Acid-related complications after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: risk factors and impact of proton pump inhibitors

BackgroundLaparoscopic Roux-en-Y (LRYGB) gastric bypass is an effective treatment for morbid obesity. Acid-related complications after LRYGB could be prevented by prophylactic proton pump inhibition (PPI).ObjectiveTo identify the effect of PPI prophylaxis on short-term, acid-related complications in a large cohort.SettingNational Registry, Sweden.MethodsA total of 37,301 patients who underwent LRYGB in Sweden from 2009 to 2014 were identified in the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry. Patient-specific factors were cross matched with socioeconomic variables and information on PPI dispensation. A logistic regression model was used to analyze acid-related complications (e.g., marginal ulcer, stricture, and perforation) within 30 days and at 1 year postoperatively.ResultsPPI prophylaxis did not reduce the rate of acid-related complications. Instead, prolonged operation time (odds ratio [OR] 2.19 [1.53–3.13]) and immigrant background (OR 1.72 [1.17–2.53]) increased the risk of marginal ulcer within 30 days. At 1 year, medical treatment for diabetes (OR 1.75 [1.14–2.67]) and dyspepsia (OR 1.71 [1.06–2.75]), larger gastric pouch (OR 2.19 [1.528–3.248]), longer operation time (OR 1.67 [1.11–2.51]), smoking (OR 2.59 [1.77–3.78]), and immigrant background (OR 1.60 [1.08–2.36]) increased the risk for marginal ulcer, while older age (OR 2.20 [1.05–4.63]) predisposed for stricture. Inferior weight loss was associated with marginal ulcer at 1 year (OR 1.50 [1.04–2.15]).ConclusionPPI prophylaxis did not reduce the risk for marginal ulcer and stricture. The risk for these complications was increased by several co-morbidities, smoking, immigrant background, and surgical factors. Routine use of PPI prophylaxis cannot be recommended, but smoking cessation and optimal surgery could be important.     

Management and treatment outcomes of marginal ulcers after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at a single high volume bariatric center

BackgroundMarginal ulceration (MU) is one of the most common complications after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, the rate of MU varies from 1% to 16% of RYGB patients and predisposing factors remain unclear. The aim of this study is to describe frequency, management, and outcomes of treatment in patients with MU after laparoscopic RYGB.MethodsBetween January 2004 and December 2012, a total of 2,535 patients underwent laparoscopic RYGB at our institution. Patients were routinely placed on proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for 90 days after the procedure. A total of 59 (2.3%) patients presented with MU. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed for all patients.ResultsPatients with MU presented with abdominal pain (n = 35), nausea/vomiting (n = 9), anemia (n = 5), hematemesis (n = 5), and dysphagia (n = 5) as chief complaints. Diagnosis was made at a mean period of 15.2±17.4 months (range, 1–64) after the laparoscopic RYGB. Of these patients, 26 (44.1%) required reoperations including 12 (20.3%) with perforated ulcers. Urgent operation was required in 14 (23.7%) patients due to perforation or active bleeding, and elective operation was performed in 10 (16.9%) patients for chronic and refractory MU or gastrogastric fistula. One (1.7%) patient developed recurrent MU after the revision and had another revision of the anastomosis. One (1.7%) patient underwent reversal of gastric bypass after the revision due to malnutrition and recurrent ulcers. All patients did well at a mean follow up of 28.9±21.7 months (range, 1–78 mo).ConclusionDespite the use of routine PPI, the incidence of MU was not insignificant. A significant portion of patients required surgical treatment. Perforations can be effectively managed by oversewing of the ulcer.     

Ulcer disease after gastric bypass surgery

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of marginal ulceration after laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is poorly understood. We reviewed the incidence, presentation, and outcome of ulcer disease in consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. METHODS: The outcomes of 201 consecutive laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery procedures were prospectively analyzed for complications. All procedures were performed using a linear stapled anastomosis and absorbable suture. RESULTS: The incidence of marginal ulcer disease was 3.5% (7 patients). One patient, the only smoker, presented with an acute perforation 4 months postoperatively. Three other patients presented with bleeding-all required transfusion. The remaining 3 patients presented with severe pain. At endoscopy, all patients had ulcerations associated with the Roux limb mucosa and were all successfully treated using proton pump inhibitors and sucralfate therapy. Symptoms of marginal ulceration occurred an average of 7.4 months (range 3-14) after surgery. The average follow-up was 19.8 months. No preoperative factors were predictors of ulcer disease, including body mass index, age, gender, or co-morbidities. CONCLUSION: Marginal ulcers using the linear-stapled technique occurred in 3.5% of patients. Three distinct clinical presentations occurred: bleeding, pain, or perforation. No preoperative risk factors were identified that predicted for this complication. Medical management is an effective treatment.     

