Successful laparoscopic reversal of gastric bypass in a patient with malnutrition

Abstract

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures around the world. Although RYGB is the gold standard for treating morbid obesity, it carries the risk of rare but serious long-term complications from malnutrition. We report a case of laparoscopic reversal of RYGB. A female patient reported prolonged incapacitating postprandial pain that consequently made her avoid proper oral intake. Therefore, she became seriously malnourished at 30 months after RYGB and requested reversal of RYGB into normal anatomy. The operation was successfully performed via laparoscopy. Operating time was 120 minutes, and intraoperative blood loss was 20 mL. The patient was discharged without any complications directly related to surgical procedures, although her hospital stay was prolonged by the treatment of asymptomatic septicemia of unknown origin. Laparoscopic reversal of RYGB into normal anatomy is technically feasible and might be performed safely after thorough preoperative evaluation in carefully selected patients.