Achalasia Post-Bariatric Surgery, Placement Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass: Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Achalasia is a pathology with an incidence of 1 in 100,000 inhabitants per year. There are very limited data on achalasia in the obese population, especially in those undergoing bariatric surgery. The approach of choice for cases of achalasia is the procedure partial fundoplication to correct the reflux; however, lacking a fundus due to a previous gastrectomy, an alternative that offers optimal results should be chosen. Here, we present the surgical approach in a case of esophageal achalasia and a history of vertical sleeve gastrectomy, where we performed a simultaneous Heller’s cardiomyotomy and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, as well as the results obtained. Case Presentation: A 44-year-old woman with no chronic degenerative diseases, who had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy carried out 5 years ago. Her first symptoms manifested 17 months before, and they were dysphagia to liquids and then to solids, in addition to weight loss of 10 kg in 4 months. Her body mass index before the vertical sleeve gastrectomy was 32 kg/m2; her body mass index at the time of admission was 20 kg/m2; she also presented regurgitation and generalized weakness. After analyzing the surgical options, it was decided to perform a Heller cardiomyotomy and a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Discussion and Conclusions: The procedure turned out to be safe and successful in treating achalasia symptomatology, in addition to completely resolving the reflux symptoms.

Keywords

• achalasia
• Roux-en-Y bypass
• bariatric surgery