Endoscopic Gastrojejunal (GJ) Outlet Reduction

What is a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)?

Bariatric surgeries are becoming increasingly common in America.  Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is the most popular and successful bariatric surgical procedure currently offered to treat obesity.   In this procedure, the stomach is cut into two parts. The upper pouch, which becomes the working stomach, can only hold about one ounce at the time of surgery. A cut is made in the section of the intestines called the jejunum, and this part of the intestines is connected to your new pouch. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is considered a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive procedures, which is why it is so successful at achieving weight loss.

Why do patients regain weight after RYGB?

The purpose of the RYGB is to reduce the size of the stomach to a small pouch and then reconnect that to the intestines.  This helps achieve weight loss is by restricting the amount of food that patients can eat.  Patients may lose up to 20% of their body weight after RYGB.  However, many RYGB start to regain weight around 3-5 years after their surgery.  This weight gain can be unsettling for many patients.  This may happen because the surgical connection created between the stomach and intestines begins to stretch over time and result in the ability of the patient to eat more and more.  This surgical connection is known as gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomosis.

How can you stop the weight gain? What is endoscopic GJ outlet revision?

Studies have shown that the size of the GJ anastomosis is proportional to weight gain after RYGB.  Thus revising the GJ or reducing its size back down to a small hole can help reestablish weight loss or prevent further weight gain. A surgical revision of the GJ anastomosis is technically difficult and can entail considerable risk.  Thus minimally invasive options to revise the GJ would be significantly beneficial for the patient.

We can now perform the same revision/tightening of the GJ anastomosis using endoscopic suturing.  Endoscopic GJ outlet revision is performed from completely inside the body in less than 40 minutes and is an outpatient procedure using the technique of endoscopic suturing. Studies have shown that patients may lose on average, about 20-30lbs with this minimally invasive endoscopic procedure if they can adhere to proper dietary and lifestyle changes.

FAQS

Is gastrojejunostomy a major surgery?

Gastrojejunostomy is a surgery to create a new connection between the stomach and the small intestine. This may be done when the stomach cannot empty properly into the small intestine. Gastrojejunostomy is usually considered significant surgery.

How long does gastrojejunostomy surgery take?

The typical gastrojejunostomy surgery takes between one and three hours. However, the length of the surgery can vary depending on the individual case. For example, if the surgery is performed on an elderly patient or someone with a pre-existing health condition, it may take longer. Additionally, if the surgery is performed laparoscopically, it will generally take less time than if it is achieved through an open incision.

How long does it take to recover from GI surgery?

The time it takes to recover from GI surgery varies depending on the individual and the type of surgery performed. Generally, however, most people expect to feel better and return to their normal activities within a few weeks.

What is the purpose of gastrojejunostomy?

For example, food can back up and cause vomiting if the stomach cannot empty properly.

A gastrojejunostomy can help to prevent this by allowing food to bypass the stomach and go straight to the small intestine.

Another reason someone might need a gastrojejunostomy is if they have a blockage in their digestive system.

Gastrojejunostomy can also treat other conditions, such as stomach cancer and blockages in the stomach or small intestine.

Does gastrojejunostomy cause weight loss?

Gastrojejunostomy can cause weight loss in some people. This is because the surgery can change how the body digests and absorbs food. In addition, some people may lose weight because they feel less hungry after the surgery.

Is a GJ tube permanent?

A GJ tube is a feeding tube that goes through the stomach and into the small intestine. It is placed during surgery and is a permanent tube.

Endoscopic Gastrojejunal (GJ) Outlet Reduction in Dallas, Tx

Are you interested in learning more about endoscopic GJ outlet reduction or other treatment options? We invite you to contact us to learn more. Dr. Prashant Kedia is a therapeutic endoscopist and gastroenterologist serving patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond. Call today to schedule an appointment at (214) 941-6891.

Endoscopic Gastrojejunal (GJ) Outlet Reduction in Dallas Consultation