Perforating marginal ulcers after laparoscopic gastric bypass

Background: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LGB) can be performed with minimal morbidity and mortality. This article describes the first presentation of a known disease entity after LGB: perforating marginal ulcers of the jejunum immediately distal to the gastrojejunal anastomosis. Methods: A chart review of 902 LGB procedures performed by a single surgeon between April 2000 and September 2004 identified eight patients with perforating marginal ulcers. Results: The patients presented an average of 157 days (range, 53–374 days) after LGB. All the patients were treated using laparoscopic primary closure followed by medical therapy. Morbidity, in one patient only, consisted of two abdominal fluid collections requiring separate drainage procedures. There was no mortality. The average follow-up period was 13 months (range, 2–18 months). No patient experienced recurrent ulceration. Conclusions: Although the etiology is unclear, marginal ulcers, a known complication of gastrojejunostomy, may present as perforating ulcers after LGB in a characteristic fashion and can be managed laparoscopically.     

Laparoscopic repair of a perforated marginal ulcer 2 years after gastric bypass

The authors present the case of a 43-year-old women who underwent a laparoscopic gastric bypass in 2003 for morbid obesity. They report that 2 years later, she had maintained significant weight loss, but had developed acute abdominal pain, followed by nausea and emesis. In the emergency room, she had diffuse tenderness, tachycardia, and leukocytosis. After initial resuscitation, a computed tomography was performed, which showed free air above the liver and thickened small bowel loops. She was brought emergently to the operating room for laparoscopy. At surgery, turbid fluid and inflamed small bowel loops were seen. A perforated marginal ulcer was discovered in the Roux limb, approximately 2 cm distal to the gastrojejunal anastomosis. The perforation was oversewn primarily and patched with omentum. The repair was tested by intraoperative endoscopy. A gastrostomy tube also was placed within the gastric remnant for enteral access. The patient did extremely well postoperatively, and had an uneventful postoperative course. She was discharged on postoperative day 4. The gastrostomy tube was removed at 1 month, and at this writing, she remains well since surgery. An upper endoscopy at 2 months was completely normal, and the Helicobacter pylori test results were negative. The gastric pouch had not significantly enlarged since initial surgery, as indicated by both endoscopy and barium study. Marginal ulcer is reported to be 0.6% to 16% after laparoscopic gastric bypass [1]. Etiologies include gastrogastric fistula, excessively large gastric pouch containing antral mucosa, H. pylori infection, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory use, and smoking [2]. Unfortunately, none of these applied to the reported patient. Because her exact etiology remains unknown, she at this writing continues to receive proton pump inhibitor therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi: ) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Laparoscopic gastric bypass for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: a comparison of Roux-en-Y versus single anastomosis gastric bypass

Background

In recent years, gastric bypass surgery has been found to have therapeutic potential for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the difference between 2 bypass procedures, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and another single anastomosis gastric bypass (SAGB), is not clear.

Perforated pyloric ulcer 13 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A case report

Introduction and importanceBariatric or metabolic surgery is an emerging surgical specialty. With the increase of obesity and affiliated complications, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass became a well-established procedure worldwide.Case presentationWe present the case of a 46-year-old female patient who presented herself in the emergency department with diffuse abdominal pain, 13 years after a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The CT scan found suspicions of an internal hernia. The diagnostic laparoscopy showed a perforated pyloric ulcer of the gastric remnant as well as an internal hernia without any signs of incarceration. The ulcer was repaired by laparoscopic suture and the mesenteric defect at the enteroenterostomy was closed. The testing for H. pylori by different means showed a negative (stool) and a positive (serology) result.Clinical discussionThe loss of connection of the gastric remnant to the oesophagus poses challenges in the diagnostic process: in regard to the perforated ulcer, free air, the most common sign, is absent, and testing of H. pylori presents limited options.ConclusionBariatric patients remain patients with special considerations even long after undergoing these surgeries because of the drastic change in their anatomy and metabolism. Furthermore, due to the aforementioned reasons, diagnostic by clinical findings and imaging can be difficult and these patients should undergo a diagnostic laparoscopy and multimodal testing for H. pylori.     

