Refractory Gastroparesis Following Duodenal Switch Treated With Laparoscopic Subtotal Gastrectomy With Roux-en-Y Reconstruction

Am Surg. 2024 Feb;90(2):309-311. doi: 10.1177/00031348231216495. Epub 2023 Nov 16.

Abstract

Gastroparesis following duodenal switch (DS) is a known but rare complication. Typically, patients are managed with prokinetic agents, with pyloromyotomy being the first-line surgical therapy. The literature is sparse regarding how to manage patients whose symptoms remain refractory to these first-line therapies. We present a patient who experienced gastroparesis following DS, who fell into this category. Her symptoms of prandial pain and regurgitation remained resistant to medical management and pyloromyotomy. She was successfully treated with subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction with resolution of these symptoms. The literature suggests that bypassing or resecting the pylorus and removing overstretched aperistaltic gastric muscle could be the mechanism behind this treatment's effectiveness.

Keywords: Roux-en-Y; bariatrics; duodenal switch; gastrectomy; gastric bypass; gastroparesis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y / adverse effects
  • Anastomosis, Surgical
  • Female
  • Gastrectomy / adverse effects
  • Gastric Bypass* / adverse effects
  • Gastroparesis* / etiology
  • Gastroparesis* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy* / adverse effects