Efficacy of Conversion of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass to Roux Jejuno-Duodenostomy for Severe Medically Refractory Postprandial Hypoglycemia

Abstract

Treatment of medically refractory postprandial hypoglycemia after Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass (RYGB) is often unsuccessful. Various operations have been described with poor results. We describe a novel procedure and retrospective review of 8 patients who underwent Roux jejuno-duodenostomy for postprandial hypoglycemic symptoms refractory to dietary modification and medications. Mean follow-up was 35 months. Complete resolution occurred in two of the patients, marked improvement in four, and no improvement in two. The mean frequency of hypoglycemic symptoms decreased from 30 to 7 episodes per week (p = 0.015). One complication was noted with no mortality. Mean weight decreased postoperatively by 0.8 kg (p = 0.93). Conversion to a Roux jejuno-duodenostomy appears to be a safe and effective treatment with maintenance of post-RYGB weight loss in most such cases.