Small-bowel volvulus in late pregnancy due to internal hernia after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Obes Surg. 2010 Dec;20(12):1737-9. doi: 10.1007/s11695-009-9802-1. Epub 2009 Jan 28.

Abstract

Internal hernias are a specific cause of acute abdominal pain and are a well-known complication after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity. Although internal hernias are a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, they may evolve towards serious complications, such as extensive bowel ischemia and gangrene, with the need for bowel resection and sometimes for a challenging reconstruction of intestinal continuity. The antecolic position of the Roux limb is associated with a decrease in the incidence of small-bowel obstruction and internal hernias. The best prevention of the formation of these hernias is probably by closure of potential mesenteric defects at the initial operation with a non-absorbable running suture. We present a patient in late pregnancy with a small-bowel volvulus following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity and discuss the available literature. For a favorable obstetric and neonatal outcome, it is crucial not to delay surgical exploration and an emergency operation usually is mandatory.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Gastric Bypass*
  • Hernia, Abdominal / complications
  • Hernia, Abdominal / diagnosis*
  • Hernia, Abdominal / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Volvulus / diagnosis*
  • Intestinal Volvulus / etiology
  • Intestinal Volvulus / surgery
  • Laparoscopy
  • Obesity, Morbid / surgery*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome