The Efficacy of Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass after Previous Anti-Reflux Surgery: A Single Surgeon Experience.

BACKGROUND: In this study we assessed feasibility, weight loss results and recurrence of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) in patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) after previous anti-reflux surgery.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed for patients undergoing laparoscopic RYGB after previous anti-refux surgery between 1/1/2000 and 1/1/2015. Weight loss was assessed using %Excess Weight Loss (%EWL) and every patient was compared with two matched control subjects. Telephone interviews were conducted to assure maximum follow-up data. Quality Of Life (QOL) was assessed using the Gastro-Intestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), Gastro-intestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS).

RESULTS: A total of 18 patients (11 female, 7 male) were identified (17 Nissen and 1 former Belsey-Mark IV fundoplication). Mean time between surgical interventions was 9.4 years. Laparoscopic RYGB was feasible without intra-operative complications. One patient needed relaparoscopy for falsely suspected leakage and another suffered from postoperative pneumonia. Symptomatic GORD after RYGB was reported by 3 patients (16.7%). QOL was rated good with a GIQLI-score of 118 (range 97-140), GSRS score of 33 (range 15-59) and BAROS-score of 4,6 (range 1.2-6.8). EWL 3 years after surgery was comparable with matched control subjects (80.1% vs. 79.2% in controls, P=0.70).

CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic conversion of anti-reflux surgery to RYGB with breakdown of the fundoplication is feasible and safe. Weight loss results are equal to control subjects and treatment of GORD is good. No significant decrease in QOL was reported.