Gastroesophageal Junction and Pylorus Distensibility Before and After Sleeve Gastrectomy-pilot Study with EndoFlip^TM

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the most frequently performed bariatric surgical intervention worldwide. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently observed after SG and is a relevant clinical problem. This prospective study investigated the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and pyloric sphincter by impedance planimetry (EndoFlip^TM) and their association with GERD at a tertiary university hospital center. Between January and December 2018, patients undergoing routine laparoscopic SG had pre-, intra-, and postoperative assessments of the GEJ and pyloric sphincter by EndoFlip^TM. The distensibility index (DI) was measured at different volumes and correlated with GERD (in accordance with the Lyon consensus guidelines). Nine patients were included (median age 48 years, preoperative BMI 45.1 kg/m², 55.6% female). GERD (de novo or stable) was observed in 44.4% of patients one year postoperatively. At a 40-ml filling volume, DI increased significantly pre- vs. post-SG of the GEJ (1.4 mm²/mmHg [IQR 1.1-2.6] vs. 2.9 mm²/mmHg [2.6-5.3], p VALUE=0.046) and of the pylorus (6.0 mm²/mmHg [4.1-10.7] vs. 13.1 mm²/mmHg [7.6-19.2], p VALUE=0.046). Patients with postoperative de novo or stable GERD had a significantly increased preoperative DI at 40 ml of the GEJ (2.6 mm²/mmHg [1.9-3.5] vs. 0.5 mm²/mmHg [0.5-1.1], p VALUE=0.031). There was no significant difference in DI at 40 mL filling in the preoperative pylorus and postoperative GEJ or pylorus. In this prospective study, the DI of the GEJ and the pylorus significantly increased after SG. Postoperative GERD was associated with a significantly higher preoperative DI of the GEJ but not of the pylorus.