A Single-Centre Retrospective Study from Dubai United Arab Emirates

Background and Objective: Laparoscopic omega-loop bypass (OLB) is a well-accepted bariatric surgical procedure to combat severe obesity and its related co morbidities.Reversal of OLB (ROLB) to normal anatomy is a potential treatment of rare but severe post OLB complications.This study is the first of its kind to be conducted in the UAE addressing the ROLB experience, strengthening the available literature on indications, technique and outcomes.Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent laparoscopic ROLB from January 2014 to December 2017 at the Al Garhoud Private Hospital in Dubai, UAE was done.Age, gender, weight, body mass index (BMI), biochemical parameters, indications for reversal, and post ROLB complications were reviewed.Results: A total of 16 patients underwent laparoscopic ROLB to normal anatomy.62.5% of patients were females, age was 34.38 ± 7.55 years (range, 23-56), and pre-reversal BMI was 24.63 ± 3.74 kg/m2 (range 18-34).The indications for reversal were debilitating nausea and early satiety (n = 11), severe and frequent steatorrhea (n = 3), anastomotic ulcer (n = 2) and Bile reflux with excessive weight lose (n = 1).The mean period of follow-up post ROLB was 27.75 ± 15.31 months (range 6 to 48).The mean BMI recorded at last follow up post reversal was 29.89 ± 2.83 kg/m2 (range, 23.34-34.04)which represented an average cumulative weight gain of 13.81 ± 4.79 kgs from their reversal baseline (63.43 ± 11.09 kgs; p = 0.000), while weight loss of 30.69 ± 13.03 kgs from their index OLB baseline (107.94 ± 15.28 kgs; p = 0.000).Mean length of hospital stay following reversal was 2.0 days (range, 1-3).Of 16 patients, only one patient had persistent nausea post reversal which recovered completely after psychological counseling.Conclusion: Laparoscopic ROLB to normal anatomy is feasible and safe therapeutic option for patients with intractable complications post OLB.