Endoscopic findings in the excluded stomach after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

HYPOTHESIS: After gastric bypass surgery performed because of morbid obesity, the excluded stomach can rarely be endoscopically examined. With the advent of a new apparatus and technique, possible mucosal changes can be routinely accessed and monitored, thus preventing potential benign and malignant complications.

DESIGN: Prospective observational study in a homogeneous population with nonspecific symptoms.

SETTING: Outpatient clinic of a large public academic hospital.

PATIENTS: Forty consecutive patients (mean +/- SD age, 44.5 +/- 10.0 y ears; 85.0% women) were seen at a mean +/- SD of 77.3 +/- 19.4 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

INTERVENTION: Elective double-balloon enteroscopy of the excluded stomach was performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate of successful intubation, endoscopic findings, and complications.

RESULTS: The excluded stomach was reached in 35 of 40 patients (87.5%). Mean +/- SD time to enter the organ was 24.9 +/- 14.3 minutes (range, 5-75 minutes). Endoscopic findings were normal in 9 patients (25.7%), whereas in 26 (74.3%), various types of gastritis (erythematous, erosive, hemorrhagic erosive, and atrophic) were identified, primarily in the gastric body and antrum. No cancer was documented in the present series. Tolerance was good, and no complications were recorded during or after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS: The double-balloon method is useful and practical for access to the excluded stomach. Although cancer was not noted, most of the studied population had gastritis, including moderate and severe forms. Surveillance of the excluded stomach is recommended after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery performed because of morbid obesity.