Gallstone-related complications after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a prospective study

Gastric bypass is a widespread bariatric procedure that carries a high incidence of gallstone formation postoperatively. Controversy exists regarding the importance and consequences of gallstones in these patients. There are surgeons who consider gallstone-related complications after gastric bypass important enough to require routine removal of the gallbladder during gastric bypass (prophylactic cholecystectomy). However, this can lead to increased costs and risks. This study aimed to identify complications related to cholelithiasis after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP).

This is a prospective observational study of 40 morbidly obese patients free of gallbladder disease. The patients underwent open RYGBP at a public hospital in Brazil from February to October 2007. They were followed up clinically and ultrasonographically at 6 months and 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. Of the patients, 38 patients were followed up for 3 years.

Eleven patients (28.9%) developed cholelithiasis, four (10.5%) experienced biliary pain, and 2 suffered from acute biliary pancreatitis (5.3%). These patients had their gallbladders removed laparoscopically. No patient presented with acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, or bile duct dilation during the follow-up period. There were no deaths.

Gallstone-related complications after RYGBP were relatively common. Some of these complications, like acute pancreatitis, are known to have potentially severe outcomes. It seems reasonable to perform cholecystectomy during gastric bypass in the presence of cholelithiasis or after this procedure if gallstones develop.