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Small Bowel Obstruction and Internal Hernias during Pregnancy after Gastric Bypass Surgery

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Abstract

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a recognized complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Internal hernia (IH) a potential problem associated with RYGB, can have severe consequences if not diagnosed. We present two cases of SBO due to IH during pregnancy after laparoscopic RYGB (LRYGB). Both patients underwent an antecolic, antegastric LRYGB. In both patients a Petersen’s type IH was found. We reviewed the cases reported in the literature of SBO during pregnancy after RYGB. IH should always be ruled out in pregnant patients with previous RYGB and abdominal pain. Prompt surgical intervention is mandatory for a good outcome.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Kimberly Pierce for her contributions with the illustrations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St. SE, MMC 290, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Gonzalo M. Torres-Villalobos, Todd A. Kellogg, Daniel B. Leslie, Gintaras Antanavicius, Rafael S. Andrade, Bridget Slusarek & Sayeed Ikramuddin

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Tracy L. Prosen

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  1. Gonzalo M. Torres-Villalobos
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  2. Todd A. Kellogg
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  3. Daniel B. Leslie
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  7. Tracy L. Prosen
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  8. Sayeed Ikramuddin
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Correspondence to Todd A. Kellogg.

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Torres-Villalobos, G.M., Kellogg, T.A., Leslie, D.B. et al. Small Bowel Obstruction and Internal Hernias during Pregnancy after Gastric Bypass Surgery. OBES SURG 19, 944–950 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-008-9681-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-008-9681-x

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