Conversion of one-anastomosis gastric bypass to Roux-En-Y gastric bypass: mid-term results from the United Arab Emirates

BackgroundOne-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) is becoming popular, but some patients may need to convert to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) due weight-related difficulties or postoperative complications. The data on conversions is currently limited to 30-day or short-term follow-up studies. As such, the objective of this study was to evaluate the indications and mid-term outcomes for OAGB conversions to RYGB at a tertiary referral center in the United Arab Emirates.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent conversion from OAGB to RYGB between February 2016 and May 2023. Demographic information, indications for conversion, intraoperative details, and mid-term outcomes were collected and analyzed.ResultsSixty-four patients underwent conversion from previous OAGB to RYGB. The cohort was 73.4% female (n = 47) with a mean age of 40.8 years. Indications for conversion included acid reflux (n = 28, 43.7%), intractable nausea/vomiting (n = 20, 31.2%), protein-calorie malnutrition (n = 7, 10.9%), anastomotic ulcer (n = 6, 9.3%) and weight recidivism (n = 3, 4.7%). The mean operative time was 238 +/- 78.3 min. During the procedure, three intraoperative complications occurred: two cases of bleeding and one case of bowel perforation; all successfully addressed during surgery. The median hospital stay was 3 +/- 15.8 days. Three patients (4.6%) experienced major postoperative complications comprising 2 anastomotic leaks and 1 small bowel obstruction. The mean follow-up time was 26.2 +/- 19.7 months, with 96.2% of patients reporting resolution of symptoms. There were no mortalities.ConclusionsAcid reflux is representing 43.7% of the indications for conversion from OAGB to RYGB. The symptom resolution rate holds significance, standing at a remarkable 96.8%. Despite surgical technique advancements, the complication rate after conversions remains significant at 4.6%, with no mortality reported. OAGB patients should be informed about these risks prior to undergoing conversions from OAGB to RYGB.