Long-term results of conversion of Roux-en-Y to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

Despite the fact Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most efficient bariatric procedures, postoperative weight regain still can be seen.

To retrospectively assess the early outcomes and up to 10-year weight results of the conversion of RYGB to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS).

French private hospital, 2-surgeon practice in a bariatric surgery center with an experience of >20 RYGB procedures.

Analysis was conducted on patients who had a conversion of RYGB to BPD-DS performed since 2010 for a percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) <50% with a small gastric pouch.

A total of 65 females and 9 males aged 46.8 ± 8.8 years had an RYGB procedure done 110.6 ± 38.8 months earlier for a body mass index of 47.4 ± 7.8 kg/m². Conversion was always performed in 1 stage and laparoscopically for 93% of the patients. The 30-day complication rate was 25.7%, with 14.8% of patients undergoing reoperation. Maximum results were seen 2 years after conversion, outranging RYGB: %EWL of 78.3% ± 24% with percent total weight loss (%TWL) of 35.9% ± 11.9% and %EWL of 72% ± 24.1% with %TWL of 32.6% ± 11%, respectively. The 5-year weight of all the patients (85.7% follow-up) remained lower than the pre-conversion weight. Over time, 1 reversal and 4 revisions were required, and frequent stools and gastroesophageal reflux were the most frequent complaints.

Despite its complexity, conversion of RYGB to BPD-DS can be performed in 1 stage, although the use of an unconventional technique could not reduce the high complication rate. BPD-DS remains an efficient procedure after RYGB in selected patients, comparable to distalization of RYGB, which can be less risky.