Marginal ulcers after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: analysis of the amount of daily and lifetime smoking on postoperative risk

BackgroundA common postoperative complication after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is the development of marginal ulcers (MUs) at the gastrojejunal anastomosis. Several risk factors, such as smoking, seem to have an impact on the development of MUs.ObjectiveVery little is known about how much smoking increases the risk. We therefore reviewed our patients regarding their smoking behavior and the development of MUs after LRYGB.SettingPrimary care hospital and a university hospital.MethodsThis study included 249 patients who underwent LRYGB surgery between 2010 and 2015 with at least 2 years of follow-up at a single institution. This retrospective analysis focused on the development of marginal ulcers after LRYGB, the time of appearance, and possible risk factors.ResultsA total of 27 (10.8%) patients in this study developed MUs. The majority of MUs (66.7%) occurred within the first postoperative year. Smoking is an independent and statistically significant predictor of the development of MUs with a 4.6-fold greater risk (P = .003). Light, moderate, and heavy daily smokers have the same rate of MUs (17.4% versus 17.1% versus 17.9%, respectively). Light smokers with <10 cigarettes per day are at significantly increased risk for MUs compared with nonsmokers (17.4 versus 4.2%, respectively; P = .027). Former and current smokers are at comparable risks for MUs (13.3% versus 17.5%, respectively; P = .685).ConclusionThe described incidence of 10.8% shows that marginal ulcers are one of the most important and frequent complications after LRYGB. Smoking at every intensity is associated with an extraordinary risk of MU formation after LRYGB and therefore, smoking cessation before bariatric surgery must be strongly recommended.     

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after bariatric surgery: a national survey of MBSAQIP director practices

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is the most common cause of death following metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS), with most events occurring after discharge. The available evidence on ideal prophylaxis type, dosage, and duration after discharge is limited.ObjectivesAssess metabolic/bariatric surgeon VTE prophylaxis practices and define existing variability.SettingMetabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)-accredited centers.MethodsThe members of the ASMBS Research Committee developed and administered a web-based survey to MBSAQIP medical directors and ASMBS members to examine the differences in clinical practice regarding the administration of VTE prophylaxis after MBS.ResultsOverall, 264 metabolic/bariatric surgeons (136 medical directors and 128 ASMBS members) participated in the survey. Both mechanical and chemical VTE prophylaxis was used by 97.1% of the participants, knee-high compression devices by 84.7%, enoxaparin (32.4% 40 mg every 24 hours, 22.7% 40 mg every 12 hours, 24.4% adjusted the dose based on body mass index) by 56.5%, and heparin (46.1% 5000 units every 8 hours, 22.6% 5000 units every 12 hours, 20.9% 5000 units once preoperatively) by 38.1%. Most surgeons (81.6%) administered the first dose preoperatively, while the first postoperative dose was given on the evening of surgery by 44% or the next morning by 42.2%. Extended VTE prophylaxis was prescribed for 2 weeks by 38.7% and 4 weeks by 28.9%.ConclusionsVTE prophylaxis practices vary widely among metabolic/bariatric surgeons. Variability may be related to limited available comparative evidence. Large prospective clinical trials are needed to define optimal practices for VTE risk stratification and prophylaxis in bariatric surgery patients.     

Perforated marginal ulcer after gastric bypass for obesity: a systematic review

Marginal ulcers are a recognized complication of gastric bypass procedures for obesity. Perforated marginal ulcer (PMU) is a life-threatening complication of marginal ulcers. We performed a systematic review to understand the presentation, management, and outcomes of PMUs. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase databases were searched to identify all studies on PMUs after gastric bypass procedures. A total of 610 patients were identified from 26 articles. The mean age was 39.8±2.59 years, and females represented most of the cohort (67%). The mean body mass index was 43.2±5.67 kg/m². Most of the patients had undergone a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (98%). The time gap between the primary bariatric surgery and the diagnosis of PMU was 27.5±8.56 months. The most common presenting symptom was abdominal pain (99.5%) and a computed tomography scan was the diagnostic modality used in 72% of the patients. Only 15% of patients were on prophylactic proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers at the time of perforation, and 41% of patients were smoking at the time. Twenty-three percent of patients were on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Laparoscopic omental patch repair of the perforation (59%) was the most used technique; 18% of patients underwent open surgery, and 20% were managed non-surgically. Thirty-day mortality was 0.97%; it was 1.21% (n=5) and 0% (n=0) in those who were managed surgically and nonsurgically, respectively. Ulcers recurred in 5% of patients. In conclusion, PMU is a surgical emergency after gastric bypass that can result in significant morbidity and even mortality. This is the first systematic review in scientific literature characterizing this condition.     

