Introduction
Bariatric/metabolic surgery is currently the only effective long-term treatment for morbid obesity and obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and dyslipidemia. With the increasing number of bariatric procedures being performed annually, it is expected that the incidence of revisions will increase. The overall incidence of surgical revision after a primary bariatric operation is 5–50%. Redo (revisional) surgery can be quite complex and technically challenging and may offer the patient a wide variety of solutions for treatment of weight reduction and complications after primary operations.
Aim
This study aimed to evaluate the initial experience of redo operations after bariatric surgery.
Patients and methods
A total of 20 patients were included in this study who underwent redo operations after bariatric surgery. Their BMI ranged from 25 to 50 kg/m. They were managed from June 2016 to June 2018 at Al Zahraa University Hospital. The indications, surgical outcomes, and efficacy of the redo surgeries were analyzed.
Result
A total of 20 patients underwent redo operations. The primary bariatric procedures included vertical band gastroplasty in seven patients, Scopinaro operation in six patients, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in four patients, and sleeve gastrectomy in three patients. The indications for redo surgery included poor weight loss, weight regain, and malnutrition in cases of Scopinaro operation. The weight loss results varied depending on the indication for redo surgery. Postoperative complications revealed one case (5%) developed leak and required reoperation. However, no bleeding cases, no died cases, or other complications were observed during postoperative follow-up period.
Conclusion
Redo operation after bariatric surgery can be successfully performed via open or laparoscopic approach with acceptable risk. Deliberate selection for the proper revisional or conversion procedure can efficiently manage undesirable results from the primary surgery.