RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Managing complications associated with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity
JF Canadian Journal of Surgery
JO CAN J SURG
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 329
OP 336
DO 10.1503/cjs.002011
VO 55
IS 5
A1 Griffith, P. Sahle
A1 Birch, Daniel W.
A1 Sharma, Arya M.
A1 Karmali, Shahzeer
YR 2012
UL http://canjsurg.ca/content/55/5/329.abstract
AB Obesity has become a major health concern in Canada. This has resulted in a steady rise in the number of bariatric surgical procedures being performed nationwide. The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is not only the most common bariatric procedure, but also the gold standard to which all others are compared. With this in mind, it is imperative that all gastrointestinal surgeons understand the LRYGB and have a working knowledge of the common postoperative complications and their management. Early postoperative complications following LRYGB that demand immediate recognition include anastomotic or staple line leak, postoperative hemorrhage, bowel obstruction and incorrect Roux limb reconstructions. Later complications may be challenging to differentiate from other gastrointestinal disorders and include anastomotic stricture, marginal ulceration, fistula formation, weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. We discuss the principles involved in the management of each complication and the timing of referral to specialist bariatric centres.