Impact on Perioperative Outcomes of Concomitant Hiatal Hernia Repair with Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Impact of Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass on Esophageal Physiology and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are the most commonly performed bariatric surgical procedures. The effectiveness of these operations on weight control is well established; however, their impact on esophageal physiology is still under evaluation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the consequences of LSG and LRYGB on esophageal physiology, especially concerning reflux.

METHODS

This prospective study involved 30 patients with severe obesity; 15 underwent LSG, and 15 had LRYGB. Conducted between 2021 and 2023 in Turin, Italy, the study employed preoperative and 1-year postoperative assessments of esophageal function using conventional esophageal manometry, 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH), upper gastrointestinal series, upper endoscopy, and a validated questionnaire to assess outcomes related to esophageal and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) functions and reflux.

RESULTS

Both groups experienced significant reductions in weight and body mass index, with p-values < 0.001 for both measures. The LRYGB group achieved a significantly higher percentage of excess weight loss compared to the LSG group, with a p-value of < 0.001. In the LSG group, GERD symptoms remained unchanged postoperatively (p = 0.687), with 26.7% using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) before and after surgery, while in the LRYGB group, GERD symptoms and PPIs use significantly decreased from 53.3 to 6.7% (p = 0.016). Quality of life improved significantly in both groups, with a p-value of 0.001. In the LRYGB group only, esophagitis significantly decreased from 53.3 to 6.7% (p = 0.007), and barium studies showed a significant reduction in reflux signs from 66.7% preoperatively to none postoperatively (p = 0.002). Multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring revealed significant reductions in reflux metrics for LRYGB group only: total refluxes decreased from 29.0 to 15.0, acidic refluxes from 12.0 to 8.0, and the DeMeester score from 4.70 to 3.70 (p = 0.026, 0.033, and 0.029, respectively). Regarding the manometric parameters, significant changes were observed in the LSG group: total LES length decreased from 34.0 to 31.33 mm (p = 0.027) and residual pressure increased from 2.0 to 4.0 mmHg (p = 0.012), also peristaltic wave amplitude decreased from 98.20 to 52.93 mmHg (p < 0.001), while in the LRYGB group, only the LES residual pressure significantly increased from 2.0 to 4.0 mmHg (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

LSG and LRYGB are effective for weight loss and improving quality of life. Sleeve gastrectomy controls reflux, with new cases being rare. Advanced diagnostics are key when standard tests are insufficient.

American society for metabolic and bariatric surgery: intra-operative care pathway for minimally invasive Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Clinical care pathways help guide and provide structure to clinicians and providers to improve healthcare delivery and quality. The Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee (QIPS) of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) has previously published care pathways for the performance of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and pre-operative care of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

OBJECTIVE

This current RYGB care pathway was created to address intraoperative care, defined as care occurring on the day of surgery from the preoperative holding area, through the operating room, and into the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

METHODS

PubMed queries were performed from January 2001 to December 2019 and reviewed according to Level of Evidence regarding specific key questions developed by the committee.

RESULTS

Evidence-based recommendations are made for care of patients undergoing RYGB including the pre-operative holding area, intra-operative management and performance of RYGB, and concurrent procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

This document may provide guidance based on recent evidence to bariatric surgeons and providers for the intra-operative care for minimally invasive RYGB.

Outcomes of Concurrent Hiatus Hernia Repair with Different Bariatric Surgery Procedures: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hiatus hernia (HH) is prevalent among patients with obesity. Concurrent repair is often performed during metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), but a consensus on the safety and effectiveness of concurrent HH repair (HHR) and MBS remains unclear. We performed a systematic review of the safety and effectiveness of concurrent HHR and MBS through the measurement of multiple postoperative outcomes.

METHOD

Seventeen studies relating to concurrent MBS and HHR were identified. MBS procedures included laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), and adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Studies with pre- and postoperative measurements and outcomes were extracted.

