Outcomes of Robot-Assisted Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass as a Reoperative Bariatric Procedure

We evaluate the outcomes of robot-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RRYGB) as a reoperative bariatric procedure (RBP).

A retrospective analysis was done from 2007 to 2014, and all the patients who underwent RRYGB as a RBP at a teaching university hospital were included.

A total of 32 patients underwent RRYGB as a reoperation from adjustable gastric band (AGB n = 16) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG n = 11) or previous gastric bypass (n = 5). Twenty patients underwent conversion to RRYGB due to weight loss failure, either after AGB (n = 13) or SG (n = 7). Twelve patients underwent reoperation because of complications of index procedure. Mean preoperative weight was 109.7 ± 29.5 kg, and BMI was 40 ± 10.6 kg/m². The mean operative time for RRYGB was 226 ± 45.3 min with a blood loss of 20 ± 15.9 ml. Average length of stay was 3 days. In two cases, pin point leaks were detected intraoperatively during check gastroscopy, and they were repaired with sutures. There were no postoperative anastomotic leaks or hemorrhage or gastrojejunostomy strictures. None of the patients required a blood transfusion or reoperation within perioperative period. In the patients who underwent RRYGB for weight loss failure (n = 20), the mean excess weight loss (EWL) was 39.2 % at 6 months (n = 11), 53.8 % at 1 year (n = 13), and 60.7 % at 2 years (n = 6).

RRYGB is safe and effective to be used as a revisional bariatric procedure. The weight loss outcomes and complication rates compare favorably with the published results of laparoscopic technique, although the small sample size may not be enough to reach definite conclusions.