Laparoscopic conversion of the gastric bypass into a normal anatomy

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is considered as a non-reversible procedure. We report the laparoscopic conversion of RYGBP into a normal anatomy.

Methods: In June 2004, a laparoscopic RYGBP was performed in a 46-year-old female sweet-eater with BMI 46 kg/m(2). After 7 months, the patient reported a significant and incapacitating dumping syndrome without postprandial hypoglycemia. She requested conversion to a normal anatomy; hence, a laparoscopic RYGBP reversal was performed. The BMI at the time was 27 kg/m(2).

Results: Operative time was 95 minutes and intra-operative blood loss was 150 ml. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on the 5th postoperative day. At 6 months follow-up, her BMI was 27 kg/m(2), and barium swallow showed good passage with good gastric motility. After 1 year, the BMI is still unchanged and she is doing well.

Conclusion: Restoration of normal anatomy after RYGBP is feasible.