[Functional and surgical complications after bariatric surgery for severe obesity]

Bariatric surgery, the most effective treatment for obesity, can lead to long-term complications. These may be of functional nature (dumping, hypoglycemia, reflux) or of surgical nature. Acute or chronic abdominal pain is not unusual after gastric bypass. Often unrelated to surgery, it can be caused by an acute surgical problem (internal hernia, obstruction, intussusception), which can lead to extensive bowel necrosis if not treated quickly. Other complications (candy cane, anastomotic ulcer, reflux) can also develop. An « obstructed sleeve » can develop early or late after sleeve gastrectomy. Rapid management of acute abdominal pain is essential and should, ideally, be done in a specialized setting where appropriate imaging and specific surgical skills are readily available.