Post Roux-en Y gastric bypass complications: A comparative study assessing the clinical effectiveness of oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and oral-contrast swallow

INTRODUCTION: Anastomotic strictures at the gastrojejunal anastomosis have been reported to occur in 3-20% of patients following a Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Patients commonly present with dysphagia, vomiting and post-prandial pain. Clearly using the appropriate investigations to diagnose the potential complications have both clinical and economical benefits. The reported study compared whether Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) or oral-contrast swallow should be employed in patient presenting with post-operative complications following RYGB.

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 112 patients between 2008 and 2012; at a level 4 bariatric surgery hospital. Patients who had ≥1 OGD to investigate a post-operative complication were included for analysis. Oral-contrast swallow radiology reports performed <28 days prior to an OGD were included for analysis. Patient demographics, OGD, oral-contrast swallow and additional interventions reports were collated from electronic records, pathology and radiology results.

RESULTS: 112 patients underwent 1 or more OGD. 75% (n = 67) of patients were diagnosed with a post-operative complication with the most common, 51% (n = 57) being a gastrojejunal anastomotic stricture. 82% (n = 47) of patients presented with dysphagia + - vomiting prior to the diagnosis of gastrojejunal anastomotic strictures. 96% (n = 55) of patients with gastrojejunal anastomotic strictures were successfully treated with balloon dilation. 48% (n = 54) of patients had an oral-contrast swallow as a first line investigation for post-operative symptoms prior to the OGD. 15% (n = 8) of oral-contrast swallow were reported with a significant pathology, with only 1 stricture identified. 70% (n = 38) of oral-contrast swallows reported as normal had a pathology identified at OGD, including 28 strictures.

CONCLUSION: We recommend that an OGD should be performed in patients presenting with symptoms consistent with a stricture following RYGB. The urgency of the OGD will be dictated by clinical correlation. The use of a water-soluble contrast swallow should be reserved for a suspected anastomotic leak.