A case report of an early gastrocolic fistula following Roux-en Y gastric bypass, a unique and uncommon complication
Abstract
Introduction and importance: Gastrocolic fistula (GCF) following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is uncommon. Usually it presents late with nonspecific symptoms and originates from the gastrojejunostomy (GJ). Management of such complication can be surgical, but endoscopic management can be implemented in selected patients. To our knowledge this is the first case reporting an early GCF originating from gastric pouch successfully managed with endoscopic stenting.
Case presentation: A 54-year-old female, with surgical history of open vertical band gastroplasty (VBG), complaining of weight regain and reflux symptoms. The plan was to laparoscopically convert VBG to RYGB. Two weeks after, she presented unusually with only fatigue and epigastric pain.
Clinical discussion: Leak was suspected and needed to be ruled out. The patient was presenting in an unusual presentation, i.e. vitally stable and only fatigued. Workup including laboratories, computed tomography, and endoscopy confirmed staple line disruption with development of early GCF. Management included endoscopic fully covered stent, total preantral nutrition.
Conclusion: With a well-trained team and the availability of expertise, GCF can be managed with endoscopic stents.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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