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Evaluation and revisional surgery for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease after metabolic and bariatric surgery
GU Yan, YANG Jian-jun, DONG Wen-pei
Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (9) : 1209-1214.
PDF(1299 KB)
PDF(1299 KB)
Evaluation and revisional surgery for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease after metabolic and bariatric surgery
Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (r-GERD) is one of the major long-term complications after metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), and it seriously affects surgical outcomes and the quality of life of patients. Its pathogenesis involves postoperative anatomical changes, esophageal motility disorders, persistence of preoperative high-risk factors and postoperative triggers, and the superposition of these factors greatly increases the complexity of diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of post-MBS r-GERD are mainly heartburn and reflux, whereas some patients present only with extra-esophageal symptoms; its diagnosis should be based on objective confirmation of pathological reflux. Precise assessment is the prerequisite and individualized decision-making is the key. On the basis of stepwise evaluation with symptom and quality-of-life questionnaires, endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal barium contrast study and thin-slice CT, and 24-h esophageal pH-impedance monitoring combined with high-resolution manometry, a multidisciplinary team should clarify the characteristics of reflux, the type of anatomical abnormality and the functional status of the esophagogastric unit. Strict indications are required for revisional surgery, and the revisional procedure should be individualized according to the primary operation, the type of anatomical deformity and the reflux characteristics, taking both anti-reflux efficacy and weight-loss and metabolic benefits into consideration. Conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass currently provides the most robust evidence and the most definitive effect, and further optimization of the assessment process and revisional strategies remains the direction of future work.
metabolic and bariatric surgery / refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease / revisional surgery / sleeve gastrectomy / gastric bypass
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The aim of this study was to appraise the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, and Barrett's esophagus (BE) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) through a systematic review and meta-analysis.The precise prevalence of new-onset or worsening GERD after SG is controversial. Subsequent esophagitis and BE can be a serious unintended sequalae. Their postoperative prevalence remains unclear.A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies evaluating postoperative outcomes in primary SG for morbid obesity. The primary outcome was prevalence of GERD, esophagitis, and BE after SG. Meta-analysis was performed to calculate combined prevalence.A total of 46 studies totaling 10,718 patients were included. Meta-analysis found that the increase of postoperative GERD after sleeve (POGAS) was 19% and de novo reflux was 23%. The long-term prevalence of esophagitis was 28% and BE was 8%. Four percent of all patients required conversion to RYGB for severe reflux.The postoperative prevalence of GERD, esophagitis, and BE following SG is significant. Symptoms do not always correlate with the presence of pathology. As the surgical uptake of SG continues to increase, there is a need to ensure that surgical decision-making and the consent process for this procedure consider these long-term complications while also ensuring their postoperative surveillance through endoscopic and physiological approaches. The long-term outcomes of this commonly performed bariatric procedure should be considered alongside its weight loss and metabolic effects.
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To evaluate the incidence of long-term de novo acid reflux-related complications following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) to determine whether routine postoperative surveillance endoscopy is necessary.A systematic search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, the Web of Science, and bibliographic reference lists was conducted. A proportion meta-analysis model was constructed to quantify the risk of the de novo gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), oesophagitis, and Barrett's oesophagus (BE) at least 4 years after SG. Random-effects modelling was applied to calculate pooled outcome data.Thirty-two observational studies were included reporting a total of 7904 patients who underwent primary SG and were followed up for at least 4 years. The median follow-up period was 60 months (48-132). Preoperative acid-reflux symptoms existed in 19.1% ± 15.1% of the patients. The risk of development of de novo GORD, oesophagitis, and BE after SG was 24.8% (95% CI 18.6-31.0%), 27.9% (95% CI 17.7-38.1%), and 6.7% (95% CI 3.7-9.7%), respectively. The between-study heterogeneity was significant in all outcome syntheses. It was suspected that several of the included studies have not reported BE and oesophagitis because such events might not have happened in their cohorts.Long-term risk of de novo GORD after SG seems to be comparable with those of the general population which questions the merit of surveillance endoscopy after SG in asymptomatic patients. De novo BE and oesophagitis after SG have not been reported by most of the available studies which may lead to overestimation of the rates of both outcomes in any evidence synthesis. We recommend endoscopic surveillance for symptomatic patients only.© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
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Since the publication of the Asia-Pacific consensus on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in 2008, there has been further scientific advancement in this field. This updated consensus focuses on proton pump inhibitor-refractory reflux disease and Barrett's oesophagus.
