Nissen Fundoplication-Preserving Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is significantly more prevalent in obese patients. Nissen fundoplication alleviates symptoms in those refractory to dietary changes and optimal medical management. The need for concomitant treatment of GERD and obesity is becoming more prevalent. The objective of this study was to determine whether Nissen-preserving laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a safe and effective weight loss option for patients with pre-existing Nissen fundoplication. The study was conducted at the Hospital Corporation of America, Memorial Health, Savannah, Georgia, academic institution. We retrospectively reviewed five patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen-preserving SG between 2011 and 2017. We compared pre- and postoperative subjective GERD symptoms, occurrence of any immediate postoperative complications, change in BMI, and excess weight loss. Of the five patients, four were female and one was male. The mean age was 50.6 years. The mean preoperative BMI was 44.8 ± 5.4, one-month postoperative BMI was 41.2 ± 6.1 (P < 0.001), and six-month postoperative BMI was 37.5 ± 8.1 (P < 0.009), with mean excess weight loss at six months of 33.9 ± 23 per cent. There were no immediate postoperative complications. Subjective GERD symptoms were unchanged in two patients and improved in the other three. We demonstrate the early feasibility of Nissen-preserving SG for surgical weight loss in patients with existing Nissen fundoplication. Although our results are early, we feel encouraged by mean excess weight loss to date and control of GERD symptoms.