Long-Term Outcomes of Revisional Bariatric Surgery after Sleeve Gastrectomy: Comparing Re-sleeve, Gastric Bypass, and Duodenal Switch-type Procedures

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most common bariatric procedure but requires revision in ~ 30% of cases due to suboptimal response or persistent obesity-related medical problems. Revisional options include re-sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), and single-anastomosis duodenal switch (SADS), though long-term comparative data are limited.

To assess medium- to long-term outcomes of four revisional surgeries after primary SG for suboptimal weight loss or persistent associated medical problems.

University hospital.

This retrospective study analyzed a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent revisional bariatric surgery after SG between 2010 and 2021. Indications included suboptimal clinical response (< 50% excess weight loss), ≥ 20% recurrent weight gain, or persistent non-reflux obesity-related medical problems lasting ≥ 1 year. Revisions included re-sleeve, RYGB, BPD/DS, and SADS. Patients with ≥ 3 years of follow-up were evaluated for weight loss, associated medical problems resolution, and major complications.

Of 113 eligible patients, 89 (79%) had ≥ 3 years of follow-up (median 70 [35] months). Median pre-revision BMI was 43.0 (8) kg/m², highest in duodenal switch-type procedures (p = 0.005). Median BMI reduction was 6.0 (7) kg/m². BPD/DS showed the highest median total weight loss (20% [12]) and diabetes resolution, though not statistically significant (p = 0.148 and 0.089). Major complications beyond 6 months were similar across groups (p = 0.248).

Revisional surgery after primary SG offers modest long-term benefits. Duodenal switch-type procedures show superior trends with comparable safety.