Outcome of Sleeve Gastrectomy Converted to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the commonest bariatric procedure worldwide but there is also a high conversion rate mainly due to weight regain and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) reported in studies with long-term follow-up. The aim of this study is to highlight benefits and limitations of converting SG patients to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB).

Retrospective cross-sectional-study, medical university clinic setting.

This study includes all patients converted from primary SG to RYGB or OAGB by 12/2018 at the Medical University of Vienna. Patients were examined using gastroscopy, esophageal manometry, 24-h pH-metry, and questionnaires.

Fifty-eight patients were converted from SG to RYGB (n = 45) or OAGB (n = 13). Total weight loss of patients converted to RYGB and OAGB was 41.5% and 44.8%, respectively, at nadir. Six patients had Barrett's esophagus (BE) after SG. In four out of these six patients, a complete remission of BE after conversion to RYGB was observed; nevertheless, two patients after RYGB and one after OABG newly developed BE. Clinical GERD improved at a higher rate after RYGB than after OAGB. Both revisional procedures improved associated medical problems.

Conversion to RYGB is probably the best option for patients with GERD after SG. OAGB has shown a low potential to cure patients from GERD symptoms after SG. In terms of additional weight loss and remission of associated medical problems, both procedures studied were equal. Surveillance gastroscopies every 5 years after SG revisions are recommended.