Laparoscopic Remnant Gastrectomy: A Novel Approach to Gastrogastric Fistula after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity

BACKGROUND: Gastrogastric fistula (GGF) is a relatively rare and devastating complication after divided Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for morbid obesity. The aim of this study was to review laparoscopic remnant gastrectomy (LRG) as a novel treatment option for this complication. STUDY DESIGN: After IRB approval, we retrospectively reviewed data from all patients who underwent bariatric surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida and from all patients who were diagnosed with GGF as a complication of RYGB, between January 2000 and March 2005. Data collected included demographics, body weight, symptoms, initial diagnostic method, indications for LRG, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Of 1,400 patients who had undergone RYGB in our institution during the study period, 21 patients (1.5%) were diagnosed with GGF; 4 more patients who were admitted with GGF after RYGB underwent the initial operation at another institution. Of these, 15 patients underwent LRG. Indications for surgical treatment were intractable epigastric pain (10 of 15), upper gastrointestinal bleeding (2 of 15), intolerance of soft diet (2 of 15), and weight regain (1 of 15). Mean hospital length of stay after the procedure was 4.7 days. There was no mortality, and there was no recurrence of GGF during the followup period. CONCLUSIONS: LRG appears to be a safe and effective surgical procedure for selective patients with GGF after RYGB.