Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been the choice of bariatric procedure for patients with symptomatic reflux - and is known to be effective in reducing the need for anti-reflux medication postoperatively. However, a small number of RYGB patients can still develop severe reflux symptoms that require a surgical intervention.
To examine and describe the patient population that requires an anti-reflux procedure after RYGB evaluating demographics, characteristics, symptoms and diagnosis
A retrospective chart review was performed on 32 patients who underwent a hiatal hernia repair and/or Nissen fundoplication after RYGB Jul 1st, 2014 and Dec 31st, 2019. Patients were identified using the MBSAQIP database and their electronic medical records were reviewed.
Most patients were female (n=29, 90.6%). The mean age was 52.8 years and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 34.1 kg/m2 at the time of anti-reflux procedure. Patients underwent the anti-reflux procedure at a mean of 7.9 years after the RYGB procedure. The mean percentage of excess BMI loss during the time between RYGB and anti-reflux procedure was 63.4%.
Female patients with a significant weight loss may develop a severe reflux symptoms years after RYGB. Complaints of reflux after RYGB should not be overlooked. Careful follow-up and appropriate treatment (including surgical intervention) is needed for this population.
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