Long-Term Implications of GERD After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Purpose of review To review the relationship between obesity and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and study rates and implications of GERD diagnosis before and after Laparoscopic Sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass (LRYGB). Recent findings Obesity is one of the major risk factors for GERD, and GERD is common in patients seeking bariatric surgery. GERD outcomes are superior with LRYGB compared to LSG, and de novo GERD and Barrett's esophagus have been reported after LSG. Prevention and treatment strategies for GERD and Barrett's esophagus after LSG are under scrutiny. Determination of the presence of GERD should be part of the process to choose a bariatric surgical technique. Current LSG technique leads to GERD in about 1/3 of patients. Advances in the understanding of the complex relationship of obesity and GERD and evolving technical modifications to LSG may allow improvements with GERD-related outcomes with bariatric surgery.