Conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: an audit of 34 patients.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss failure and proton pomp inhibitor (PPI)-resistant gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are frequently encountered.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and risks of SG conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in the case of weight loss failure or severe GERD.

SETTING: University hospitals.

METHODS: Between March 2007 and December 2014, 34 patients with history of SG underwent RYGP. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database was undertaken.

RESULTS: Among 34 patients, 31 underwent revisional surgery for weight loss failure and 3 for PPI-resistant GERD. Six patients in the weight loss failure group had symptomatic GERD that was effectively treated with PPIs. The average body mass index (BMI) was 53±11 kg/m2 before SG. A laparoscopic approach was performed in 94% of patients. There was no postoperative mortality. Major adverse events (<90 days) occurred in 4 patients (11.7%). The mean length of stay was 6.7±2.8 days. At the time of revisional surgery, the mean BMI, percentage excess weight loss, and percentage weight loss were 44.7±9.8 kg/m2, 33.6±27.1%, and 16±9.7%, respectively, compared with 40.9±8.5 kg/m2, 63.1±36.2%, and 23.8±14% at 3 years. The GERD was resolved in all patients, allowing the cessation of PPI medication.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic conversion of SG to RYGB is feasible and it allows improvement in secondary weight loss and GERD, but at the cost of high morbidity.