Marginal ulcer: Difference between revisions
Ostermayer (talk | contribs) (Created page with "'''Marginal ulcer''' (also called stomal ulcer or anastomotic ulcer) is a mucosal ulceration that develops at or near a surgical gastroenteric anastomosis, most commonly on the jejunal side of the gastrojejunostomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).<ref>Coblijn UK, Goucham AB, Lagarde SM, Kuiken SD, van Wagensveld BA. Development of ulcer disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, incidence, risk factors, and patient presentation: a systematic review. ''Obes Surg''....") |
(Formatting: moved intro to Background bullets, removed excessive bold from bullet lead-ins) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
==Background== | |||
*Marginal ulcer (also called stomal ulcer or anastomotic ulcer) is a mucosal ulceration that develops at or near a surgical gastroenteric anastomosis, most commonly on the jejunal side of the gastrojejunostomy after [[Roux-en-Y gastric bypass]] (RYGB).<ref>Coblijn UK, Goucham AB, Lagarde SM, Kuiken SD, van Wagensveld BA. | |||
*Development of ulcer disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, incidence, risk factors, and patient presentation: a systematic review. ''Obes Surg''. 2014;24(2):299-309.</ref> | |||
*It is the most common late complication of RYGB and may present to the emergency department with pain, [[GI bleeding]], or perforation. | |||
* Incidence ranges from 0.6% to 25% following RYGB, with a mean prevalence of approximately 4.6%<ref>Azagury DE, Abu Dayyeh BK, Greenwalt IT, Thompson CC. Marginal ulceration after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: characteristics, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes. ''Endoscopy''. 2011;43(11):950-954.</ref> | * Incidence ranges from 0.6% to 25% following RYGB, with a mean prevalence of approximately 4.6%<ref>Azagury DE, Abu Dayyeh BK, Greenwalt IT, Thompson CC. Marginal ulceration after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: characteristics, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes. ''Endoscopy''. 2011;43(11):950-954.</ref> | ||
* Typically presents a median of 1-2 years after surgery, but can occur from weeks to >10 years postoperatively | * Typically presents a median of 1-2 years after surgery, but can occur from weeks to >10 years postoperatively | ||
* Ulcers are located on the anastomosis (~50%) or the jejunal mucosa (~40%) | * Ulcers are located on the anastomosis (~50%) or the jejunal mucosa (~40%) | ||
* Pathophysiology is multifactorial: | * Pathophysiology is multifactorial: | ||
** | ** Acid exposure — jejunal mucosa lacks protective buffering mechanisms against gastric acid | ||
** | ** Ischemia — tension on the anastomosis, compromised local blood supply | ||
** | ** Large gastric pouch — greater parietal cell mass increases acid production<ref>Edholm D, Ottosson J, Sundbom M. Importance of pouch size in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a cohort study of 14,168 patients. ''Surg Endosc''. 2016;30(5):2011-2015.</ref> | ||
** | ** Foreign body reaction — non-absorbable suture material or exposed staples at the anastomosis | ||
** | ** Gastrogastric fistula — allows acid from the excluded gastric remnant to reach the pouch | ||
* Risk factors (by meta-analysis):<ref>Liang Y, Wang C, Yang L, et al. Nonsurgical risk factors for marginal ulcer following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 cohort studies. ''Int J Surg''. 2024;110(3):1793-1799.</ref> | * Risk factors (by meta-analysis):<ref>Liang Y, Wang C, Yang L, et al. Nonsurgical risk factors for marginal ulcer following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 cohort studies. ''Int J Surg''. 2024;110(3):1793-1799.</ref> | ||
** | ** [[Helicobacter pylori]] infection (OR 4.97) | ||
** | ** Smoking (OR 2.50) | ||
** | ** Diabetes mellitus (OR 1.80) | ||
** [[NSAID]] / [[aspirin]] use | ** [[NSAID]] / [[aspirin]] use | ||
** [[Corticosteroid]] use | ** [[Corticosteroid]] use | ||
| Line 22: | Line 25: | ||
==Clinical Features== | ==Clinical Features== | ||
