Retrocolic retrogastric ROUX-EN-Y gastric bypass: how I do it.

INTRODUCTION

Technical variations of the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may influence the incidence of complications such as fistulas, marginal ulcers, stenosis, and internal hernias.

METHODS

We described the technical aspects of a retrocolic, retrogastric, laparoscopic gastric bypass procedure with manual gastrojejunostomy and the closure technique for the three mesenteric defects generated by the Roux-en-Y limb reconstruction.

RESULTS

We summarized the data from 587 patients concerning complications directly related to the surgical technique. There were no internal hernias in patients followed, and in only 2 cases, small bowel obstruction related to defect closure occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The retrocolic, retrogastric gastric bypass performed with a meticulous closure of all three mesenteric defects reflects a low incidence of internal hernias and low complication rates related to the closure itself. The technique also allows less tension at the gastrojejunostomy.