Gastrointestinal Obstruction After Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract is one of the most common complications of bariatric surgery. Because bariatric surgery significantly alters the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, the presentation of obstruction in the bariatric patient may be quite different from the general surgery patient. Since gastrointestinal obstruction has the potential to become a life-threatening complication, it is critically important for both general and bariatric surgeons to be familiar with the evaluation and management of the problem. This chapter reviews the common causes of obstruction after bariatric surgery, their evaluation, and management.