腹腔镜胃旁路术的并发症及其防治

腹腔镜Roux-en-Y胃旁路手术（LRYGB）治疗病态肥胖,因其疗效快捷、持久而成为减重外科的“金标准”术式。然而,由于其手术操作复杂和学习曲线较长,故具有潜在风险。LRYGB术后并发症分为早期和晚期两类,并发症如果发现不及时或处理不当,可导致严重的后果,甚至死亡。因此,预防和及早诊断LRYGB术后出现的并发症,并及时有效地进行处理,对LRYGB的健康开展具有重要意义。     

Incidence and treatment of small bowel leak after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a cohort study from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry

BackgroundAnastomotic leak at the gastrojejunostomy in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a rare, but serious, complication. Little has been published on leaks at other sites.ObjectivesTo assess incidence, risk factors, treatment, and outcome of small bowel leaks at the enteroenteral anastomosis (EA) and undiagnosed iatrogenic small bowel perforations in primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.SettingNationwide cohort, Sweden.MethodsAll leaks within 30 days in 41,342 patients (age 40.8 [standard deviation 11.1] yr, females 68%, and body mass index 42.4 [standard deviation 5.4] kg/m²) between 2007 and 2014 in the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry were assessed. Register data and outcomes were verified by reviewing patient charts. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for significant risk factors.ResultsThe incidence of small bowel leaks was .3%. Iatrogenic perforations were diagnosed earlier than EA leaks, 3.6 versus 6.5 days after surgery (P = .02). EA leaks were seen in 75 patients (.2%), with surgery at a low-volume center (<125 cases/yr, OR 2.1 [1.0–4.1]) and prolonged operative time (≥90 min, OR 3.5 [1.1–11.0]) as risk factors. The risk of iatrogenic small bowel perforations, .1%, was tripled by prolonged operative time (OR 3.4 [1.2–9.4]). Surgical reintervention was required in 97% of leaks, repairing the defect and draining the abdominal cavity in most cases. A third of the patients required intensive care, of which 5% developed multiorgan failure and 1% died.ConclusionSmall bowel leaks, seen in .3%, were associated to prolonged operative time, and surgery at a low-volume center for EA leaks. Surgical reintervention was common, while mortality was low.     

Endoscopic management of stomal stenosis after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background: In the United States, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has evolved into the procedure of choice for clinically severe obesity. Stomal stenosis resulting in gastric outlet obstruction is a recognized complication. Endoscopic balloon dilation is often used to treat this condition. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic management of stomal stenosis we evaluated our treatment methods and outcomes. Methods: The records of all patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2002 were studied. Stenosis was defined as signs and symptoms of obstruction with inability to cannulate the gastrojejunostomy using an 8.5-mm diagnostic endoscope. Charts were reviewed and demographic data, operative course, symptoms, and outcomes were recorded. Results: A total of 562 patients underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for obesity during the study period. Of these, 38 patients underwent endoscopic balloon dilation for stomal stenosis, for a stenosis rate of 6.8%. The average time from surgery to initial dilation was 7.7 weeks (range 3 to 24). The average number of dilations required was 2.1 (range one to six). The mean initial balloon size was 13 mm and the mean final balloon size was 16 mm. Two patients failed endoscopic dilation and proceeded to surgery, including one patient who developed pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax after dilation. All patients were relieved of their gastric outlet obstruction. The success rate for endoscopic balloon dilation was 95% with a 3% complication rate. Conclusions: In our experience, the rate of gastrojejunostomy stenosis following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is 6.8%. Endoscopic balloon dilation is a safe and effective therapy for stomal stenosis with a high success rate. It should be considered an appropriate intervention with a low risk for reoperation.     

Late perforation at the jejuno-jejunal anastomosis after laparoscopic gastric bypass for morbid obesity

BackgroundAlthough marginal ulceration and perforation at the gastrojejunal anastomosis is an established, albeit rare, risk after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) for morbid obesity, little is known about the risk of late perforation at the jejuno-jejunal (J-J) anastomosis. The objective of this study was to identify the incidence of J-J perforation and describe management options and sequelae.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of the database of all patients who underwent LRYGB. The results are presented as mean (range) where appropriate.ResultsBetween April 2002 and April 2012, 1652 patients underwent LRYGB (1577 primary and 75 revision procedures). The operative mortality was .18%. Three patients developed late perforation of the J-J anastomosis (.18%) at 7, 9, and 18 weeks, respectively. Two patients were managed with resection and reanastomosis of the perforation by laparotomy, and a third patient was managed laparoscopically with peritoneal lavage and transcutaneous tube jejunostomy of the perforation. All patients recovered well postoperatively. However, the third patient represented 42 days later with sepsis and died secondary to recurrent J-J ulcer perforation.ConclusionPerforation of the J-J anastomosis is a rare and life-threatening delayed complication after LRYGB and usually presents within 2–8 months postoperatively. It poses difficulties with diagnosis and management and should be dealt with judiciously.     

