Endoscopic management of early complications following bariatric surgery

Abstract

Bariatric surgery procedures are increasing exponentially with the obesity epidemic. Early complications are defined as those that occur within the first 30 days after surgery. Some of the most common early complications are leaks, bleeding, stricture or stenosis and bezoar, all of which can be diagnosed and treated endoscopically. Upper endoscopy has been proven to be safe in the early postoperative period and different endoscopic modalities, like stenting, clipping, overstitch, among others, are part of the armamentarium the endoscopist should have available to address complications and potentially avoid the morbidity and mortality associated with re-operation.