The new onset of GERD after sleeve gastrectomy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: The main adverse effect is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with concern on the development of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma in the long term. However, the relationship between SG and GERD is complex. The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate all published data existing in the literature to evaluate the effect of sleeve gastrectomy on GERD, esophagitis, BE in order to clarify the long-term clinical sequelae of this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review. The work has been reported in line with the PRISMA criteria [19]. We evaluated the quality and risk of bias of this Systematic Review using AMSTAR 2 checklist [20]. Published studies that contained outcome data for primary sleeve gastrectomy associated with the primary and secondary outcomes listed below were included. The UIN for ClinicalTrial.gov Protocol Registration and Results System is: NCT05178446 for the Organization UFoggia. RESULTS: 49 articles were eligible for inclusion that met the following criteria: publications dealing with patients undergoing laparoscopic SG, publications describing pre- and postoperative GERD symptoms and/or esophageal function tests, articles in English, human studies and text complete available. CONCLUSIONS: We have controversial data on LSG and GERD in the literature as there is a multifactorial relationship between LSG and GERD. The most recent studies have shown satisfactory control of postoperative reflux in most patients and low rates of de novo GERD. These data are leading to wider acceptance of LSG as a bariatric procedure even in obese patients with GERD.