Resolving bile reflux by lanreotide in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy

Reflux into the esophagus after partial or total gastrectomy is a well known problem. Even a Roux-en-Y reconstruction is not always a definitive solution. Bile reflux might occur and cause disabling symptoms, unresponsive to the classic anti-acid or anti-reflux therapy. Endoscopy and a Tc-99m-BrIDA hepatobiliary (HIDA) scan can be used to make the diagnosis. Clinical studies have shown that lanreotide (somatuline), which strongly inhibits many gastro-intestinal hormones, reduces the bile salts outputs. We present a case of a patient with bile reflux after Roux-en-Y. After administration of lanreotide he had a good clinical improvement and mucosal healing on endoscopy. Lanreotide can be a good treatment option for bile reflux when classic treatment fails, but clinical trials with more patients will have to confirm this.