Question:
Does anyone have any hard data available on Roux Stasis Syndrome?

This syndrome is very seldom seldom discussed on WLS websites. From what I've been able to determine, it can affect up to 28% of those who undergo RNY. And I would sure hate to have to face this condition the rest of my life. Anybody know of any studies that have been performed about this? Better yet, any of you post ops suffer from this syndrome? Thanks!    — Dan T. (posted on March 24, 2002)

March 23, 2002
Its only come up a couple times here, and DOESNT affect 28% of the folks here. A big problem like that would be earth shattering news. Anyhow I know of one person Melissa Janci that has had that problem, we are personal friends although she has moved from here to near lake placid NY. Her profile is here its a sad one. But the good news is and I spoke with melissa not long ago she is MUCH improved and eating nearly anything. Although she still has intermittent problems with meats. Even Melissa says the surgerey is a good thing for nearlly everyone. Unfortunately bad things can happen. But its not just surgery, its life. Just look at how many people die driving each year.... Put melissas name in the search engine here for more Q&A details. <P> Now take a look at the before and after photos and tell me it not worth the risk. Read my profile. For the few who get problems, and nearly all are eventually solved surgery saves lives. See my profile as a example. Having surery has risks but for most remaining MO is more dangerous.
   — bob-haller

March 23, 2002
Dan, I did an OVID search, that looks at the current medical literature, and found that your numbers are correct. From 18-35% of the gastric sugeries result in Roux Stasis Syndrome. Now, you have to look deeper to understand what these numbers mean. The research looked at the overall occurance with all operations, those of weight loss, those for Ulcers, reflux and cancerous conditions. There have been a few, about 5 or a little more, acutally research trials, using both animals and humans, exploring what is causing this syndrome. It seems that the length and placement of the jujuneum (gosh I hate that word)is the key to the syndrome. The old Billroth I or II are the worst for causing the stasis. The improvements made with the newer Roux-n-Y placements have helped. The problem lies with how much can you do without causing staple disruption. It seems to be a balancing act between keeping staples intact and having the proper length placed. I don't know if this helps at all. For the most part, it seems that there is a percentage of people who develop this syndrome. If it is overwhelming they are in need of revision. It is not a forever thing even if you develop it, what happens is that you cannot eat certain foods that will effect it, like beef, chicken.
   — Ruth S.

March 24, 2002
Check these links out for info http://clos.net/manual/Problems_of_the_RNY.htm http://www.ssat.com/jgs0306/506.htm
   — Joelle B.