Intussusception in pregnancy after gastric bypass: a case report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Bariatric Surgery
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background:

• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a leading bariatric procedure, frequently performed in women of reproductive age.
• Increasing obesity rates and improved fertility post-RYGB lead to more pregnancies with prior bariatric surgery.
• Acute abdominal pain in post-RYGB patients has a broad differential, including ulcers, leaks, and obstructions.

Observation:

• A 29-year-old pregnant woman at 33 weeks gestation presented with acute abdominal pain.
• The patient had a history of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).
• Intussusception was diagnosed as the cause of her symptoms.

Findings:

• Intussusception is a rare but critical complication following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).
• Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Surgical intervention, in this case, a laparotomy for reduction, was successful.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering intussusception in pregnant patients with a history of RYGB presenting with abdominal pain.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration between bariatric surgeons and obstetricians is vital for managing these complex cases.
• Further research into optimal surgical approaches (laparoscopy vs. laparotomy) for RYGB complications during pregnancy is warranted.