Surgical complications in pregnancy after bariatric surgery; a case series

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a rising world-wide problem and bariatric surgery, also in the reproductive age, is increasingly performed. Bariatric procedures are associated with surgical complications during pregnancy, such as internal herniation.

Cases: In this case series three cases with severe surgical complications after Roux-Y gastric bypass are described. In all three cases surgery was needed to prevent further complications. In one case subtotal bowel resection had to be performed because of extensive necrosis and intra-uterine fetal death was found.

Conclusion: Though surgical complications after Roux-Y gastric bypass are not very common, complications can be very serious and lead to severe morbidity and even mortality for mother and fetus. Because of the severity of complications, delaying bariatric surgery or considering alternative bariatric techniques with fewer (severe) complications should be considered in obese women in childbearing age.

Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Bowel ischemia; Pregnancy; Roux-Y gastric bypass; Sleeve gastrectomy; Surgical complications.