The present systematic review includes a random-effects meta-analysis. The antecolic procedure, with closure of both the mesenteric and Petersen defects, has the lowest internal herniation incidence following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Patients that received fast track care had a decreased length of stay. Although more complications occurred after discharge in the fast track care group, this did not lead to adverse outcomes. Fast track does enhance recovery and is suitable for unselected patients. Care providers should select their patients for early discharge and pursue a low threshold for readmission.

Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes have led to a decreased duration of hospital stay in several surgical fields, but have not been fully tested in patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux‐en‐ gastric bypass (LRYGB) for obesity. This study aimed to investigate an ERAS programme versus standard care in these patients. Methods Between January 2013 and July 2014, patients undergoing LRYGB were randomized to ERAS or conventional care. The primary outcome was functional hospital stay, defined as the time between end of surgery and when predefined discharge criteria (pain adequately controlled, fever and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) absent, full liquid diet tolerated, mobilized and feeling fit for discharge) were met. Secondary outcomes were total length of hospital stay, 30‐day complication and mortality rates, duration of surgery, time spent on the recovery ward and health‐related quality of life. Results A total 220 patients were randomized to ERAS (110 patients) or conventional (110) care. Patients in the ERAS group had shorter functional hospital stay (17·4 versus 20·5 h; P < 0·001), quicker pain control, tolerated liquid diet earlier, had earlier control of PONV, mobilized sooner and were comfortable with discharge sooner than those receiving conventional care. Total length of hospital stay, duration of surgery, time spent on the recovery ward, health‐related quality of life, complication and readmission rates did not differ between the study groups. There were no deaths. Conclusion Patients under ERAS care recovered faster after LRYGB surgery than those receiving conventional care, with no increase in readmission and postoperative morbidity rates. Registration number: NTR3853 ( http://www.trialregister.nl/ ).

The large variation in reported IH incidence is due to the large variation in IH definition. To gain more uniformity in reporting IH prevalence, we propose the use of the AMSTERDAM classification. Post-LRYGB patients with acute onset crampy/colicky epigastric pain should undergo abdominal ultrasound to rule out gallbladder pathology and offered re-laparoscopy with a low threshold. IH incidence is highest among patients with rapid weight loss and non-closure of intermesenteric defects.

In this study, we show that the learning curve of the preceding surgeon positively influences the learning curve of latter surgeons, irrespective of their experience. Therefore, the 'preceding surgeon factor' should be taken in account in addition to volume requirements when starting new bariatric facilities.