Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

07:37
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Operation in Rats
Published on: June 11, 2012
Gallstone-related complications after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a prospective study.
Rachid G Nagem1, Alcino Lázaro-da-Silva, Rafael Morroni de Oliveira
1Division of General Surgery, Ipsemg Hospital, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. rgnagem@yahoo.com.br
Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases International : HBPD INT
|December 13, 2012
Summary
Gallstones are common after gastric bypass surgery. Some patients develop complications like biliary pain and pancreatitis, suggesting prophylactic gallbladder removal may be beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Bariatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Gallstone Disease
Background:
- Gastric bypass is a common bariatric procedure with a high rate of post-operative gallstone formation.
- The clinical significance and consequences of gallstones after gastric bypass are debated.
- Prophylactic cholecystectomy during gastric bypass is considered but carries increased costs and risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and types of gallstone-related complications following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP).
- To evaluate the necessity of prophylactic cholecystectomy in patients undergoing RYGBP.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 40 morbidly obese patients without pre-existing gallbladder disease.
- Patients underwent open RYGBP and were followed clinically and via ultrasound for 3 years.
- 38 patients completed the 3-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- 28.9% of patients developed gallstones (cholelithiasis).
- 10.5% experienced biliary pain, and 5.3% suffered acute biliary pancreatitis.
- No cases of acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, or bile duct dilation were observed. No deaths occurred.
Conclusions:
- Gallstone complications are relatively common after RYGBP.
- Complications such as acute pancreatitis can have severe outcomes.
- Consideration for cholecystectomy during or after RYGBP is warranted if gallstones develop.
Related Concept Videos
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
Pyloric Obstruction
Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. This procedure is beneficial for identifying and addressing blockages, gallstones, strictures, and tumors within the biliary or pancreatic systems. ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering the ability to visualize and treat identified problems in one session.
Patient...
Patient...
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Complications
Duodenal UlcersDuodenal ulcers are the most common form of peptic ulcer disease, presenting with chronic, intermittent epigastric pain. Pain typically appears 2–3 hours after meals, especially when the stomach is empty, often waking patients at night. It is characteristically relieved by food or antacids (“pain–food–relief”). Some patients remain asymptomatic until complications like bleeding or perforation emerge, particularly with NSAID or anticoagulant use.Gastric UlcersGastric ulcers share...

