Background: Life-threatening small bowel obstruction (SBO) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can present with surprisingly minimal laboratory and plain x-ray findings. Based on a 10-year (1994-2003) experience of 1,409 open distal gastric bypasses, we present clinical and radiological findings in 29 patients with unusual forms of bowel obstruction. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted. A radiologist experienced in reviewing these in gastric bypass patients reviewed all computed tomography (CT) scans. Results: CT findings: The normal appearance and 7 recurring patterns of small bowel obstruction were identified. These include: 1) intussusception, 2) internal hernia through Petersen's space, 3) through Petersen's space and the mesenteric defect at enteroenterostomy, 4) through the mesenteric defect from the entero-enterostomy, 5) isolated biliary limb obstruction, 6) segmental non-anastomotic ischemia, and 7) internal hernia through bands. Clinical findings: 1 had peritonitis, and 1 had free air on plain film. WBC count was normal in 20/27 patients (74%) including 5/6 (83%) with dead bowel. 9/14 patients (62%) had "non-specific" findings on x-rays. 7 of these had an internal hernia (2 with volvulus and 2 with dead bowel), 1 had biliopancreatic limb obstruction, and 1 had peritonitis. Conclusion: Patients with SBO after distal gastric bypass may present with vague complaints and confusing laboratory and non-specific findings on x-rays. Delayed diagnosis can have catastrophic consequences. CT imaging with oral and intravenous contrast can be life-saving, and should be obtained in all gastric bypass patients with abdominal pain, particularly when all other parameters seem "normal". Unexplained abdominal pain should prompt exploration.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Srikanth, M.S., Keskey, T., Fox, S.R. et al. Computed Tomography Patterns in Small Bowel Obstruction after Open Distal Gastric Bypass. OBES SURG 14, 811–822 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1381/0960892041590971
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1381/0960892041590971