Gastric bypass reversal: a 7-year experience

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Adverse conditions following gastric bypass surgery can necessitate reversal.
• Limited clinical guidance exists for gastric bypass reversal procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the indications for gastric bypass reversal.
• To describe surgical techniques and patient outcomes for gastric bypass reversal.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 19 patients undergoing gastric bypass reversal between 2008 and 2015.
• Data collected on original surgery, reversal indications, procedures, and outcomes.
• Analysis of perioperative and delayed complications, and long-term symptom resolution.

Main Results:

• Laparoscopic approach used in most of the 19 reversal surgeries.
• Indications included malnutrition, chronic nausea/vomiting, neuroglycopenia, and small bowel loss.
• Majority of patients experienced symptom resolution; 6 weaned off total parenteral nutrition.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic gastric bypass reversal is a safe and effective procedure.
• It successfully treats various complications arising after gastric bypass.
• Consider reversal surgery for carefully selected patients if conservative measures are insufficient.