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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Operation in Rats
Published on: June 11, 2012
Marginal ulcer after gastric bypass: a prospective 3-year study of 173 patients
J A Sapala1, M H Wood, M A Sapala
1Surgical Services, Detroit Riverview Hospital, MI, USA.
Background:
Marginal ulceration (MU) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a well-recognized complication. Its incidence varies between 1% and 16%. Factors associated with the development of MU include pouch size, pouch orientation, staple line integrity, and mucosal ischemia. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori may also contribute to MU, but their mechanism of action in the RYGB patient has not been studied.
Methods:
In 1994 a prospective 3-year study was designed to document the incidence of MU after near-total gastric bypass (NTGB). In this procedure the transected pouch was limited to the cardia, and the gastrojejunostomy was made along the greater curvature. A total of 173 patients entered the study. All patients who experienced postoperative nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain underwent endoscopic examination of the pouch, stoma, and proximal Roux-en-Y limb. Gastrograffin studies were used within the first 2 weeks of operation.
Results:
One year after operation, MU was not identified in any patient. At 3 years follow-up, MU was documented in one patient (0.6%) with a dilated gastric reservoir (60 cc).
Conclusion:
This study reviews the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of MU in the RYGB patient and offers specific recommendations to reduce its occurrence. It also confirms a preliminary impression that NTGB is an effective operation in preventing MU formation.
