Protein malnutrition after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a challenging case and scoping review of the literature

Abstract

Although protein malnutrition (PM) is often reported after highly malabsorptive procedures, its exact incidence and mechanisms after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to present a challenging clinical case of PM after RYGB and conduct a scoping review of the literature. Among the 18 studies with 3015 RYGB patients included in the review, the median incidence of PM was 1.7% (range, 0%-8.9%), and it was diagnosed 12 to 120 months after RYGB. The most common cause is insufficient oral intake of protein; however, in cases of persistent hypoalbuminemia, a thorough diagnostic workup needs to be performed. Risk factors for PM after RYGB include specific triggering events such as intractable vomiting and dysphagia, and a total alimentary limb length less than 250 to 300 cm.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Hypoalbuminemia; Protein malnutrition; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.