The Effect of Bariatric Surgery and Endoscopic Procedures on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Feasibility of Anti-reflux Gastric Bypass for Massive Paraesophageal Hernia in Obese Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background The objective of this study is to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of anti-reflux gastric bypass (ARGB) as a treatment for symptomatic massive paraesophageal hernias (PEH) in the obese population. Both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and PEH are particularly prevalent in the obese patient population, and obesity adversely affects the long-term outcomes of all anti-reflux procedures. Methods This is a single-center, retrospective review of 17 obese adults who underwent ARGB for the treatment of massive PEH between September 2019 and December 2021. Massive PEH was defined as >5 cm in a singular direction, and obesity as BMI ≥30 kg/m2. Patients without preoperative diagnostic testing were excluded. We reviewed and analyzed patient demographic data, postoperative symptom resolution, weight loss, and complications using descriptive statistics, change from baseline, and comparison of proportions. Results Sixteen of the 17 subjects were female. The median age was 48, and the median BMI was 39.10 kg/m2 (30.0-49.3 kg/m2). The average PEH size on imaging was 6.48 (H) x 6.25 (W) cm. The resolution of heartburn was 93.8% (p<0.001), and the resolution of nausea and vomiting was 80.0%. The mean postoperative length of follow-up was 9.12 months. Median excess body weight loss percentages at one, three, six, and 12 months were 16.43% (p<0.001), 35.92% (p<0.001), 40.64% (p=0.001), and 58.58% (p<0.01), respectively. Five patients experienced adverse events requiring additional intervention or hospitalization. There were no symptomatic hernia recurrences or mortality. Conclusion This study demonstrates that ARGB is feasible and potentially effective in treating symptomatic massive paraesophageal hernias in the obese patient population. Further investigation is needed to determine efficacy and long-term outcomes compared to standard surgical repair.

Gastric Bypass Versus Sleeve Gastrectomy: Comparison of Patient Outcomes, Satisfaction, and Quality of Life in a Single-Center Experience

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common primary bariatric operation performed in the United States. Its relative technical ease, combined with a decreased risk for anatomic and malabsorptive complications make LSG an attractive option compared to laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) for many patients and surgeons. However, emerging evidence for progressive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after LSG, and the inferior weight loss in many studies, suggests that the enthusiasm for LSG requires reassessment. We hypothesized that patient satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) may be lower after LSG compared to LGB because of these differences. Methods: We distributed a survey querying weight-loss outcomes, complications, foregut symptoms, QoL, and overall satisfaction to patients who underwent bariatric operations at our institution between 2000 and 2020 and who had electronic mail contact information available. Mean follow-up was 2.75 ± 2.41 years for LGB patients and 3.37 ± 2.18 (P = .021) years for LSG patients. We compared these groups for weight-loss outcomes, changes in foregut symptoms, gastrointestinal QoL, postbariatric QoL, and overall satisfaction using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Among 323 respondents, 126 underwent LGB and 197 underwent LSG. LGB patients had larger body mass index (BMI) reduction than LSG patients (-17.16 ± 9.07 kg/m² versus -14.87 ± 7.4 kg/m², P = .023). LGB patients reported less reflux (P = .003), with decreased heartburn (P < .0001) and regurgitation (P = .0027). However, a greater proportion of LGB patients reported at least one complication (P = .025). Despite this, more LGB patients reported satisfaction (92.86%) than LSG patients (73.6%). Conclusion: LGB patients are significantly more likely to be satisfied than LSG patients. Factors contributing to the higher level of satisfaction include less GERD and better BMI decrease.

Massive Paraesophageal Hernia Repair in the Obese Patient Population: Antireflux Gastric Bypass Versus Fundoplication

Introduction: Obesity is a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia (HH). Fundoplication is the standard operation for GERD with HH. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the procedure of choice for obese patients with either GERD or a large HH, but neither are indications for RYGB. To delineate bypass surgery as a treatment option for obese patients with HH and GERD, we propose new terminology, antireflux gastric bypass (ARGB). ARGB differs from RYGB by utilizing varying efferent limb lengths for GERD treatment. We hypothesized that ARGB would have higher GERD resolution, lower HH recurrence, and improves weight loss when compared with fundoplication. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed, evaluating patients undergoing repair of large HH (>5 cm) with obesity from January 2013 to February 2021. The primary outcome was GERD resolution, secondary outcomes include HH recurrence and weight loss. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), and hernia size by nonlinear mixed modeling. Results: Forty patients underwent fundoplication, and 16 patients underwent ARGB. Fundoplication patients had a larger mean hernia size (8.7 × 6.3 cm versus 6.6 × 6.4 cm), whereas ARGB patients had a higher BMI (39.2 versus 34.2 kg/m²). Recurrence showed nonstatistically significant lower incidence with ARGB and no significant difference in GERD resolution. Weight (P < .0001) and excess body weight (P < .0001) loss were superior with ARGB. Conclusions: Obese patients with large HHs and GERD treated with ARGB had similar GERD resolution, lower HH recurrence, and improved weight loss when compared with fundoplication. ARGB is an acceptable treatment option for obese patients with a massive paraesophageal hernia in the setting of GERD.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and the Patient with Obesity

Patients with obesity who present with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) require a nuanced approach. Those with lower body mass index (BMI) (less than 33) can be counseled on weight loss, and if successful may be approached with laparoscopic fundoplication. Those who are unable to achieve weight loss or those who present with a BMI greater than or equal to 35 should proceed with laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Conversion to LRYGB from sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective way to manage GERD after sleeve gastrectomy.