Chronic renal failure secondary to oxalate nephropathy: A preventable complication after jejunoileal bypass

Enteric hyperoxaluria is a commonly seen adverse event after the jejunoilea l bypass procedure. The increased concentration of urinary oxalate predispo ses bypass patients to various renal complications such as nephrolithiasis and oxalate nephropathy, If not diagnosed and appropriately treated, these complications can lead to irreversible renal damage. We describe 3 patients in whom severe renal complications developed with irreversible compromise of renal function after a jejunoileal bypass. Patients who undergo a jejuno ileal bypass require lifelong follow-up with close monitoring of their rena l function. Marked decline in renal function mandates prompt investigation and aggressive intervention, including reversal of the jejunoileal bypass i f necessary. Chronic renal failure secondary to oxalate nephropathy is prev entable and treatable but may require conversion of a jejunoileal bypass to a more current form of bypass.