The role of drainage after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity: A systematic review

BackgroundIntraperitoneal drainage after gastrointestinal surgery is still routinely used in many hospitals. The objective of this study was to determine the evidence-based value of routine drainage after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).MethodsAn electronic search of the MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases from 2002 to 2012 was performed to identify articles analyzing the use of drainage after RYGB, its efficacy in determining the presence of an anastomotic leak, and its role in nonoperative treatment of the leakage.ResultsEighteen articles were identified: 6 nonrandomized prospective cohort studies, 1 cohort retrospective study that compared routine drainage versus no drainage, 11 retrospective cohort studies, and no randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The sensitivity of drainage in detecting postoperative leakage varied between 0% and 94.1% in 10 articles (3 prospective and 6 retrospective) reporting data about this matter. The efficacy of drainage for the nonoperative treatment of postoperative leakage could be estimated in 11 articles (5 prospective and 6 retrospective) and varied between 12.5% and 100%. Only 2 studies reported data about nonoperative treatment of leakage without drainage, which was pursued in 0% and 33% of patients, respectively.ConclusionEvidence-based recommendations on the use of drainage after RYGB cannot be given. Without RCTs, the value of routine drainage cannot be ascertained.     

Upper endoscopy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: diagnostic yield and factors associated with relevant findings

BackgroundAfter laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass many patients present with complaints for which an upper endoscopy is performed. However, often no abnormalities are found.ObjectivesTo investigate the incidence of relevant findings at upper endoscopy and identify patient characteristics associated with a relevant finding.SettingA high-volume bariatric center.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed. All patients presenting with complaints after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass who consequently underwent a diagnostic upper endoscopy were identified from a prospective endoscopic database. Primary outcomes were the number and type of relevant findings at upper endoscopy and its association with patient characteristics. Relevant findings were defined as abnormalities requiring treatment.ResultsNinety-eight (39.2%) of 250 patients had a relevant finding at upper endoscopy, mostly marginal ulcer and stomal stenosis. Male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.47 [1.12–10.76]), alcohol consumption (OR 7.27 [1.58–33.36]), dysphagia or suspicion of bleeding as referral reason (OR 3.62 [1.54–8.52] and 39.93 [4.96–321.47], respectively, compared with abdominal pain), an abnormal upper gastrointestinal series (OR 6.81 [2.06–22.48]), and no abdominal ultrasound (OR 7.41 [1.48–37.08] compared with a normal ultrasound) were significantly associated with a relevant finding at upper endoscopy.ConclusionsIn this study sex, alcohol consumption, referral reason, and prior imaging studies were associated with a relevant finding at upper endoscopy after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.     

Severe anemia after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a cause for concern

Background

The current popularity of metabolic surgery has led to increasing attention to long-term nutritional complications.

Nephrolithiasis after bariatric surgery: A comparison of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy

IntroductionLaparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is known to increase risk for calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis due to hyperoxaluria; however, nephrolithiasis rates after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are not well described. Our objective was to determine the rate of nephrolithiasis after LRYGB versus LSG.MethodsThe electronic medical records of patients who underwent LRYGB or LSG between 2001 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.Results1,802 patients were included. Postoperative nephrolithiasis was observed in 133 (7.4%) patients, overall, and 8.12% of LRYGB (122/1503) vs. 3.68% of LSG (11/299) patients (P < 0.001). Mean time to stone formation was 2.97 ± 2.96 years. Patients with a history of UTI (OR = 2.12, 95%CI 1.41–3.18; P < 0.001) or nephrolithiasis (OR = 8.81, 95%CI 4.93–15.72; P < 0.001) were more likely to have postoperative nephrolithiasis.ConclusionThe overall incidence of symptomatic nephrolithiasis after bariatric surgery was 7.4%. Patients who underwent LRYGB had a higher incidence of nephrolithiasis versus LSG. Patients with a history of stones had the highest risk of postoperative nephrolithiasis.