RESULTS

For LSG, 9 of 11 studies concluded concurrent procedures to be safe and effective with no increase in mortality. Reoperation and readmission rates however were increased with HHR, whilst GORD rates were seen to improve, therefore providing a solution to the predominant issue with LSG. For LRYGB, in all 5 studies, concurrent procedures were concluded to be safe and effective, with no increase in mortality, length of stay, readmission and reoperation rates. Higher complication rates were observed compared to LSG with HHR. Among LAGB studies, all 4 studies were concluded to be safe and effective with no adverse outcomes on mortality and length of stay. GORD rates were seen to decrease, and reoperation rates from pouch dilatation and gastric prolapse were observed to significantly decrease.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent HHR with MBS appears to be safe and effective. Assessment of MBS warrants the consideration of concurrent HHR depending on specific patient case and the surgeon's preference.

Concurrent paraesophageal hernia repair in revisional/conversional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: propensity score-matched analysis of the MBSAQIP database

BACKGROUND

Patients requiring concurrent paraesophageal hernia repair (CPHR) have been shown to have favorable outcomes in primary bariatric surgery. However, patients requiring revisional or conversional surgery represent a group of patients with higher perioperative risk. Currently, few reports on concurrent paraesophageal hernia repair utilizing the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database are available. The primary aim of this study was to determine perioperative complications associated with CPHR and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as a revisional/conversional operation.

METHODS

In this study, patients undergoing revisional/conversional RYGB between 2015 and 2020 were accessed via the MBSAQIP database. Patients were categorized based on the presence of a paraesophageal hernia as a concurrent procedure. Patients who underwent revisional/conversional surgery without additional procedures were utilized for controls. A propensity score-matched cohort was generated and E-analysis utilized to assess unmeasured confounding.

RESULTS

After exclusions, 35,698 patients were available. Patients receiving CPHR were more likely to be female (90.79% vs 87.37%; p < 0.001) and have increased frequency of gastroesophageal reflux disease (69.20% vs 51.69%; p < 0.001). However, these patients had lower frequencies of sleep apnea (24.12% vs 30.13%; p < 0.001), hypertension requiring medication (38.51% vs 42.59%; p < 0.001), and decreased frequency of hyperlipidemia (19.44% vs 21.60%;p < 0.001). After matching, 6,231 patient pairs were developed and showed that patients undergoing CPHR were at increased risk of readmission (9.44% vs 7.58%; p < 0.001), intervention (3.56% vs 2.79%; p = 0.018), increased requirement for outpatient dehydration treatment (5.87% vs 4.67%;p = 0.004), and overall increased operation time (169.3 min ± 76.0 vs 153.5 ± 73.3; p < 0.001). However, there were no significant increases in the rates of reoperation, death, postoperative leak complications, or bleeding complications after CPHR.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing revisional/conversional RYGB with CPHR may be at higher risk for a small number of rare postoperative complications. CPHR is a safe procedure in patients undergoing revisional/conversional RYGB in the short-term postoperative period.

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.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Obesity: Bariatric Surgery as Both the Cause and the Cure in the Morbidly Obese Population

Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, highly prevalent condition in the United States. GERD can significantly impact quality of life and lead to complications including aspiration pneumonia, esophageal stricture, Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal cancer. Obesity is a risk factor for GERD, which often improves with weight loss and bariatric surgery. Though the incidence of bariatric surgery, in particular, minimally invasive sleeve gastrectomy, has risen in recent years, emerging data has revealed that the severity or new onset of GERD may follow bariatric surgery. We performed a literature review to provide a detailed analysis of GERD with an emphasis on bariatric surgery as both the cure and the cause for GERD in the morbidly obese population. We also describe the pathophysiological mechanisms, management approach and treatment strategies of GERD following bariatric surgery.

Incidence of Hiatal Hernia Repair During Primary Bariatric Surgery Conversion: an Analysis of the 2020 MBSAQIP Database

The rate of hiatal hernia (HH) repair during conversion bariatric surgery is largely unknown. We sought to determine this rate in 12,788 patients undergoing conversion surgery using the 2020 participant use file of the MBSAQIP database. Concurrent HH repair was performed in 24.1% of conversion cases; most commonly during SG to RYGB (33.1%), followed by AGB to SG conversion (20.2%). The remaining conversion pathways had a repair rate around 13%. Only 12.1% of HH repairs were performed using a mesh. GERD was the primary indication for conversion in 65% of the SG to RYGB cases. A much higher proportion of patients with concomitant HH repair reported GERD as the main reason for conversion than those without a HH repair (44.5% vs. 23.7%; p<0.001).

Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery With Concomitant Hiatal Hernia Repair Using an Absorbable Tissue Matrix

BACKGROUND

Hiatal hernias are a common finding in patients who undergo bariatric surgery with an incidence of about 20% of all bariatric patients. Controversy exists on the utility of a biosynthetic tissue matrix (BTM) usage in combination with crural repair. This study was designed to explore the safety and benefits of the use of a BTM during concomitant hiatal hernia repair with bariatric surgical procedures.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of bariatric surgical patients who underwent a concomitant hiatal hernia repair at a single practice at a tertiary academic medical center from January 2014 to February 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 420 patients were reviewed. Hiatal BTM reinforcement, recurrence, and postoperative proton pump inhibitor use were reported by type of operation. Recurrence was higher in gastric bypass patients who underwent hiatal hernia repair with suture cruroplasty alone vs. those who also underwent hiatal BTM reinforcement (7.1% vs. 3.7%, P = .52) and significantly higher in gastric sleeve patients who underwent hiatal hernia repair with suture cruroplasty alone vs. those who also underwent hiatal BTM reinforcement (7.1% vs. .5%, P = .01). No patient required reoperation for hiatal hernia recurrence.

DISCUSSION

Performing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy with concomitant hiatal hernia repair is safe and durable. Employing crural reinforcement with BTM may be of benefit in reducing recurrence rates of hiatal hernia, particularly in sleeve gastrectomy patients.

Secondary Bariatric Surgery-Does the Type of Index Procedure Affect Outcomes After Conversion?

BACKGROUND

Although revisions account for 17% of cases performed at bariatric centers of excellence, scarce data exists on whether index operation type influences outcomes after secondary operations.

OBJECTIVE

We designed a study investigating the effect of primary procedure type on weight loss and perioperative complications after conversion bariatric surgery.

SETTING

Tertiary Referral Hospital, USA.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing conversion from sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or adjustable gastric band (AGB) to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) from 2009 to 2019. Post-operatively, we measured short- and medium-term complications and changes in body weight at various time points. Univariate and regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Forty-two (SG) patients and 116 (AGB) patients underwent conversion to RYGB, most commonly for GERD (57.1%) in SG patients vs. weight regain (77.6%) in AGB patients. Mean pre-conversion BMI was 36.7 kg/m² (SG) vs 43.8 kg/m² (AGB). Mean time to conversion (months) was 52.9 (SG) vs 94.7 (AGB). Complication rate was 9.5% (SG) vs 6% (AGB) at 30 days (p = 0.48) and 31%(SG) vs 14.5% (AGB) (p = 0.02) at 2 years. Mean post conversion %TWL was 11.6% (SG) vs 24.6% (AGB) in patients with GERD/dysphagia (p = 0.014) and 20.7% (SG) vs 27.6% (AGB) in patients converted for weight-related reasons (p = 0.027) at 1 year. Overall mean %TWL was 13.2% (SG) vs 24.7% (AGB) at 2 years (p < 0.0035).

CONCLUSION

After conversion to RYGB, patients with AGB experience better short- and medium-term weight loss than those with SG, even after accounting for conversion indications. SG to RYGB conversions have a higher resolution of reflux disease.

Factors that make Bariatric Surgery Technically Challenging: A Survey of 370 Bariatric Surgeons

BACKGROUND

There is no published data on the factors bariatric surgeons think make bariatric surgery challenging. This study aimed to identify factors that bariatric surgeons feel and increase the technical complexity of bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Bariatric surgeons from around the world were invited to participate in a questionnaire-based survey on Survey Monkey®. An Average Weighted Score was calculated for each factor. A score of < 1.0 meant that the factor was perceived to make surgery technically easier.

RESULTS

Three hundred seventy bariatric and metabolic surgeons from 59 countries completed the survey. The top 10 factors that our respondents felt were most important for determining the technical difficulty of a procedure were inappropriate trocar placement (AWS 3.44), BMI above 60 (AWS 3.41), open bariatric surgery (AWS 3.26), less experienced bariatric anesthetist (AWS 3.18), liver cirrhosis (AWS 3), large liver (AWS 2.99), less experienced bariatric assistant (AWS 2.97), lower surgeon total bariatric surgery volume (AWS 2.95), lower surgeon specific procedure volume (AWS 2.85) and previous laparotomy (AWS 2.83), respectively. Respondents also felt that the younger patients (AWS 0.78), dedicated operating team (AWS 0.67), BMI less than 35 (AWS 0.54), and French position (AWS 0.45) actually make the surgery easier.

