Laparoscopic omega-loop gastric bypass for the conversion of failed sleeve gastrectomy: early experience

Despite the initial effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), some patients who undergo this purely restrictive technique have inadequate weight loss or renewed weight gain and persistent obesity-related co-morbidities with their potentially lethal complications. In such patients, the conversion of SG by the addition of a malabsorptive technique may then be necessary.

Conversion of SG to a mini gastric bypass (MGBP) was evaluated for failure of weight loss. An ante-colic end-to-side stapled gastro-jejunal anastomosis was performed laparoscopically, connecting the long narrow gastric tube to the jejunum at a point 200cm downstream from the ligament of Treitz.

Between October 2006 and February 2012, 651 laparoscopic MGBP were performed for morbid obesity. Twenty-three of these patients (3.5%) had previously undergone SG. The conversion from SG to MGPB was performed laparoscopically in 19 of the 23 patients (81%) at a mean interval of 26.3months (8.2-63.7). The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was zero and the morbidity rate was 9.5%. The mean BMI before MGBP was 44±7.7kg (35.8-55.4). Conversion of SG to MGBP resulted in additional weight loss, achieving a mean BMI of 39.9 with a 26.8% loss of excess BMI (EBL) at 3months, mean BMI of 36.5 with 37.2% EBL at 12months, mean BMI of 36.2 with 48.6% EBL at 18months, and mean BMI of 35.7 with EBL of 51.6% at 24months. The overall mean EBL was 57.3±19.5% (range: 25-82%) at 42.3months (range 16.7-60.8months).

Conversion of SG to MGBP is feasible, safe and effective, and results in significant additional weight loss. Definitive results at 2 and 5years are awaited for the long-term procedure validation.