hernias have been described after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) as a major problem. Thus, many routinely close defects during LRYGB. In our technique, we do not close any defects. We hypothesize that not closing the defects would not cause a significant internal hernia rate diagnosed during reoperations. Methods  Patients who were reoperated after LRYGB were included in this study. Only patients who had a laparoscopic or open exploration focused on inspecting for internal hernias are reported here. The LRYGB technique that was utilized included an antecolic, antegastric gastrojejunostomy, minimal division of the small bowel mesentery, a long jejunojejunostomy performed with three staple lines, adequate division of the omentum, and placement of the jejunojejunostomy above the colon in the left upper quadrant. Results  There were a total of 387 patients who had LRYGB from 2002 to 2007 utilizing this particular technique. Fifty-four patients had a reoperation at an average of 24 (Range: 1–60) months postoperatively. The procedures were abdominoplasty, cholecystectomy, diagnostic laparoscopy, and lysis of adhesions. While two patients had a defect present, no patient had an internal hernia despite aggressive attempts to diagnose one. Conclusions  Internals hernias are not common after our particular method of LRYGB. Before adopting and advocating routine closure, surgeons should consider the surgical technique and the true associated incidence of internal hernias. We do not recommend routine closure of these defects with our technique. Presented in part at International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity annual meeting; August 2006; Sydney, Australia.     

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass,Roux-en-Y: Preliminary Report of Five Cases

The technique of laparoscopic gastric bypass, Roux-en-Y, has been developed, and performed in five patients. The detailed technique and instrumentation is described. Early case results show comparable weight loss, and reduced morbidity and disability. Laparoscopic gastric bypass is a feasible alternative to the open operative procedure.