Revision of Vertical Banded Gastroplasty to Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass with 2 Years of Follow-Up

Abstract

Background: Due to weight regain and GIT symptoms associated with vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), revisional surgery is necessary. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the best options as a revision procedure but comes with a high complication rate. Methods: This prospective study included 80 patients undergoing RYGB surgery at Ain Shams University Hospitals after failed VBG surgery, with up to 2 years of follow-up. Results: Eighty patients underwent RYGB correction after VBG. The mean age was 42 ± 6.45 (39–58) years and the mean preoperative body mass index was 45.46 ± 4.135 (38–55) kg/m². The median length of hospital stay for the patients was 4.78 ± 1.84 days. The early postoperative complication rate was 8.7% and the reoperation rate within 30 days was 3.75%, with no mortality. Leakage and bowel injury were detected in 2 patients. After an average follow-up of 2 years, the percentage of EWL was 64.47 ± 19.3, and complete resolution of VBG-related GIT symptoms was achieved in approximately all patients. Late complications occurred in 7.5% of patients, of whom 3.75% required surgery. Conclusion: Conversion to RYGB is feasible with a limited short-term complication and reoperation rate; long-term results show a nearly complete resolution of VBG-related symptoms and a statistically significant positive impact on weight loss.