Long-term outcome of reversal of small intestinal bypass operations

Between 1976 and 1987, 43 patients underwent reversal of jejunoileal bypass operations because of metabolic complications of the operation. Electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, and diarrhea (16 patients); cirrhosis (9); nephrolithiasis (9); arthritis (7); and pathologic fractures (1) were the primary indications for reconstruction. Many patients had multiple complications of the jejunoileal bypass operation. Twenty-nine patients underwent gastroplasty at the time of reversal and 14 did not. Seventy three +/- 5 months after reversal, patients with a gastroplasty weighed significantly less than patients without a gastroplasty. Patients with electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, and diarrhea were all improved after reconstruction. Two patients with cirrhosis died of liver failure after reconstruction; the distinguishing preoperative characteristic was ascites. Postoperative interval liver biopsies indicated improvement in histologic appearance in four patients and no change in three. Nephrolithiasis improved or disappeared in all patients after reconstruction, whereas arthritis improved in 5 of 7 patients. Gastroplasty produced no benefit in alleviation of metabolic complications of jejunoileal bypass operations. Although the survival rate in these patients at last follow-up was 95 percent, 28 percent were incapacitated. Simultaneous gastroplasty performed at the time of reversal significantly decreases body weight when compared with patients undergoing reversal without a gastroplasty.