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The Lyon Consensus provides conclusive criteria for and against the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and adjunctive metrics that consolidate or refute GERD diagnosis when primary criteria are borderline or inconclusive. An international core and working group was assembled to evaluate research since publication of the original Lyon Consensus, and to vote on statements collaboratively developed to update criteria. The Lyon Consensus 2.0 provides a modern definition of actionable GERD, where evidence from oesophageal testing supports revising, escalating or personalising GERD management for the symptomatic patient. Symptoms that have a high versus low likelihood of relationship to reflux episodes are described. Unproven versus proven GERD define diagnostic strategies and testing options. Patients with no prior GERD evidence (unproven GERD) are studied using prolonged wireless pH monitoring or catheter-based pH or pH-monitoring off antisecretory medication, while patients with conclusive GERD evidence (proven GERD) and persisting symptoms are evaluated using pH-impedance monitoring while on optimised antisecretory therapy. The major changes from the original Lyon Consensus criteria include establishment of Los Angeles grade B oesophagitis as conclusive GERD evidence, description of metrics and thresholds to be used with prolonged wireless pH monitoring, and inclusion of parameters useful in diagnosis of refractory GERD when testing is performed on antisecretory therapy in proven GERD. Criteria that have not performed well in the diagnosis of actionable GERD have been retired. Personalisation of investigation and management to each patient’s unique presentation will optimise GERD diagnosis and management.
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中华医学会消化病学分会胃肠动力学组, 胃肠功能性疾病协作组, 食管疾病协作组. 中国胃食管反流病诊疗规范[J]. 中华消化杂志, 2023, 43(9):588-598. DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn311367-20230626-00289.
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Hiatal hernia (HH) is a common condition. A multidisciplinary expert panel was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians, patients, and others in decisions regarding the treatment of HH.Systematic reviews were conducted for four key questions regarding the treatment of HH in adults: surgical treatment of asymptomatic HH versus surveillance; use of mesh versus no mesh; performing a fundoplication versus no fundoplication; and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus redo fundoplication for recurrent HH. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations methodology by subject experts. When the evidence was insufficient to base recommendations on, expert opinion was utilized instead. Recommendations for future research were also proposed.The panel provided one conditional recommendation and two expert opinions for adults with HH. The panel suggested routinely performing a fundoplication in the repair of HH, though this was based on low certainty evidence. There was insufficient evidence to make evidence-based recommendations regarding surgical repair of asymptomatic HH or conversion to RYGB in recurrent HH, and therefore, only expert opinions were offered. The panel suggested that select asymptomatic patients may be offered surgical repair, with criteria outlined. Similarly, it suggested that conversion to RYGB for management of recurrent HH may be appropriate in certain patients and again described criteria. The evidence for the routine use of mesh in HH repair was equivocal and the panel deferred making a recommendation.These recommendations should provide guidance regarding surgical decision-making in the treatment of HH and highlight the importance of shared decision-making and consideration of patient values to optimize outcomes. Pursuing the identified research needs will improve the evidence base and may allow for stronger recommendations in future evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of HH.© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between bariatric surgery (laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy [LSG] and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [LRYGB]) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The number of obese patients with newly onset, worsened, or improved GERD after bariatric surgery in each article were extracted. In the pooled analysis, LSG was associated with a higher risk of GERD than LRYGB (odds ratio [OR] = 5.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.60-7.23, p < 0.001). Compared with LSG, LRYGB had a better effect on GERD (OR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.12-0.30, p < 0.001). LRYGB was more effective for treating GERD in obese patients than LSG and the incidence of newly onset GERD after LRYGB was lower.
