Petersen's hernia after laparoscopic gastric bypass

RYDG is the second most prevalent bariatric operation worldwide in terms of surgical treatment for the management of obesity and its comorbidities; however, one of its complications is the development of Petersen's space hernia. Currently there is no specific cause for their development since, based on studies published worldwide, they have an unpredictable behavior in each individual.

To establish the prevalence of Petersen's hernia and risk factors for its development.

Retrospective cohort study that included patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass from January 2015 to December 2020. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon using antecolic and retrogastric configuration. Study variables: weight, BMI, mesenteric gap closure, suture material used, post-surgical complications.

00 patients were included, 64 women and 36 men, age 40.33 ± 2.08 years. The prevalence of Petersen's space hernia was 3% with a mean presentation time of 18 ± 7.54 months. The variables related to its development in the 3 cases were closure of the mesenteric gap, height, body mass index (BMI) and weight after the surgical procedure. All patients underwent reoperation, reducing the content and closing the mesenteric gap with non-absorbable suture material.

The development of the hernia not only depends on the closure of the mesenteric gap, but also on the reduction of weight and loss of volume of the mesentery with the reopening of the space.