Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Operation in Rats
Published on: June 11, 2012
Chronic Abdominal Pain and Symptoms 5 Years After Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity
Ingvild K Høgestøl1,2, Monica Chahal-Kummen3, Inger Eribe3
1Department of Endocrinology, Morbid Obesity and Preventive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. i.k.hogestol@medisin.uio.no.
Introduction:
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is widely performed as treatment of morbid obesity. Long-term weight loss, effects on co-morbidities, and quality of life after RYGB have been well addressed. Other long-term outcomes are less elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, symptom characteristics, and possible predictors of chronic abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms during consultations 5 years after RYGB.
Methods:
A 5-year follow-up study of patients operated with RYGB 2008-2009 was performed. The patients completed questionnaires regarding chronic abdominal pain, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), the ROME III questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pain Catastrophing Scale (PCS), the Brief Pain Inventory, and SF-36. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses of characteristics associated with chronic abdominal pain were performed.
Results:
A total of 165/234 (71%) patients met to the follow-up, 160 of these accepted study inclusion. The mean follow-up was 64 (SD 4.2) months. The mean age was 42.5 (SD 8.7) years and 59% were females. The mean total weight loss was 23.9% (SD 11.2). Chronic abdominal pain was reported by 33.8%. Female gender, average strength of bodily pain, and the PCS sum score were associated with chronic abdominal pain. Symptoms of indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome were reported by 48.8% and 29.1%, respectively. Chronic abdominal pain was associated with reduced health related quality of life.
Conclusion:
A substantial proportion of patients experienced chronic abdominal pain and symptoms 5 years after RYGB. Abdominal pain should be addressed at follow-up consultations after RYGB.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...