Transoral Fundoplication Prior to Sleeve Gastrectomy Versus RNY Gastric Bypass on GERD Symptoms in Bariatric Patients

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a common condition that produces discomfort and can result in serious sequelae from frequent esophageal acid exposure, including Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis, esophageal adenocarcinoma, voice changes, and asthma exacerbation. The prevalence of GERD in adults continues to increase in conjunction with the increase in obesity. Because obesity and GERD are clearly linked, an individual with obesity is four times more likely to develop esophageal carcinoma than in an individual with a normal BMI. Additionally, the incidence of GERD is proportional to rising BMI ranging from 23 to 50%. Weight loss is associated with decreased GERD symptoms. Bariatric surgery has proven to be effective in reducing BMI, which subsequently often reduces GERD. The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is an effective weight loss tool; however, recent literature suggests a correlation of de novo or worsening reflux symptoms in bariatric patients within one year postoperatively, independent of weight loss. A study conducted by Tai,et al,.2013 found that the prevalence of GERD symptoms increased significantly from 12.1% to 47% after LSG. Additionally, of the 58 patients in the study who were asymptomatic prior to surgery, 44.8% developed GERD symptoms after LSG. Other studies have found that among patients with no preoperative GERD, 86% developed symptoms postoperatively.

The Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has been touted as the gold standard to treat both obesity and GERD; however, this procedure has a higher morbidity rate. While LSG has relatively low rates of re-operations, the LRYGB carries significant lifetime risk for multiple operative procedures due to adhesive bowel obstruction, internal hernia, non-healing ulcers and intussusception. Furthermore, nutrient malabsorption following LRYGB can result in irreversible neurological complications, and accelerated, ongoing decline in bone mineral density.. Options for surgical correction of GERD are limited following bariatric surgery. However, options for anti-reflux procedures prior to undergoing bariatric surgery are viable, and may include Transoral Fundoplication.

Transoral fundoplication is an anti-reflux procedure which has proven to achieve long-lasting relief of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and eliminate, or reduce the use of proton pump inhibitors. Daily dependence on PPI's were eliminated in 75-80% of cases for up to six years in a 2014 study conducted by Testoni et al.. Although a TF procedure is not an option post bariatric surgery due to technical issues, it is available prior to LSG. With these surgeries working in tandem, patients may attain the benefits of both, as they are reciprocal in nature: TF provides anti-reflux barriers and LSG enables patients to lose weight, which ultimately decreases GER symptoms.

We propose that performing a TF procedure prior to a sleeve gastrectomy will result in a decrease in GERD symptoms similar to that of a LRYGB. In addition to evaluating symptoms, we will perform endoscopy screening post bariatric surgery at one, three, five and 10 years or more often as indicated , to assess for asymptomatic GERD and its sequelae..

Population to be Reviewed

1. Patient Identification
2. Patients seen for bariatric surgery consultation who report a history or current symptoms of GERD, or who are taking some form of medication for treatment of GERD, are asked to complete the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire .The GERD-HRQL is a validated, reliable and practical standard instrument which assesses the impact and severity of reflux symptoms on a patient's quality of life. The use of the GERD-HQRL for this purpose reflects a standard of care in the evaluation of any patient presenting with GERD symptoms.
3. The GERD-HRQL consists of 11 questions which focus on disease symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, bloating, and pain, as well as the effect of these symptoms on daily life and an individual's satisfaction with their current condition. Symptoms are scored from 0 to 5, 0= no symptoms, 1= symptoms noticeable but not bothersome, 2= symptoms noticeable and bothersome but not every day, 3= symptoms bothersome every day, 4= symptoms affect daily activities, 5= symptoms are incapacitating, and unable to do activities. The summation of this score represents the severity and frequency of typical GERD symptoms. A score of 13 or higher on the GERD-HRQL warrants further diagnostic workup which may include the following: esophagogastroduodenoscopy, esophageal ambulatory pH study, esophageal manometry, and an upper gastrointestinal series.
4. Each patient is then presented at the GERD conference where treatment options are discussed and determined. The GERD conference is a multi-disciplinary meeting in which the patient's diagnostic results are presented in consideration of their personal history and comorbidities; based on these results, medical history and present status, treatment plans are discussed in order to provide the patient with the best possible outcome.
5. Treatment options are then presented to the patient, who ultimately decides the course of action. In general, patients are allowed to choose the surgical option that meets their treatment goals if they are able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the risks, benefits and indications for each choice. Therefore, patients are not randomized to one procedure.
6. GERD conferences will be retrospectively reviewed from March 2018 to February 2020 to identify bariatric patients with GERD who chose to undergo the TF procedure followed by the LGS or LRNGB. Thereafter, a continuing review following each GERD conference identifies patients suitable for study inclusion.
7. Patients who chose to undergo the TF to Sleeve route or who chose to undergo the LRYGB will be asked to consider consenting for their information to be part of this study. All patients who meet the proposal criteria will be approached by the study researchers until there are 60 patients enrolled in each category. Upon agreement, the patient's consent of the study will be appropriately documented.
8. Patients who choose LSG or TF to LSG will undergo screening endoscopies at the following postoperative LSG intervals: 12 months, three years, five years and 10 years.
9. A cohort of 60 patients who presented preoperatively with no evidence of GERD and underwent LSG, and who complete standard surveillance endoscopy postoperatively will be included in the study to provide a baseline from which to compare effectiveness of treatment.