Conversion to Roux en Y gastric bypass after sleeve gastrectomy: outcomes from a Middle Eastern cohort

Area of Science:

• Bariatric surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Metabolic surgery

Background:

• Conversion from sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is increasingly performed for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), recurrent weight gain, and anatomical complications.
• Outcome data from Middle Eastern centers remain limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of conversion from SG to RYGB in a Middle Eastern cohort.
• Assessed weight reduction, GERD symptom improvement, and complication rates.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 32 women undergoing conversion from SG to RYGB.
• Data collected on pre- and post-conversion BMI, excess weight loss (%EWL), GERD symptom resolution, and comorbidities.
• Comparison of laparoscopic and robotic approaches.

Main Results:

• Mean pre-SG BMI was 42 kg/m2, decreasing significantly at 1 year post-conversion (24-28 kg/m2 depending on indication).
• Mean %EWL was 65-82%. GERD symptoms improved in 85% of patients.
• Type 2 diabetes remission (58%) and hypertension improvement (72%) were observed, with a 9.1% complication rate.

Conclusions:

• Conversion from SG to RYGB is an effective procedure for significant weight reduction and improvement in GERD symptoms.
• The procedure demonstrates acceptable morbidity rates in a Middle Eastern population.
• Laparoscopic and robotic approaches showed similar outcomes, warranting further investigation.