* | * Epigastric or periumbilical pain (most common, ~63%)<ref>Azagury DE, Abu Dayyeh BK, Greenwalt IT, Thompson CC. Marginal ulceration after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: characteristics, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes. ''Endoscopy''. 2011;43(11):950-954.</ref> | ||
** Often postprandial, may mimic pre-bypass [[peptic ulcer disease]] | ** Often postprandial, may mimic pre-bypass [[peptic ulcer disease]] | ||
* Nausea and vomiting | * Nausea and vomiting | ||
| Line 29: | Line 32: | ||
** [[Melena]], [[hematemesis]], or occult blood loss with iron deficiency [[anemia]] | ** [[Melena]], [[hematemesis]], or occult blood loss with iron deficiency [[anemia]] | ||
* [[Dysphagia]] (if associated anastomotic stricture) | * [[Dysphagia]] (if associated anastomotic stricture) | ||
* | * Complicated presentations: | ||
** | ** Perforation — acute-onset severe abdominal pain, peritoneal signs, [[sepsis]] | ||
*** May present with left shoulder pain (diaphragmatic irritation) | *** May present with left shoulder pain (diaphragmatic irritation) | ||
** | ** Hemorrhage — [[Hemorrhagic shock|hemodynamic instability]], [[hematemesis]], [[hematochezia]] | ||
** | ** Stricture — progressive [[dysphagia]], vomiting, inability to tolerate oral intake | ||
** | ** Gastrogastric fistula — chronic symptoms, weight regain | ||
* Up to 28% of patients may be '''asymptomatic''' (discovered incidentally on surveillance endoscopy) | * Up to 28% of patients may be '''asymptomatic''' (discovered incidentally on surveillance endoscopy) | ||
| Line 53: | Line 56: | ||
===Workup=== | ===Workup=== | ||
* | * Labs: | ||
** [[CBC]] — anemia (chronic blood loss), leukocytosis (perforation/infection) | ** [[CBC]] — anemia (chronic blood loss), leukocytosis (perforation/infection) | ||
** [[BMP]] — electrolyte abnormalities from vomiting or poor oral intake | ** [[BMP]] — electrolyte abnormalities from vomiting or poor oral intake | ||
| Line 61: | Line 64: | ||
** [[H. pylori]] testing (stool antigen or urea breath test preferred over serology post-bypass) | ** [[H. pylori]] testing (stool antigen or urea breath test preferred over serology post-bypass) | ||
** [[Iron studies]] — if chronic anemia | ** [[Iron studies]] — if chronic anemia | ||
* | * Imaging: | ||
** | ** CT abdomen/pelvis with IV contrast — study of choice in the ED for suspected complications<ref>Meissnitzer MW, Stättner S, Gmeiner D, et al. Imaging features of marginal ulcers on multidetector CT. ''Clin Radiol''. 2023;78(2):e178-e185.</ref> | ||
*** May show: wall thickening at the gastrojejunostomy, periananastomotic fat stranding, extraluminal air (perforation), extraluminal fluid, oral contrast leak | *** May show: wall thickening at the gastrojejunostomy, periananastomotic fat stranding, extraluminal air (perforation), extraluminal fluid, oral contrast leak | ||
*** CT also evaluates for [[internal hernia]], [[small bowel obstruction]], and [[abscess]] | *** CT also evaluates for [[internal hernia]], [[small bowel obstruction]], and [[abscess]] | ||
** Upright CXR or left lateral decubitus — may show free air under diaphragm if perforation | ** Upright CXR or left lateral decubitus — may show free air under diaphragm if perforation | ||
** | ** UGI fluoroscopy with water-soluble contrast — can confirm contained perforation vs free leak | ||
* | * EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy): | ||
** Gold standard for diagnosis | ** Gold standard for diagnosis | ||
** Directly visualizes ulcer at or near gastrojejunostomy | ** Directly visualizes ulcer at or near gastrojejunostomy | ||
| Line 84: | Line 87: | ||
===Medical management (uncomplicated)=== | ===Medical management (uncomplicated)=== | ||
* | * [[Proton pump inhibitor]] (PPI) — mainstay of treatment<ref>Pyke O, Yang J, Cohn T, et al. Marginal ulcer continues to be a major source of morbidity over time following gastric bypass. ''Surg Endosc''. 2019;33(10):3451-3456.</ref> | ||
** High-dose PPI (e.g., [[omeprazole]] 40 mg BID or [[pantoprazole]] 40 mg BID) | ** High-dose PPI (e.g., [[omeprazole]] 40 mg BID or [[pantoprazole]] 40 mg BID) | ||
** Duration: minimum 8-12 weeks; many patients require long-term or indefinite PPI | ** Duration: minimum 8-12 weeks; many patients require long-term or indefinite PPI | ||
* | * [[Sucralfate]] 1 g QID (mucosal protectant, adjunct to PPI) | ||
* | * Risk factor modification: | ||
** Smoking cessation (critical) | ** Smoking cessation (critical) | ||
** Discontinue [[NSAID|NSAIDs]], [[aspirin]] (if possible; discuss with prescribing physician) | ** Discontinue [[NSAID|NSAIDs]], [[aspirin]] (if possible; discuss with prescribing physician) | ||
| Line 109: | Line 112: | ||
* NPO, IV fluid resuscitation, broad-spectrum [[antibiotics]] | * NPO, IV fluid resuscitation, broad-spectrum [[antibiotics]] | ||
* IV PPI | * IV PPI | ||
* | * Surgical options:<ref>Wendling MR, Linn JG, Keplinger KM, et al. Omental patch repair effectively treats perforated marginal ulcer following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. ''Surg Endosc''. 2013;27(2):384-389.</ref> | ||
** Omental (Graham) patch repair — most common initial approach | ** Omental (Graham) patch repair — most common initial approach | ||
** Anastomotic revision with resection of ulcer bed | ** Anastomotic revision with resection of ulcer bed | ||
** Gastric bypass reversal (complex, reserved for refractory cases) | ** Gastric bypass reversal (complex, reserved for refractory cases) | ||
* Laparoscopic approach preferred if patient is hemodynamically stable and presents within 24 hours | * Laparoscopic approach preferred if patient is hemodynamically stable and presents within 24 hours | ||
* | * Contained perforation in select hemodynamically stable patients with minimal symptoms may be considered for non-operative management with NPO, IV antibiotics, and IV PPI (emerging evidence)<ref>Pope R, English W, Walden RL, et al. Non-operative approach to contained perforated marginal ulcers: a systematic review and case series. ''Am Surg''. 2024;90(3):471-477.</ref> | ||
===Stricture=== | ===Stricture=== | ||
| Line 122: | Line 125: | ||
==Disposition== | ==Disposition== | ||
* | * Admit if: | ||
** Signs of perforation or peritonitis → emergent surgical consultation | ** Signs of perforation or peritonitis → emergent surgical consultation | ||
** Hemodynamically significant [[GI bleeding]] | ** Hemodynamically significant [[GI bleeding]] | ||
| Line 128: | Line 131: | ||
** Severe pain requiring IV analgesia | ** Severe pain requiring IV analgesia | ||
** Concern for sepsis or abscess | ** Concern for sepsis or abscess | ||
* | * Discharge may be appropriate if: | ||
** Mild symptoms with stable vital signs | ** Mild symptoms with stable vital signs | ||
** Tolerating oral intake | ** Tolerating oral intake | ||
** Reliable follow-up arranged (PPI prescription, outpatient EGD referral, bariatric surgery follow-up) | ** Reliable follow-up arranged (PPI prescription, outpatient EGD referral, bariatric surgery follow-up) | ||
** Clear return precautions given: worsening pain, vomiting, bloody or tarry stools, fever, lightheadedness | ** Clear return precautions given: worsening pain, vomiting, bloody or tarry stools, fever, lightheadedness | ||
* | * Recurrence rate is high (~30% or more), especially if risk factors are not addressed<ref>Coblijn UK, Lagarde SM, de Castro SM, Kuiken SD, van Wagensveld BA. Symptomatic marginal ulcer disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: incidence, risk factors and management. ''Obes Surg''. 2015;25(5):805-811.</ref> | ||
* Approximately 9% of patients ultimately require surgical revision despite medical therapy | * Approximately 9% of patients ultimately require surgical revision despite medical therapy | ||
* Endoscopic surveillance is recommended given high recurrence rate | * Endoscopic surveillance is recommended given high recurrence rate | ||
Latest revision as of 15:53, 19 March 2026
Background
- Marginal ulcer (also called stomal ulcer or anastomotic ulcer) is a mucosal ulceration that develops at or near a surgical gastroenteric anastomosis, most commonly on the jejunal side of the gastrojejunostomy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).[1]
- It is the most common late complication of RYGB and may present to the emergency department with pain, GI bleeding, or perforation.
- Incidence ranges from 0.6% to 25% following RYGB, with a mean prevalence of approximately 4.6%[2]
- Typically presents a median of 1-2 years after surgery, but can occur from weeks to >10 years postoperatively
- Ulcers are located on the anastomosis (~50%) or the jejunal mucosa (~40%)
- Pathophysiology is multifactorial:
- Acid exposure — jejunal mucosa lacks protective buffering mechanisms against gastric acid
- Ischemia — tension on the anastomosis, compromised local blood supply
- Large gastric pouch — greater parietal cell mass increases acid production[3]
- Foreign body reaction — non-absorbable suture material or exposed staples at the anastomosis
- Gastrogastric fistula — allows acid from the excluded gastric remnant to reach the pouch
- Risk factors (by meta-analysis):[4]
- Helicobacter pylori infection (OR 4.97)
- Smoking (OR 2.50)
- Diabetes mellitus (OR 1.80)
- NSAID / aspirin use
- Corticosteroid use
- History of peptic ulcer disease
- Alcohol use
- SSRI use (proposed mechanism: impaired mucosal healing)
Clinical Features
- Epigastric or periumbilical pain (most common, ~63%)[5]
- Often postprandial, may mimic pre-bypass peptic ulcer disease
- Nausea and vomiting
- Reduced oral intake / early satiety
- GI bleeding (~24%)
- Melena, hematemesis, or occult blood loss with iron deficiency anemia
- Dysphagia (if associated anastomotic stricture)
- Complicated presentations:
- Perforation — acute-onset severe abdominal pain, peritoneal signs, sepsis
- May present with left shoulder pain (diaphragmatic irritation)
- Hemorrhage — hemodynamic instability, hematemesis, hematochezia
- Stricture — progressive dysphagia, vomiting, inability to tolerate oral intake
- Gastrogastric fistula — chronic symptoms, weight regain
- Perforation — acute-onset severe abdominal pain, peritoneal signs, sepsis
- Up to 28% of patients may be asymptomatic (discovered incidentally on surveillance endoscopy)
Differential Diagnosis
Diffuse Abdominal pain
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Acute gastroenteritis
- Aortoenteric fisulta
- Appendicitis (early)
- Bowel obstruction
- Bowel perforation
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Gastroparesis
- Hernia
- Hypercalcemia
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Mesenteric ischemia
- Pancreatitis
- Peritonitis
- Sickle cell crisis
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
- Volvulus
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Anastomotic leak (early postoperative period)
- Anastomotic stricture
- Internal hernia (post-bariatric)
- Small bowel obstruction
- Cholelithiasis / cholecystitis (common after rapid weight loss)
- Pancreatitis
- Mesenteric ischemia
- Gastrogastric fistula
- Gastritis
Evaluation
Workup
- Labs:
- CBC — anemia (chronic blood loss), leukocytosis (perforation/infection)
- BMP — electrolyte abnormalities from vomiting or poor oral intake
- Lipase — rule out pancreatitis
- Lactate — if concern for perforation or ischemia
- Type and screen — if GI bleeding
- H. pylori testing (stool antigen or urea breath test preferred over serology post-bypass)
- Iron studies — if chronic anemia
- Imaging:
- CT abdomen/pelvis with IV contrast — study of choice in the ED for suspected complications[6]
- May show: wall thickening at the gastrojejunostomy, periananastomotic fat stranding, extraluminal air (perforation), extraluminal fluid, oral contrast leak
- CT also evaluates for internal hernia, small bowel obstruction, and abscess
- Upright CXR or left lateral decubitus — may show free air under diaphragm if perforation
- UGI fluoroscopy with water-soluble contrast — can confirm contained perforation vs free leak
- CT abdomen/pelvis with IV contrast — study of choice in the ED for suspected complications[6]
- EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy):
- Gold standard for diagnosis
- Directly visualizes ulcer at or near gastrojejunostomy
- Evaluates for exposed suture/staple material, gastrogastric fistula, stricture
- Allows biopsy (rule out malignancy, test for H. pylori)
- Enables therapeutic intervention (hemostasis, dilation)
- May not be immediately available in the ED setting
Diagnosis
- Suspect in any post-bariatric surgery patient presenting with epigastric pain, GI bleeding, or signs of perforation
- Definitive diagnosis by EGD with direct visualization of ulcer at the gastrojejunal anastomosis
- CT findings suggestive but not diagnostic; primarily used to identify complications (perforation, abscess, obstruction)
- Visible suture material or staples at the ulcer base is a characteristic finding
Management
Medical management (uncomplicated)
- Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) — mainstay of treatment[7]
- High-dose PPI (e.g., omeprazole 40 mg BID or pantoprazole 40 mg BID)
- Duration: minimum 8-12 weeks; many patients require long-term or indefinite PPI
- Sucralfate 1 g QID (mucosal protectant, adjunct to PPI)
- Risk factor modification:
- Endoscopic removal of exposed foreign material (sutures, staples) if identified
GI bleeding
- Standard approach to Upper GI bleed
- Aggressive resuscitation, blood transfusion as needed
- IV PPI (e.g., pantoprazole 80 mg bolus then 8 mg/hr drip)
- Urgent EGD for diagnosis and hemostasis (clips, epinephrine injection, thermal therapy)
- Consult surgery if hemodynamically unstable or endoscopy fails to achieve hemostasis
- See Upper GI bleed
Perforation
- Surgical emergency in most cases
- NPO, IV fluid resuscitation, broad-spectrum antibiotics
- IV PPI
- Surgical options:[9]
- Omental (Graham) patch repair — most common initial approach
- Anastomotic revision with resection of ulcer bed
- Gastric bypass reversal (complex, reserved for refractory cases)
- Laparoscopic approach preferred if patient is hemodynamically stable and presents within 24 hours
- Contained perforation in select hemodynamically stable patients with minimal symptoms may be considered for non-operative management with NPO, IV antibiotics, and IV PPI (emerging evidence)[10]
Stricture
- Endoscopic balloon dilation (may require serial dilations)
- Continue PPI therapy
- Surgical revision if refractory
Disposition
- Admit if:
- Signs of perforation or peritonitis → emergent surgical consultation
- Hemodynamically significant GI bleeding
- Inability to tolerate oral intake
- Severe pain requiring IV analgesia
- Concern for sepsis or abscess
- Discharge may be appropriate if:
- Mild symptoms with stable vital signs
- Tolerating oral intake
- Reliable follow-up arranged (PPI prescription, outpatient EGD referral, bariatric surgery follow-up)
- Clear return precautions given: worsening pain, vomiting, bloody or tarry stools, fever, lightheadedness
- Recurrence rate is high (~30% or more), especially if risk factors are not addressed[11]
- Approximately 9% of patients ultimately require surgical revision despite medical therapy
- Endoscopic surveillance is recommended given high recurrence rate
See Also
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Upper GI bleed
- Bariatric surgery complications
- Gastric bypass
- Small bowel obstruction
- Internal hernia
- Perforated gastric ulcer
- Helicobacter pylori
External Links
References
- ↑ Coblijn UK, Goucham AB, Lagarde SM, Kuiken SD, van Wagensveld BA.
- Development of ulcer disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, incidence, risk factors, and patient presentation: a systematic review. Obes Surg. 2014;24(2):299-309.
- ↑ Azagury DE, Abu Dayyeh BK, Greenwalt IT, Thompson CC. Marginal ulceration after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: characteristics, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes. Endoscopy. 2011;43(11):950-954.
- ↑ Edholm D, Ottosson J, Sundbom M. Importance of pouch size in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a cohort study of 14,168 patients. Surg Endosc. 2016;30(5):2011-2015.
- ↑ Liang Y, Wang C, Yang L, et al. Nonsurgical risk factors for marginal ulcer following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 cohort studies. Int J Surg. 2024;110(3):1793-1799.
- ↑ Azagury DE, Abu Dayyeh BK, Greenwalt IT, Thompson CC. Marginal ulceration after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: characteristics, risk factors, treatment, and outcomes. Endoscopy. 2011;43(11):950-954.
- ↑ Meissnitzer MW, Stättner S, Gmeiner D, et al. Imaging features of marginal ulcers on multidetector CT. Clin Radiol. 2023;78(2):e178-e185.
- ↑ Pyke O, Yang J, Cohn T, et al. Marginal ulcer continues to be a major source of morbidity over time following gastric bypass. Surg Endosc. 2019;33(10):3451-3456.
- ↑ Schulman AR, Abougergi MS, Thompson CC. H. pylori as a predictor of marginal ulceration: a nationwide analysis. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017;25(3):522-526.
- ↑ Wendling MR, Linn JG, Keplinger KM, et al. Omental patch repair effectively treats perforated marginal ulcer following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Surg Endosc. 2013;27(2):384-389.
- ↑ Pope R, English W, Walden RL, et al. Non-operative approach to contained perforated marginal ulcers: a systematic review and case series. Am Surg. 2024;90(3):471-477.
- ↑ Coblijn UK, Lagarde SM, de Castro SM, Kuiken SD, van Wagensveld BA. Symptomatic marginal ulcer disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: incidence, risk factors and management. Obes Surg. 2015;25(5):805-811.
