Guidelines for gastrostomy tube placement and enteral nutrition in patients with severe, refractory hypoglycemia after gastric bypass

Background: Postbariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) affects up to 38% of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients. Severe cases are refractory to diet and medications. Surgical treatments including bypass reversal and pancreatectomy are highly morbid and hypoglycemia often recurs. We have developed a highly effective method of treatment by which enteral nutrition administered through a gastrostomy (G) tube placed in the remnant stomach replaces oral diet: if done correctly this reverses hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia, yielding substantial health and quality of life benefits for severely affected patients.

Objectives: To provide clinical guidelines for placement of a G-tube to treat postRYGB hypoglycemia, including candidate selection, preoperative evaluation, surgical considerations, and post-RYGB management.

Setting: Stanford University Hospital and Clinics.

Methods: Based on our relatively large experience with placing and managing G-tubes for PBH treatment, an interdisciplinary task force developed guidelines for practitioners.

Results: A team approach (endocrinologist, dietitian, surgeon, psychologist) is recommended. Appropriate candidates have a history of RYGB, severe hypoglycemia refractory to medical-nutrition therapy, and significantly affected quality of life. Preoperative requirements include education and expectation setting, determination of initial enteral feeding program, and establishing service with a home enteral provider. Close postoperative follow-up is needed to ensure success and may require adjustments in formula and mode/rate of delivery to optimize tolerance and meet nutritional goals. G-tube nutrition must fully replace oral nutrition to prevent hypoglycemia.

Conclusions: G-tube placement in the remnant stomach represents a relatively well-tolerated and effective treatment for severe, refractory hypoglycemia after RYGB.