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Up to 40% of patients with symptoms suspicious of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) do not respond completely to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. The term “refractory GERD” has been used loosely in the literature. A distinction should be made between refractory symptoms (ie, symptoms may or may not be GERD‐related), refractory GERD symptoms (ie, persisting symptoms in patients with proven GERD, regardless of relationship to ongoing reflux), and refractory GERD (ie, objective evidence of GERD despite adequate medical management). The present ESNM/ANMS consensus paper proposes use the term “refractory GERD symptoms” only in patients with persisting symptoms and previously proven GERD by either endoscopy or esophageal pH monitoring. Even in this context, symptoms may or may not be reflux related. Objective evaluation, including endoscopy and esophageal physiologic testing, is requisite to provide insights into mechanisms of symptom generation and evidence of true refractory GERD. Some patients may have true ongoing refractory acid or weakly acidic reflux despite PPIs, while others have no evidence of ongoing reflux, and yet others have functional esophageal disorders (overlapping with proven GERD confirmed off therapy). In this context, attention should also be paid to supragastric belching and rumination syndrome, which may be important contributors to refractory symptoms.
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Conversion of SG to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is increasing. Intrathoracic migration of the sleeve (ITM) often seems associated and is increasingly reported.Patients who underwent a conversion of SG to RYGB from August 2013 to December 2022 were included. Two groups were compared: patients operated on for weight loss failure (WLF gp) and those operated on for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD gp). Demographic data, the incidence of ITM, weight loss outcomes, resolution of symptoms, and morbidity were analyzed.Fifty-nine patients were included with an average follow-up of 32 months: 46 patients in the GERD gp (78%) were compared to 13 patients (22%) in the WLF gp. Groups were comparable regarding age and gender, but BMI and commodities were significantly higher in the WLF gp. In the GERD gp, on preoperative gastroscopy, 30% had a esophagitis, 48% had an ITM which required a posterior crural closure versus no esophagitis (p=0.02) and 23% of ITM in the WLF gp (p=0.11). Conversion led to 93% of GERD symptom improvement. In the WLF gp, mean TWL% was 15.3%, significantly greater than in the GERD gp (TWL% = 4.6%, p = 0.01). The complication rate was 10% at 30 days and 3.4% after 30 days, not significantly different between groups.The main indication of conversion of SG to RYGB was because of GERD: in these indications, the incidence of ITM was high requiring a surgical treatment with a very good efficacy on symptoms. Weight loss results were disappointing.© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
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The effect of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains unclear. We aimed to outline the currently available literature.All relevant databases were searched for publications examining the effect of laparoscopic SG on GERD. Primary outcome measure was change in prevalence of GERD symptoms, antireflux medication use, and esophageal function tests. Secondary outcomes were prevalence of new-onset GERD and esophagitis. Thirty-three articles were included. Eleven studies used questionnaires to assess changes in the prevalence of GERD symptoms, with a risk difference in prevalence of 4.3%. Eight studies used esophageal function tests, with paradoxical results. Pooled incidence of new-onset GERD symptoms was 20%, with a strong suggestion of heterogeneity. New-onset esophagitis ranged from 6.3% to 63.3%.Because of high heterogeneity among available studies and paradoxical outcomes of objective esophageal function tests, the exact effect of laparoscopic SG on the prevalence of GERD remains unanswered. Surgeons should carefully evaluate preoperative GERD symptoms when choosing the proper bariatric technique.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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We aimed to investigate the effect of primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in patients with obesity. A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, and CINAHL databases for studies that reported on GORD outcomes following RYGB for obesity (January 2000-November 2023). Fourteen studies with 28,027 patients underwent RYGB, with pooled analysis demonstrating a 47% (95% CI 34.0-59.0; p ≤ 0.005) improvement in GORD symptoms and 4.5% (95% CI 1.7-7.2; p ≤ 0.005) with worsening/new onset GORD. Postoperative DeMeester score improved by 16.49 points (95% CI 0.2-32.7; p ≤ 0.005) and 79.4% (95% CI 68.7-90.1; p = 0.01) completely discontinued proton-pump inhibitor therapy during the follow-up period. RYGB surgery may potentially improve GORD symptoms in patients with obesity, with an overall low incidence of de novo GORD.© 2025. The Author(s).
