Gastropleural Fistula after Single Anastomosis Bypass

Introduction: Pulmonary complications after bariatric surgeries are rare but usually serious. They often occur early after surgery but the presentation might be delayed for several months. Gastropleural fistula after bariatric surgery is extremely rare and has been reported in a very small number of patients post sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. Case presentation: A 32-year-old lady presented with left sided pleural effusion and empyema 10 days after single anastomosis gastric bypass surgery. She was found to have a small gastropleural fistula that was managed by chest tube insertion and decortication of the affected pleura and conversion to classic gastric bypass. these procedures resulted in significant clinical improvement and resolution of the empyema. Conclusion: Gastropleural fistula is a very rare complication of bariatric surgeries and should be considered in patients who present with chronic or recurrent pulmonary infections.