Endoscopic Outcomes Before and Five Years After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Is There a Significant Impact?

Abstract

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a popular bariatric procedure with significant effects on weight and metabolic health. However, its impact on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal symptoms remains debated. This study aims to evaluate the endoscopic changes five years post-LSG. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent LSG at our center between June 2017 and June 2019. Inclusion criteria included preoperative and at least five-year follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). We analyzed demographic factors, esophageal symptoms, and endoscopic findings. Out of 118 patients who underwent LSG, 24 met the inclusion criteria. Two patients were excluded due to conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The final cohort included 22 patients with a mean age of 42 ± 10 years and a mean BMI of 45 ± 7 kg/m². Preoperative EGD showed no GERD in 21 patients (95.5%) and GERD in 1 patient (4.5%). At five-year follow-up, 14 patients (63.6%) had no GERD, 7 (31.8%) had GERD A, and 1 (4.5%) had GERD B. Esophageal symptoms included heartburn (54.5%), nausea (36.4%), regurgitation (31.8%), and epigastric pain (22.7%). PPI or antacid use was reported in 10 patients (45.5%). Extra-esophageal symptoms were rare. BMI was significantly higher in patients with GERD (34.5 ± 6.3 kg/m²) compared to those without GERD (30.2 ± 5.1 kg/m², p = 0.04). LSG may lead to the development or worsening of GERD in a subset of patients, despite the majority showing no significant GERD changes over five years. Continuous monitoring and tailored management strategies are essential for optimizing outcomes.