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This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the incidence of new-onset gastroesophageal reflux, reflux change, esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and revision due to reflux, gastritis, and marginal ulcer after one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB). We performed subgroup analyses based on primary and revisional OAGB and time of follow-up. Meta-analysis of 87 studies with 27,775 patients showed a 6% rate of new-onset reflux after OAGB. Preoperative reflux status did not change significantly after OAGB. The rate of esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus was 15% and 1%, respectively. The new-onset reflux rate after OAGB was significantly higher than gastric bypass but not different with sleeve gastrectomy. The current study showed a relatively low rate of reflux and its complications after OAGB, but it was significantly higher than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
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Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure worldwide. The incidence and consequences of sleeve migration (SM) are not clearly understood. There is no clear consensus on appropriate measures to reduce the risk of SM. This study systematically reviewed the literature and identified 405 cases of SM from 21 studies. Age ranged from 18 to 68 years. Thirty-two percent and 11% of patients were females and males respectively, while sex was not reported in 57%. Time to diagnosis ranged from 1 day to 5 years postoperatively. A total of 9.6% and 58.8% of patients had or had no previous hiatal hernia respectively. SM incidence, risk factors, proposed mechanisms, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and potential preventive strategies are described in this review.© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
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This report discusses the potential mechanisms that might underlie refractory GERD and functional heartburn, and how to distinguish among those mechanisms using a systematic evaluation that includes careful medical history, endoscopy with esophageal biopsy, esophageal manometry, and esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring. The report provides an approach to patient management that depends on the underlying mechanism identified by this systematic evaluation.Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Hiatal hernia (HH) is common in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Preoperative traditional techniques such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) or barium swallow/esophagram do not always correlate with intraoperative findings. High-resolution manometry (HRM) has shown a higher sensitivity and specificity than traditional techniques in non-obese patients in the HH diagnosis, whereas there is a lack of data in the morbidly obese population. We aimed to prospectively assess the diagnostic accuracy of HRM in HH detection, in comparison with barium swallow and UGIE, assuming intraoperative diagnosis as a standard of reference.Forty-one consecutive morbidly obese patients prospectively recruited from a tertiary-care referral hospital devoted to bariatric and metabolic surgery underwent a preoperative evaluation including standardized GERD questionnaires, barium swallow, UGIE, and HRM. The surgical procedures were performed by a single surgeon who was blinded to the results of other investigations.HH was intraoperatively diagnosed in 11/41 patients (26.8%). In 10/11 patients, the preoperative HRM showed an esophagogastric junction suggestive of HH. When compared to intraoperative evaluation, the sensitivity of the HRM was 90.9% and the specificity 63.3%, with a positive predictive value of 47.6% and a negative predictive value of 95.0%. HRM showed a higher sensitivity and specificity compared to barium swallow and UGIE.HRM has a high accuracy of HH detection in morbidly obese patients assuming an intraoperative diagnosis as reference standard. It could therefore be a very useful tool in the preoperative work-up of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
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Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is currently the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the world and is widely considered safe and effective for weight loss in the obese population. However, intractable gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following LSG poses a clinical challenge, with significant impact on quality of life and the potential for development of Barrett’s esophagus This review aims to provide clinicians with a systematic approach to investigating and managing patients with intractable GERD following LSG.
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This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) compared with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in patients with obesity. Three databases (Medline, Cochrane Central, and Scopus) were searched for relevant articles published until August 12, 2024. A total of nine randomized controlled trials, including 643 patients, were selected. OAGB was statistically significantly associated with a higher risk of GERD than RYGB (OR = 3.14, 95% CI 1.23-8.03, p < 0.05). The odds for de novo GERD after OAGB are almost six times higher than after RYGB (OR = 5.65, 95% CI 1.53-20.82, p < 0.05). RYGB has a lower incidence of de novo GERD cases and is more effective than OAGB in reducing GERD.© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
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