CONCLUSION

This survey is the first attempt to understand the factors which make bariatric surgery more difficult. Knowing the factors made the operation more challenging, led to better scheduling the potentially difficult patients to reduce the complications.

Bariatric surgery in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and/or hiatus hernia

INTRODUCTION

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatus hernia (HH) are frequently encountered comorbidities in patients seeking bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) for obesity. sleeve gastrectomy (SG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) are the three commonest bariatric procedures performed worldwide. The purpose of this review was to analyze and compare the data on outcomes of these three procedures in patients with GERD and/or HH.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We examined published English language scientific literature available on PubMed for data comparing SG, RYGB, and OAGB with specific focus on GERD outcomes and outcomes in those with GERD and/or HH.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Several authors have addressed the outcome of GERD after bariatric surgery. There have been randomized control trials and comparative studies in the literature comparing the results of these procedure. But very few studies have exclusively looked into the outcome of different procedures in patients with pre-existing GERD and/or HH. In this narrative review, we evaluate pros and cons of three commonest bariatric procedures worldwide in this subgroup of patients seeking BMS. We also suggest an algorithm on the basis of our experience and the available data in scientific literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Though RYGB is the best anti reflux procedure it is associated with significant higher morbidity/mortality as compared to SG and OAGB. These two procedures can be used in the majority of patients with GERD and/or HH seeking BMS with an acceptance that some patients will need conversion to RYGB in the long term.

Hiatal hernia and morbid obesity-'Roux-en-Y gastric bypass' the one step solution

Obesity and hiatal hernia go hand in hand as siblings. Morbidly obese patients commonly have gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and associated hiatal hernias (HH). The gold standard for all symptomatic reflux patients is still surgical correction of the paraesophageal hernia, hiatal closure and fundoplication. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is an effective surgical treatment for morbid obesity and is known to effectively control symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). It appears to be safe and feasible and becoming more common. Moreover, LRYGB plus Hiatus hernia repair (HHR) appears to be a good alternative for HH patients suffering from morbid obesity as well than antireflux surgery alone because of the additional benefit of significant weight loss and improvement of obesity related co-morbidity. One patient suffering from giant hiatal hernia and morbid obesity where a combined LRYGB and HHR without mesh was performed is presented in this paper.

Hiatoplasty with Crura Buttressing versus Hiatoplasty Alone during Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

INTRODUCTION

In obese patients with hiatal hernia (HH), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) with cruroplasty is an option but use of prosthetic mesh crura reinforcement is debated. The aim was to compare the results of hiatal closure with or without mesh buttressing during LSG.

METHODS

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was assessed by the Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire before and after surgery in two consecutive series of patients with esophageal hiatus ≤ 4 cm2. After LSG, patients in group A (12) underwent simple cruroplasty, whereas in group B patients (17), absorbable mesh crura buttressing was added.

RESULTS

At mean follow-up of 33.2 and 18.1 months for groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.006), the mean preoperative GERD-HRQL scores of 16.5 and 17.7 (p = 0.837) postoperatively became 9.5 and 2.4 (p = 0.071). In group A, there was no difference between pre- and postoperative scores (p = 0.279), whereas in group B, a highly significant difference was observed (p = 0.002). The difference (Δ) comparing pre- and postoperative mean scores between the two groups was significantly in favor of mesh placement (p = 0.0058).

CONCLUSIONS

In obese patients with HH and mild-moderate GERD, reflux symptoms are significantly improved at medium term follow-up after cruroplasty with versus without crura buttressing during LSG.

Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: Techniques for Success

With the introduction of laparoscopy, the outcomes of patients undergoing paraesophageal hernia repair have improved dramatically. When the fundamentals of a proper repair are followed, patients can expect to have improvement in gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, including heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, dysphagia, and dyspnea. Adhering to these principles will alleviate patients' symptoms and avoid reoperation. This article describes the approach to paraesophageal hernia repair, including patient evaluation, operative technique, and postoperative management. Esophageal lengthening and crural reinforcement with mesh are addressed as well. Adhering to the basic techniques outlined in this article should lead to successful and durable patient outcomes following a paraesophageal hernia repair.

