Laparoscopic management of complications following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity

Background: We reviewed our experience with complications following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) that were managed laparoscopically. Methods: A total of 246 consecutive morbidly obese patients (mean body mass index, 50.9 kg/m²) underwent LRYGB by three surgeons at two institutions. All patients met National Institutes of Health criteria for surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Patients were followed prospectively. Results: A total of 62 patients (25.2%) developed 64 complications, 34 of which (13.8%) required a surgical intervention. Twenty-seven of the 34 procedures were performed laparoscopically. Gastrojejunostomy stricture was the most common complication (8.9%), followed by intestinal obstruction (7.3%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (4%). The intestinal obstruction was secondary to adhesions (n = 6), internal hernia at the level of the transverse mesocolon (n = 3), jejunojejunostomy stricture (n = 3), and cicatrix around the Roux limb at the level of the transverse mesocolon (n = 3). Other complications included gastrojejunostomy leak (1.6%), symptomatic gallstone disease (2.8%), and gastric remnant perforation (0.8%). One patient underwent a negative laparoscopy to rule out anastomotic leak. There were 3 deaths in this series of patients, 2 attributable to anastomotic leak. Conclusions: A variety of complications can present after LRYGB. Laparoscopy is an excellent technique to treat these complications.