To assess the short-term incidence and characteristics of GERD in severe obese patients following LSG in the early post-operative period (within 6 months).
Approach:
Study Design: A prospective case series was conducted at the Bariatric Surgery Unit, Ain Shams University Hospitals, enrolling 60 patients with severe obesity who underwent LSG.
Patient Selection: Participants were adults aged 18-60 years with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 or BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 with obesity-related comorbidities, excluding those with preoperative GERD or hiatal hernia.
Preoperative Assessment: Comprehensive evaluations included medical history, laboratory tests, pulmonary assessments, cardiac evaluations, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to rule out GERD.
Surgical Technique: Standardized laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed by two experienced surgeons under pneumoperitoneum.
Key Findings:
GERD is a common postoperative complication following LSG, with a significant incidence observed in the early post-operative period.
Preoperative evaluations are crucial to exclude patients with existing GERD or related conditions.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the need for careful monitoring of GERD symptoms in patients post-LSG due to anatomical changes that may predispose them to this condition.
Limitations:
The study was conducted at a single institution, which may limit generalizability.
The follow-up period was limited to 6 months, potentially missing long-term GERD outcomes.
Conclusion:
The findings highlight the importance of early identification and management of GERD in patients undergoing LSG.
