Laparoscopic conversion of the gastric bypass into a normal anatomy.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is considered as a non-reversible procedure. We report the laparoscopic conversion of RYGBP into a normal anatomy.


METHODS
In June 2004, a laparoscopic RYGBP was performed in a 46-year-old female sweet-eater with BMI 46 kg/m(2). After 7 months, the patient reported a significant and incapacitating dumping syndrome without postprandial hypoglycemia. She requested conversion to a normal anatomy; hence, a laparoscopic RYGBP reversal was performed. The BMI at the time was 27 kg/m(2).


RESULTS
Operative time was 95 minutes and intra-operative blood loss was 150 ml. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on the 5th postoperative day. At 6 months follow-up, her BMI was 27 kg/m(2), and barium swallow showed good passage with good gastric motility. After 1 year, the BMI is still unchanged and she is doing well.


CONCLUSIONS
Restoration of normal anatomy after RYGBP is feasible.
Himpens
Jacques
J
Department of Gastrointestinal and Obesity Surgery, European School of Laparoscopic Surgery, Saint-Pierre University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
Dapri
Giovanni
G
Cadière
Guy Bernard
GB
D015992:Body Mass Index; D004377:Dumping Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012086:Reoperation; D013270:Stomach / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*