Partial bowel obstruction caused by intussusception as a late complication following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

Abstract

Intussusception is more common in pediatric patients, and its incidence in adults is low, typically associated with diverticula, polyps, tumors, or a history of previous surgeries. Early surgical intervention is considered the treatment of choice. A 44-year-old female patient with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is admitted with a clinical diagnosis of partial bowel obstruction, suggestive of intussusception  based on computed tomography scan findings. An exploratory laparoscopy was performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. An invaginated segment of the alimentary loop was found 10 centimeters from the base of the Roux-en-Y anastomosis, with preserved blood supply and motility,
and was reduced. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 48 hours after the procedure. There were no late complications. Laparoscopy is considered the preferred approach because it offers better postoperative outcomes, reduced postoperative ileus, a faster return to work, reduced pain, and enhanced cosmetic results compared to the conventional approach.