Concomitant hiatal hernia repair with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is safe: analysis of the ACS-NSQIP database

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD) is prevalent after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), a common bariatric surgical procedure worldwide. Some studies have suggested that concomitant hiatal hernia repair (HHR) during LSG reduces the risk of GERD, but this has not been substantiated. Little is known about the safety of adding an HHR in this setting. The present study aims to compare 30-day morbidity and mortality and length of hospital stay between patients undergoing LSG alone and those undergoing LSG with HHR.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was performed to identify patients who underwent LSG procedures alone or with concomitant HHR between 2010 and 2014. Univariate and multivariate analyses of 30-day morbidity and mortality and length of hospital stay were performed.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2014, 32,581 patients underwent LSG. Of those, 4687 (14.4%) underwent concomitant HHR. No significant differences in 30-day mortality; overall morbidity; reoperation; sepsis; and wound, cardiac, respiratory, and renal complications were found between the 2 study groups on univariate and multivariate analyses. Length of hospital stay, risk of thromboembolic events, and blood transfusions were lower in the LSG+HHR group, even on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant HHR at the time of LSG is not associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality or major morbidity. However, the effectiveness of this additional procedure should be assessed using long-term data on the resolution of GERD symptoms after LSG.

Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Hiatal Hernia Repair Outcomes

Large hiatal hernias are notorious for their high recurrence rates after conventional repair. Recurrence rates have been described to be higher in obese patients due to increased intraabdominal pressure. We hypothesized that patients who undergo hiatal hernia repair (HHR) with bariatric surgery (BAR) will have a lower hernia recurrence rate when compared to patients who undergo HHR with fundoplication (FP) due to the decrease in intra-abdominal pressure observed with weight loss. This was an Institutional Review Board approved retrospective review. The outcomes of patients who underwent HHR+BAR as well as patients who had HHR+FP only from 2007 to 2014 were reviewed. Patients who had small hiatal hernias (<2 cm), underwent an anterior repair, or had gastropexy only were excluded. The primary outcome was hernia recurrence and reflux resolution. The outcomes of 58 patients who had HHR+BAR were compared with 30 patients with HHR+FP. Hernia recurrence rate for HHR+BAR was 12 per cent, whereas hernia recurrence rate for HHR+FP was 38 per cent ( P < 0.01). Reflux resolution for HHR+FP was 78 per cent, whereas reflux improvement rate for HHR+BAR was 84 per cent ( P = n.s.). Combining HHR with BAR leads to a lower hernia recurrence rate when compared to patients who undergo HHR with FP.

The Impact of Gastric Bypass on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Morbidly Obese Patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND

Recently, authors have reported that early results of GBP can control GERD. However, longer follow-ups based on objective parameters for GERD are missing.

METHODS

Fifty-three patients [15 men (28%), 39 years old (range, 18-59), body mass index = 46 ± 7.7 kg/m2] were consecutively evaluated for GERD irrespectively of related symptoms, before the operation (E1) and at 6 (E2) and 39 ± 7 months postoperatively (E3). The end points were (1) esophageal syndromes based on the Montreal Consensus and (2) an esophageal acid exposure assessment.

RESULTS

Body mass index dropped from 46 ± 7.7 kg/m2 at E1 to 30 ± 5.2 kg/m2 at E3. Typical reflux syndrome displayed a significant decrease from 31 (58%) at E1 to 8 (15%) at E2 and 5 (9%) at E3. Statistically significant differences occurred between E1 and both postoperative evaluations (P < 0.001). Reflux esophagitis was detected in 24 (45%), 17 (32%), and 10 patients (19%) at E1, E2, and E3, respectively (P = 0.002). The incidence of GERD decreased in 34 (64%) and 21 (40%) patients at E1 and E2, respectively, and then in 12 (23%) patients at E3. DeMeester scores reduced from 28.6 (E1) to 9.4 (E2) and 1.2 (E3) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For most morbidly obese patients, in addition to causing significant weight loss, GBP reduces GERD symptoms, improves reflux esophagitis, and decreases esophageal acid exposure for longer than 3 years.

