Case report: Concurrent intussusception and bleeding marginal ulcer in a patient with gastric bypass

The source of abdominal pain in patients with a history of gastric bypass can be difficult to determine. Synchronous disease processes may ultimately be the cause of their symptoms. Among the etiologies for hematemesis and obstruction in this population are the diagnoses of marginal ulcer and internal hernia. Given the potential complications of bariatric surgery, it is important to maintain a broad differential diagnosis during the workup of these patients.

A female with history of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) presented with abdominal pain and hematemesis. Intraoperative findings revealed intussusception of the jejunojejunostomy resulting in obstruction and ischemic bowel. Additionally, a perforated marginal ulcer of the Roux-limb was found to be present. This patient underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, bowel resection, jejunojejunostomy revision, and Graham patch repair.

This case highlights a patient with history of RYGB presenting with obstruction and gastrointestinal bleeding. Although initially diagnosed with internal hernia and Mallory-Weiss hematemesis, surgical exploration revealed concurrent intussusception and marginal ulceration. While intussusception is a rare complication of bariatric surgery, it can occur secondary to mesenteric thinning and motility dysfunction from significant weight loss. It is imperative to maintain a broad differential diagnosis for the causes of obstruction and GI bleeding that include adhesive disease, abdominal wall hernia, internal hernia, intussusception, and marginal ulcers.

Findings of obstruction or GI bleeding after bariatric surgery may represent a surgical emergency. While these symptoms may be attributed to a single diagnosis, clinicians must consider the presence of synchronous pathologies during the workup of patients.