Endoscopic treatment of bariatric surgery complications

Obesity is a major public health concern that has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Although primary bariatric endoscopic procedures are gaining popularity, surgery remains the most effective treatment to obtain weight loss and decrease comorbidities in obese patients. The number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery continues to increase. At the same time the incidence of postoperative complications after bariatric surgery is also inevitably increasing. Post-operative complications can be serious, and their treatment represents a challenge. Endoscopy plays a key role in the management of the most common post-surgical complications, such as leaks and stenoses. The most commonly performed bariatric surgical procedure worldwide is the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), however it is associated with a new onset or worsening of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We present an overview of the current knowledge in this field and summarise the available endoscopic treatment options for the management of these complications.