The incidence of hiatal hernia and technical feasibility of repair during bariatric surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the incidence and outcomes of hiatal hernias (HH) that are repaired concomitantly during bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We identified patients who had concomitant HH repair during bariatric surgery from 2010 to 2014. Data collected included baseline demographics, perioperative parameters, type of HH repair, and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 83 underwent concomitant HH during study period. The male-to-female ratio was 1:8, mean age was 57.2 ± 10.0 years, and mean body mass index was 44.5 ± 7.9 kg/m(2). A total of 61 patients had laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 22 had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. HH was diagnosed before bariatric surgery in 32 (39%) subjects, whereas 51 (61%) were diagnosed intraoperatively. Primary hernia repair was performed with anterior reconstruction in 45 (54%) patients, posterior in 21 (25%), and additional mesh placement in 7 (8%). A total of 24 early minor postoperative symptoms were reported. At 12 month follow-up, mean body mass index improved to 30.0 ± 6.2 kg/m(2), and anti-reflux medication was decreased from 84% preoperatively to 52%. Late postoperative complications were observed in 3 patients. A comparative analysis with a matched 1:1 control group displayed no significant differences in operative time (P = .07), duration of stay (P = .9), intraoperative complications, or early (P = .09) and late post-operative symptoms (P = .3). In addition, no differences were noted in terms of weight-loss outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The true incidence of HH may be underestimated before bariatric surgery. Combined repair of HH during bariatric surgery appears safe and feasible.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in the obese: Pathophysiology and treatment

Obesity is a condition that has increased all over the world in the last 3 decades. Overweight and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are related. GERD may have different causative factors in the obese compared with lean individuals. This review focuses on the proper treatment for GERD in the obese based on its pathophysiology. Increased abdominal pressure may play a more significant role in obese subjects with GERD than the defective esophagogastric barrier usually found in nonobese individuals. A fundoplication may be used to treat GERD in these individuals; however, outcomes may be not as good as in nonobese patients and it does not act on the pathophysiology of the disease. All bariatric techniques may ameliorate GERD symptoms owing to a decrease in abdominal pressure secondary to weight loss. However, some operations may lead to a disruption of natural anatomic antireflux mechanisms or even lead to slow gastric emptying and/or esophageal clearance and thus be a refluxogenic procedure. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass decreases both acid and bile reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. On the other hand, gastric banding is a refluxogenic operation, and sleeve gastrectomy may show different outcomes based on the anatomy of the gastric tube.

Treatment of giant hiatal hernia by laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

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LRYGB plus HHR is safe and feasible.

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LRYGB plus HHR results in additional weight loss and improvement of co-morbidity.

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LRYGB plus HHR is a good alternative for antireflux surgery in obese HH-patients.

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HH-patients meeting bariatric surgery criteria should be informed about LRYGB plus HHR.

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Randomized trials comparing fundoplication with LRYGB plus HHR are needed.

Introduction

Obesity is a risk factor for hiatal hernia. In addition, much higher recurrence rates are reported after standard surgical treatment of hiatal hernia in morbidly obese patients. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is an effective surgical treatment for morbid obesity and is known to effectively control symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).

Case presentation

Two patients suffering from giant hiatal hernias where a combined LRYGB and hiatal hernia repair (HHR) with mesh was performed are presented in this paper. There were no postoperative complications and at 1 year follow-up, there was no sign of recurrence of the hernia.

Discussion

The gold standard for all symptomatic reflux patients is still surgical correction of the paraesophageal hernia, including complete reduction of the hernia sac, resection of the sac, hiatal closure and fundoplication. However, HHR outcome is adversely affected by higher BMI levels, leading to increased HH recurrence rates in the obese.

Conclusion

Concomitant giant hiatal hernia repair with LRYGB appears to be safe and feasible. Moreover, LRYGB plus HHR appears to be a good alternative for HH patients suffering from morbid obesity as well than antireflux surgery alone because of the additional benefit of significant weight loss and improvement of obesity related co-morbidity.

Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus causes troublesome symptoms, esophageal injury, and/or complications. Use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) remains the standard therapy for GERD and is effective in most patients. Those whose symptoms are refractory to PPIs should be evaluated further and other treatment options should be considered, according to individual patient characteristics. Response to PPIs could be total (no symptoms), partial (residual breakthrough symptoms), or absent (no change in symptoms). Patients experiencing complete response do not usually need further management. Patients with partial response can be treated surgically or by using emerging endoscopic therapies. Patients who exhibit no response to PPI need further evaluation to rule out other causes.

