Laparoscopic Management of Internal Hernia After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Internal hernia (IH) represents the most common cause of small-bowel obstruction after laparoscopic RYGBP. The anatomic changes resulting from RYGBP, the use of laparoscopy, and the postoperative weight loss all account for the high incidence of IH after this procedure. As the symptoms may be very vague, the interpretation of the clinical picture may result difficult. Moreover, laparoscopic treatment of IH could be very challenging for surgeons not familiar with the modified intestinal anatomy of the RYGBP.

The video shows the management of an IH at the Petersen's defect. A 51-year-old female was assessed for recurrent abdominal pain 3 years after a RYGBP. A CT scan showed the mesenteric swirl sign, so a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. The video first shows the identification of the herniated bowel through the mesenteric defect. Then, complete reduction of the IH and the closure of the Petersen's defect are shown.

The total operative time was 35 min. The postoperative stay was uneventful and the patient was discharged in postoperative day one.

In case of clinical suspicion of IH, even in case of normal laboratory and radiological findings, a surgical exploration is indicated.