Small hiatal hernia and postprandial reflux after vertical sleeve gastrectomy: A multiethnic Asian cohort.

Background: Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a popular bariatric procedure performed in Asia, as obesity continues to be on the rise in our population. A major problem faced is the development of de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after LSG, which can be chronic and debilitating. In this study, we aim to assess the relationship between the presence of small hiatal hernia (HH) and the development of postoperative GERD, as well as to explore the correlation between GERD symptoms after LSG and timing of meals.

Hepatitis C virus antigen detection is an appropriate test for screening and early diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection in at-risk populations and immunocompromised hosts.

Early diagnosis remains key for effective prevention and treatment. Unfortunately, current screening with anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV Ab) test may have limited utility in the diagnosis of HCV infection and reinfection. This is of special concern to at-risk population, such as immunocompromised hosts and end-stage renal failure patients on hemodialysis.