The effect of bariatric surgery on gastroesophageal reflux disease

Obesity is an epidemic that is known to play a role in the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Studies have shown that increasing body mass index plays a role in the incompetence of the gastroesophageal junction and that weight loss and lifestyle modifications reduce the symptoms of GERD. As a method of producing effective and sustainable weight loss, bariatric surgery plays a major role in the treatment of obesity. We reviewed the literature on the effects of different types of bariatric surgery on the symptomatic relief of GERD and its complications. Roux-en- Y gastric bypass was considered an effective method to alleviate symptoms of GERD, whereas laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy appeared to increase the incidence of the disease. Adjustable gastric banding was seen to initially improve the symptoms of GERD; however, a subset of patients experienced a new onset of GERD symptoms during long-term follow-up. The literature suggests that different surgeries have different impacts on the symptomatology of GERD and that careful assessment may be needed before performing bariatric surgery in patients with GERD.

Variation in utilization of acid-reducing medication at 1 year following bariatric surgery: results from the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative

BACKGROUND

Morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery have high rates of gastroesophageal reflux and are often treated with acid-reducing medications (ARM) such as proton pump inhibitors or H2-blockers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bariatric procedures on the utilization of ARM. We analyzed data from the clinical registry of the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative on 35,477 patients undergoing bariatric surgery between January 2006 and October 2012 who completed both baseline and 1-year follow-up surveys. Procedures included laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB, n=2,627), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n=6,410), sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n=1,567), and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS, n=162).

METHODS

Rates of ARM at 1 year by procedure type were compared using logistic regression analysis. Models were adjusted for patient characteristics, baseline co-morbidities, weight loss, and hiatal hernia repair.

RESULTS

Overall ARM use at baseline was 37.7% and declined to 29.6% at 1 year after bariatric surgery. The proportion of patients starting an ARM at 1 year when they were not using one at baseline by procedure was LAGB (13.9%), RYGB (19.2%), SG (21.6%), and BPD/DS (26.7%). The proportion of patients discontinuing an ARM at 1 year when they were using one at baseline by procedure was LAGB (55.6%), RYGB (56.2%), SG (37.3%), and BPD/DS (42.1%). Compared with LAGB on multivariable analysis, the likelihood of ARM use at 1 year was higher for SG (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.45-1.99) and BDP/DS (OR 1.53, CI .97-2.40) but not different for RYGB (OR 1.02, CI .90-1.16).

CONCLUSION

Overall ARM use decreases after bariatric surgery; however, it is not uniform and depends on procedure type. SG is a significant predictor for ARM use at 1 year.

Laparoscopic surgery for gastro-esophageal acid reflux disease

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease is a troublesome disease for many patients, severely affecting their quality of life. Choice of treatment depends on a combination of patient characteristics and preferences, esophageal motility and damage of reflux, symptom severity and symptom correlation to acid reflux and physician preferences. Success of treatment depends on tailoring treatment modalities to the individual patient and adequate selection of treatment choice. PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were searched for systematic reviews with an abstract, publication date within the last five years, in humans only, on key terms (laparosc* OR laparoscopy*) AND (fundoplication OR reflux* OR GORD OR GERD OR nissen OR toupet) NOT (achal* OR pediat*). Last search was performed on July 23nd and in total 54 articles were evaluated as relevant from this search. The laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication is the therapy of choice for normal-weight GERD patients qualifying for laparoscopic surgery. No better pharmaceutical, endoluminal or surgical alternatives are present to date. No firm conclusion can be stated on its cost-effectiveness. Results have to be awaited comparing the laparoscopic 180-degree anterior fundoplication with the Toupet fundoplication to be a possible better surgical alternative. Division of the short gastric vessels is not to be recommended, nor is the use of a bougie or a mesh in the vast majority of GERD patients undergoing surgery. The use of a robot is not recommended. Anti-reflux surgery is to be considered expert surgery, but there is no clear consensus what is to be called an 'expert surgeon'. As for setting, ambulatory settings seem promising although high-level evidence is lacking.