Laparoscopic conversion of failed gastric bypass to duodenal switch: technical considerations and preliminary outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss failure after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a challenging problem facing bariatric surgeons today. Conversion from RYGB to biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) might provide the most durable weight loss of all revision procedures currently available. Revision to BPD-DS can be done laparoscopically in 1 or 2 stages and involves 4 anastomoses: gastrogastrostomy, duodenoileostomy, ileoileostomy, and jejunojejunostomy (to reconnect the old Roux limb). This study reports on our early outcomes after laparoscopic conversion from RYGB to BPD-DS.

METHODS: The data from all patients undergoing conversion from failed RYGB to BPD-DS were retrospectively reviewed. The data analyzed included age, body mass index, excess weight loss, method of gastrogastrostomy, and morbidity/mortality.

RESULTS: Twelve patients were identified for analysis. The mean age and body mass index before conversion was 41 years and 41 kg/m(2), respectively. Of these 12 patients, 4 (33%) had undergone revision surgery (lengthening of the Roux limb, resizing the gastric pouch, adjustable band on pouch, or distal gastric bypass) before conversion; 8 (66%) had obesity-related co-morbidities; 7 (58%) underwent conversion to BPD-DS in 1 stage. Most gastrogastrostomies were performed using the 25-mm circular stapler. No patient died and no leaks developed. One patient required laparotomy, and 4 developed stricture at the gastrogastrostomy. The patients lost a dramatic amount of weight after conversion to BPD-DS, with a mean body mass index and excess weight loss of 31 kg/m(2) and 63%, respectively, at 11 months postoperatively. All co-morbidities resolved completely with the weight loss.

CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results indicate that laparoscopic conversion to BPD-DS from failed RYGB is highly effective with an acceptable morbidity. Using a linear stapler to construct the gastrogastrostomy might reduce the stricture rate.