Laparoscopic gastric bypass: Management of complications

Abstract

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) remains the gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. In spite of the technical challenges of this procedure, the incidence of complications has dramatically decreased with surgeons’ experience and the implementation of "Centers of Excellence." Nevertheless, complications are still described in both the intraoperative and postoperative periods. The widespread use of such procedures requires a thorough knowledge of the possible complications even for the "non-bariatric" general surgeon. Some of the complications, if not recognized and managed expeditiously, can potentially lead to devastating consequences, such as short bowel syndrome, permanent neurological damages, and death.We describe the most common complications occurring after RYGB with their diagnostic and therapeutic approach.