Background: Partial small bowel obstruction can occur as a result of circumferential extrinsic compression of the Roux limb as it traverses the transverse mesocolic rent from thickened cicatrix formation in this area. The aim of this study is to examine the incidence of Roux limb compression with particular attention to the timing of presentation and associated weight loss in the setting of a university hospital in the United States.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass who developed symptomatic small bowel obstruction requiring operative intervention from January 1, 2000 and September 15, 2006.
Results: Of 2215 patients, 20 (.9%) developed symptomatic Roux limb compression. The mean time to presentation was 48 days after LRYGB. By this stage, the mean percentage of excess body weight loss was 29%. Of the 20 patients, 19 underwent an upper gastrointestinal contrast study, the results of which confirmed the diagnosis. In all cases, laparoscopic intervention was successful in freeing the constricted Roux limb by dividing the cicatrix formation between the Roux limb and mesocolic window. Switching from continuous to interrupted closure of the space between Roux limb and mesocolic window appeared to reduce the incidence of this complication (P<.05).
Conclusion: Narrowing at the transverse mesocolon rent is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction after retrocolic laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Unlike internal hernias, which tend to occur later in the clinical course and are associated with significant weight loss, Roux limb obstruction occurs earlier after gastric bypass and is not associated with significant weight loss. Interrupted closure of the mesocolic window might reduce the risk of Roux compression.