Post Sleeve Reflux: indicators and impact on outcomes
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Updated: Sep 2, 2025
Author Spotlight: Recent Advancements in Reoperative Foregut Surgery
Published on: September 22, 2023
Jonathan Z Li1, Ryan C Broderick2, Estella Y Huang2
1Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Center for the Future of Surgery, University of California San Diego, MET Building, Lower Level, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0740, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0740, USA. jzl023@health.ucsd.edu.
Introduction:
Post-operative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains a significant morbidity following sleeve gastrectomy (SG). We aim to evaluate the incidence and impact within a single center experience.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed identifying laparoscopic or robotic SG patients. Primary outcomes included weight loss, rates of post-operative GERD (de-novo or aggravated), and re-intervention. Subgroup analysis was performed between patients with (Group 1) and without (Group 2) post-operative GERD. De-novo GERD and aggravated was defined as persistent GERD complaints or new/increased PPI usage in GERD naive or prior GERD patients, respectively.
Results:
392 patients were identified between 2014 and 2019. Average demographics: age 42.3 (18-84) years, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) 1.12 (0-10), and body mass index (BMI) 47.7 (28-100). 98% were performed laparoscopically. Average excess weight loss (EWL) was 51.0% and 46.4% at 1 and 2 years post-operatively. Average follow up was 516 (6-2694) days. 69 (17%) patients developed post operative de-novo or aggravated GERD. Group 1 had significantly higher EWL at 9 months (57% vs 47%, p 0.003). 13 (3%) patients required operative re-intervention for GERD and other morbidities: 4 RYGB conversions, 4 diagnostic laparoscopies, 3 HHR, 1 MSA placement. Group 1 had higher rates of post-operative intervention (14% vs 1%, p 0.0001). Subanalysis demonstrated that Group 1 had elevated preoperative DeMeester scores on pH testing (34.8 vs 18.9, p 0.03). De-novo GERD had an elevated post-operative total acid exposure when compared to aggravated GERD (12.7% vs 7.0% p 0.03). No significant differences were found between preoperative endoscopy findings, pre and postoperative total acid exposure, post-operative DeMeester scores, and high-resolution manometry values regarding de-novo/aggravated GERD development.
Conclusion:
Preoperative DeMeester scores may serve as risk indicators regarding post-operative GERD. Outcomes such as reintervention remain elevated in post-operative GERD patients.
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