Gastric volvulus after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy managed by conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. A case report and literature review

Introduction and importance: One of the most performed bariatric procedures, Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can be utilized not only as a primary bariatric procedure to achieve weight loss but also as a staged procedure, as it attains durable weight loss on long term follow up with remission of obesity-related comorbidities. There are several complications associated with LSG in the short and long terms, including hemorrhage, gastric leakage, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), yet gastric volvulus after sleeve gastrectomy is a rare entity. Case presentation and clinical discussion: We present a morbid obese female patient 32 years old -with no known medical comorbidity- presented to our bariatric outpatient clinic after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with a chronic progressive history of vomiting, regurgitation, and heartburn of three months which started once/week then progress to 3 times/week duration. After a normal abdominal x-ray, Pelvi-abdominal ultrasound showed mild colonic gaseous distension. The CT virtual gastroscopy with 3D reconstruction revealed significant mid-body kinking with a wavy appearance. A decision was made on a multi-disciplinary approach to do a diagnostic laparoscopy for the patient with a revision of the previous sleeve gastrectomy. Upon entering the intra-abdominal there were extensive adhesions between the sleeved stomach, liver, and pancreas. Intra-operative upper endoscopy was done, and the scope didn't pass at the mid-portion of the sleeved stomach. Conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass had been done with successful results. Conclusion: Gastric volvulus after sleeve gastrectomy is a rare entity presenting vague symptoms and signs and requires a high index of suspicion from the physicians for the proper diagnosis.