Changes in bowel habits and patient-scored symptoms after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

• Background: Bariatric procedures are increasingly being used, but data on bowel habits are scarce.Objectives: To assess changes in gastrointestinal function and patient-scored symptoms after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS).Setting: University hospital in Sweden.Methods: We recruited 268 adult patients (mean age of 42.5 yr, body mass index 44.8, 67.9% female) listed for RYGB and BPD/DS. Patients answered validated questionnaires prospectively concerning bowel function, the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey before and after their operation.Results: Postoperatively, 208 patients (78.2% of 266 eligible patients) answered the questionnaires. RYGB patients had fewer bowel motions per week (8 versus 10) and more abdominal pain postoperatively (P<.001). Postoperatively, the 35 BPD/DS patients (69% versus 23%) needed to empty their bowel twice or more than twice daily, reported more flatus and urgency, and increased need for keeping a diet (P<.001). Concerning Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, coping and behavior was slightly reduced while depression and self-perception scores were improved after RYGB. Lifestyle, coping and behavior, and embarrassment were reduced after BPD/DS (P<.05). In the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, physical scores were markedly improved, while mental scores were largely unaffected.Conclusion: RYGB resulted in a reduced number of bowel movements but increased problems with abdominal pain. In contrast, BPD/DS-patients reported higher frequency of bowel movements, more troubles with flatus and urgency, and increased need for keeping a diet. These symptoms affected quality of life negatively, however, general quality of life was markedly improved after both procedures. These results will be of great value for preoperative counseling.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Gastroenterologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Gastroenterology and Hepatology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Kirurgi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Surgery (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Bowel habits

Duodenal switch

Fecal incontinence

Gastric bypass

Obesity

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)