Management of gastrogastric fistulas after divided Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for morbid obesity: analysis of 1292 consecutive patients and review of literature

Gastrogastric fistulas are an uncommon, but worrisome, complication after divided RYGB. Most symptoms of gastrogastric fistula are related to epigastric pain and ulcerations around the anastomotic site, but the fistula can occur anywhere along the divided segment of the gastric wall. They can initially be managed with a conservative, nonoperative approach as long as the patient remains asymptomatic and weight regain does not occur. Refractory ulcers and pain are the main indications for revisional surgery. Weight loss failure or weight regain is an uncommon short-term finding with gastrogastric fistulas after divided RYGB that requires surgical revision as the definitive treatment option. Although we present one of the largest series to date, longer follow-up is needed to better define the management of this patient population and provide a more accurate incidence of its occurrence.