First Robotic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for the Treatment of Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in a Patient With Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated disease that results in fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) associated with severe esophageal dysmotility is common in SSc patients, and surgical treatment with usual anti-reflux procedures such as fundoplications is associated with dismal symptomatic relief and postoperative dysphagia. We report the first robotic short-limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with a short Roux limb for the treatment of GERD in a patient with SSc with intense esophageal dysmotility. The operative time was two hours. The procedure and postoperative course were uneventful. The patient presented complete relief of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and no postoperative dysphagia in a two-year follow-up. Therefore, short-limb RYGB is a safe and very effective alternative for the treatment of severe GERD in patients with SSc. The robotic surgical platform may have some advantages compared to conventional laparoscopy.