Partial Reconstruction of Intestinal Continuity in the Treatment of Severe Side Effects Following Intestinal Shunt Operation for Obesity

Severe side effects of intestinal shunt operation were the indication for reoperation of eight patients. To maintain the acquired weight loss, complete revision of the bypass and return to normal gastrointestinal continuity was omitted. The shunt was taken down and moved 20 cm in proximal direction on the terminal ileum. After this procedure weight loss was converted to a small gain in weight, diarrhoea decreased, and electrolyte disturbances turned out to be a minor problem. At the same time quality of life improved. We suggest that this type of reoperation is adequate in most patients suffering from severe side effects after intestinal bypass operation.