Endolumenal revision obesity surgery results in weight loss and closure of gastric-gastric fistula

Abstract

Background: Approximately 20-50% of patients regain weight 3-5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Gastric-gastric fistulas and dilation of the gastrojejunostomy and gastric pouch have been reported in these patients. Traditional revision surgery after RYGB has greater morbidity and mortality compared with the index bariatric procedure. We studied our initial results with revision of obesity surgery using an endoscopic platform in a community hospital setting.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients who had undergone this endoscopic revisional procedure secondary to significant weight regain with or without gastric-gastric fistula. All patients underwent revision of the gastrojejunostomy and/or closure of the gastric-gastric fistula using this minimally invasive approach.

Results: A total of 37 consecutive patients (36 women) with a mean age of 45 years and mean weight regain of 15.1 ± 10.0 kg were included in the present study. The mean interval between RYGB and revision was 5.2 years (range 1-11). The mean preoperative and postoperative stomal size was 21.5 and 10 mm, respectively. Anchors were successfully placed in all patients. The mean follow-up period was 4.69 months (range 2-10). The mean percentage of excess body weight loss was 23.5% ± 66.4%. No immediate complications developed. Two patients underwent endoscopic dilation of the stoma because of persistent meal intolerance. Three gastric-gastric fistulas were successfully closed.

Conclusion: Revision of gastrojejunostomy after RYGB can be safely undertaken using this endoscopic platform. The short-term follow-up results showed clinically significant weight loss. Long-term follow-up is needed. Closure of gastric-gastric fistulas can also be achieved using this procedure.