Functional importance of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for the lower esophageal sphincter in patients with morbid obesity.

Background: Obesity is characterized by excess body fat measured in body mass index (BMI), which is the weight in kilograms (kg) divided by the height in square meters [m(2)]. In the Northern Hemisphere, the prevalence of overweight has increased by up to 34%. This situation is associated with high incidence of comorbidities such as gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Quantitative assessment of intrahepatic lipids using fat-selective imaging with spectral-spatial excitation and in-/opposed-phase gradient echo imaging techniques within a study population of extremely obese patients: feasibility on a short, wide-bore MR scanner.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of 2 established magnetic resonance imaging based techniques to quantify intrahepatic lipids (IHL) within a study population of extremely obese patients by means of a short, wide-bore MR scanner. Fat-selective imaging using a spectral-spatial excitation technique and in-phase/opposed-phase (IN/OP) gradient echo imaging were applied and results were compared. Results for IN/OP technique were corrected for T1- and T2*- relaxation effects.

Quantitative assessment of visceral fat in morbidly obese patients by means of wide-bore MRI and its relation to lower esophageal sphincter pressure and signs of gastroesophageal reflux.

Background: The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by means of a wide-bore MR scanner in a cohort of morbidly obese patients referred for bariatric surgery. Furthermore, it was investigated whether gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) are related to the volume of visceral fat masses.

Methods: Twenty-five morbidly obese patients (nine male, 16 female) were prospectively enrolled.

Non-acid gastroesophageal reflux measured using multichannel intraluminal impedance in older patients.

Background: Diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease is challenging in the older population, as comorbid conditions can obscure the disease.

Methods: This prospective study included 97 participants: 25 healthy controls (group 1), 46 reflux patients aged 26-64 (group 2), and 26 patients over 65 (group 3). Esophageal motility was assessed using conventional esophageal manometry, and 24-h pH-metry and non-acid reflux episodes were assessed using multichannel intraluminal impedance.

Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and esophageal motor response.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux is caused by transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) in healthy individuals and in most patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Refluxate is normally propelled by pharyngeally induced swallowing events, but TLESRs may also be accompanied by retrograde esophageal motor responses (EMRs). These contractions have not previously been investigated and their effect on esophageal clearance is not known.

Multichannel intraluminal impedance measurement of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with different stages of morbid obesity.

Background: Obesity is now one of the world's major chronic diseases. The etiology of the severe comorbid conditions associated with morbid obesity is not fully understood, and in particular the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and obesity.

Methods: Sixty-seven patients were enrolled in this prospective study.