Radiological imaging of the GI tract after bariatric surgery.
BACKGROUND
Obesity is becoming epidemic in proportion and is leading to considerable morbidity and mortality in the community. Bariatric surgery offers one tested solution to sustained weight loss and comorbidity reduction. However, it is associated with a significant number of complications.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this article is to review the utility of radiological techniques in the diagnosis of surgical complications after bariatric surgery.


METHODS
Literature-based review and pictorial illustration in the use of imaging techniques in the diagnosis of complications after bariatric surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiology plays a critical role in the diagnosis of complications after bariatric surgery. Upper GI contrast study and CT are the most commonly used imaging modalities in this regard. They are complementary in their diagnostic abilities and should be used in concert for the complete evaluation of symptomatic patients. All other radiological imaging modalities are also used in the diagnosis of complications after bariatric surgery, but much less commonly.
Varghese
Jose C
JC
Department of Radiology, Quincy Medical Center, Quincy, MA 02169, USA.
Roy-Choudhury
Shuvro H
SH
D050110:Bariatric Surgery; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography