The Sleeve Gastrectomy with Jejunal Bypass (Original Technique)

Introduction: Sleeve gastrectomy with jejunal bypass (SGJB) has been used as a bariatric/metabolic procedure since 2003, in the search for a simpler than other standard techniques and as effective as them. The jejunal–ileal anastomosis can deliver food directly to the hindgut where incretins are secreted. This procedure has gained popularity around the globe and has been studied in rat models as in humans, especially in South America and Asia. In this review, we present the details of the original surgical technique SGJB, summarized all the publications of the procedure, discuss possible advantages and disadvantages, and provide scientific information to look for the real place between bariatric/metabolic procedures. Methods: With 20 years of experience performing the original SGJB, the authors present the details of the procedure. Results: The SGJB consists of a traditional sleeve with the addition of a jejunal bypass. The jejunum is transected 20–30 cm distally to the ligament of Treitz. Then, the biliopancreatic limb is anastomosed to restore transit 250–300 cm distal to the jejunum transection. This way, the ileum gets in contact with partially digested food with the subsequent production of incretins. Conclusion: In this article, we describe the original Alamo technique of SGJB. It is important to clarify the technical details since many publications have presented different lengths of the defunctionalized jejunal limb. Also, the SGJB has been categorized in the “sleeve plus” procedures and its promising outcomes should rapidly position it as an alternative metabolic surgery.