Exploring the Efficacy of Single-stage Stapled Conversion of Gastric Bypass to Sleeve Gastrectomy, More Leak?

Laparoscopic gastric bypass - including both Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) - is one of the most frequently performed procedures. However, as the number of gastric bypass surgeries increases, complications are being reported more often. While most post-bypass complications can be managed non-surgically, a small number of persistent cases may require a reversal to normal anatomy or conversion to another procedure.

Many patients who experience severe complications from gastric bypass are reluctant to undergo a reversal to normal anatomy due to fears of regaining weight. As a result, converting to another type of surgery becomes a more logical alternative.

Complications requiring conversion are numerous and negatively affect the quality of life, such as retrograde intussusception, weight regain, intractable dumping syndrome, and nutritional deficiencies. The high cost of obligatory postoperative vitamins is a potential cause of conversion especially in low-income countries.

The conversion procedure is technically demanding and has a relatively higher rate of postoperative complications, making it less commonly performed. Additionally, limited data is available regarding the procedure and its long-term outcomes, making it an unexplored sea of hope for people who wish to manage intractable complications of gastric bypass and maintain weight loss.