Morbid obesity is a major and growing public health problem around the world. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are two of the more commonly performed bariatric surgical procedures, and both have been shown to provide sustained long-term weight loss and improve weight related comorbidities including type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Patients can, however, develop acute complications following bariatric surgery which can lead to serious morbidity and even mortality. Due to their obesity, bariatric patients can be more difficult to assess clinically and complications can present with minimal signs and symptoms. Bariatric surgical patients often have less reserve and can deteriorate rapidly. It is thus important to have a thorough understanding of acute complications following bariatric surgery, and have a high index of suspicion and a low threshold to intervene.

This module will review the clinical presentation, as well as options for endoscopic and surgical management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding, and post-operative leaks following bariatric surgery.