Laparoscopic conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch or a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass due to weight loss failure: our algorithm

Abstract Background Failed sleeve gastrectomy (SG), defined by inadequate weight loss or weight regain, can be treated by a laparoscopic conversion to a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (DS) or a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). We report the outcomes of these procedures after SG failure. Methods All patients who underwent DS (n = 9) or RYGB (n = 10) due to inadequate weight loss or weight regain between December 2006 and November 2012 after a failed SG were enrolled. Results The mean pre-SG weight and body mass index (BMI) for the DS and RYGB patients were 143±36 kg and 51.5±11 kg/m 2 and 120±26 kg and 44.5±5 kg/m 2 , respectively. The interval between the SG and the conversion to DS and to RYGB was 27±18 months and 36±17 months, respectively. The operation time and hospital stay were 191±64 minutes and 4.3±2.4 days for DS, and 111±37 minutes and 3.1±1.1 days for RYGB. At reoperation, the weight, BMI and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) were 113±22 kg, 43±6 kg/m 2 and 28±16.5% and 107±27.5 kg, 40±5.7 kg/m 2 and 25±12.7% (all P >.05), for the DS and RYGB, respectively. None of the patients were lost to follow-up. The post-DS weight, BMI, and %EWL were 84±19 kg, 30.7±7.4 kg/m 2 , and 80±40%. The post-RYGB weight, BMI, and %EWL were 81±21 kg, 30.2±4.8 kg/m 2 , and 65.5±34% (all P > .05). Conclusion DS and RYGB are feasible and effective operations after a failed SG. The DS yields a greater weight loss. The mechanism of failure should guide selection of the second procedure.