Related Experiment Videos
Computed tomography patterns in small bowel obstruction after open distal gastric bypass
Myur S Srikanth1, Thomas Keskey, S Ross Fox
1Surgical Weight Loss Clinic, 3716 Pacific Avenue #B, Tacoma, WA 98418, USA. myursrikanth@yahoo.com
Obesity Surgery
|August 21, 2004
Summary
Small bowel obstruction after gastric bypass can be life-threatening, often with subtle symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) scans are crucial for diagnosing these unusual obstructions when other tests are normal.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Life-threatening small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a risk after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to minimal laboratory and plain x-ray findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present clinical and radiological findings in patients with unusual SBO after open distal gastric bypass.
- To highlight the utility of CT imaging in diagnosing challenging SBO cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 1,409 open distal gastric bypasses (1994-2003).
- Radiological review of computed tomography (CT) scans by an experienced radiologist.
Main Results:
- Identified 7 recurring patterns of SBO on CT, including intussusception and various internal hernias.
- Many patients had normal white blood cell counts and non-specific x-ray findings, even with complications like dead bowel.
Conclusions:
- Gastric bypass patients with SBO may have vague symptoms and misleading test results.
- CT imaging with contrast is vital for early diagnosis and can be life-saving.
- Unexplained abdominal pain in these patients warrants prompt exploration.