Imaging Pearls and Pitfalls Following Common and Rare Bariatric Procedures.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Bariatric Surgery

Background:

• Morbid obesity management increasingly involves bariatric surgery.
• Postoperative imaging is common in clinical practice.
• Radiologists require knowledge of bariatric procedures for accurate interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the imaging appearance of common and less common bariatric procedures.
• To highlight technical considerations for imaging.
• To aid in identifying postoperative complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of physiological principles and normal postoperative anatomy.
• Illustration of imaging findings using fluoroscopic upper GI studies and CT.
• Case examples of common procedures (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding) and less common ones (intragastric balloon, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch).

Main Results:

• Detailed description of normal anatomy and imaging appearance for various bariatric procedures.
• Identification of imaging pearls for detecting perioperative and late complications.
• Emphasis on the radiologist's role in managing complications.

Conclusions:

• Familiarity with bariatric surgery anatomy and imaging is crucial.
• Radiologists can facilitate early detection and management of postoperative complications.
• This review provides essential knowledge for interpreting bariatric surgery imaging.