Routine management of stricture after gastric bypass and predictors of subsequent weight loss

Gastrojejunal anastomotic stricture is the most commonly occurring short-term complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Endoscopic balloon dilation is the first-line treatment for stricture. However, an optimal dilation protocol has not been identified. This study aimed to document routine management of stricture after laparoscopic gastric bypass and its impact on postoperative weight loss.

Charts of patients who underwent gastric bypass from 2000 to 2006 were reviewed using a standardized abstraction form. Patients with stricture were matched with control subjects based on age ±5 years, gender, and preoperative body mass index (BMI ± 5). Patients with at least 6 months of follow-up assessment were included in the study.

Of the 113 patients included in the study, 20% were male, 26% black, 19% Hispanic, and 51% white. Their mean age was 42 ± 10 years (range, 22–66 years). The mean preoperative BMI was 47.0 ± 5.4 kg/m² for the case group and 46.6 ± 5.5 kg/m² for the control group (p = 0.3). After adjustment for patient characteristics, using a larger balloon was associated with reduced odds of stricture recurrence (odds ratio [OR], 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12–0.85; p = 0.02). All the patients were without signs or symptoms of stricture at the last follow-up visit (20 ± 17 months). Weight loss was similar between the two groups. The percentage of estimated weight loss (%EWL) at 12 months postoperatively was 66% for the study participants and 67% for the control subjects (p = 0.5). Baseline alcohol use and higher preoperative BMI were associated with a higher BMI 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Initial dilation with a larger balloon is safe and may prevent stricture recurrence. Further study of modifiable risk factors for reduced weight loss after surgery, such as alcohol use, may improve patient outcomes.