Long-Term Results After Sleeve Gastrectomy for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: a Single-Center French Study.

Background: Many studies have analyzed the impact of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on weight loss and/or the evolution of obesity-related comorbid conditions, but few have reported the long-term outcomes after surgery. The objective of this study was to investigate the outcomes after SG on weight loss, obesity-related comorbid conditions, quality of life (QoL), and GERD symptoms (GERDS) beyond 5 years.

Methods: A prospective database was retrospectively searched for the following factors: gender, age, anthropometrics, presence of comorbid conditions, QoL (BAROS questionnaire), and presence of GERDS. The data were analyzed before and at 1 and 6 years after surgery.

Results: Of the 64 patients included, 32.8% were lost to follow-up (76% during the first postoperative year). A complete follow-up of >5 years was obtained for 41 patients. Before surgery, mean excess BMI was 22 ± 7 kg/m, and 26.8% of patients had GERDS. Percent excess BMI loss was 55 ± 30% at 1 year and 48 ± 27% at 6 years. Preoperative BMI and absence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) before surgery were the only independent variables for long-term failure. Six years after SG, remission from metabolic comorbidities was as follows: 50% for T2D, 28% for blood hypertension, 58% for dyslipidemia, and 33% for sleep-apnea syndrome. Thirty percent of patients with preoperative GERD had resolution of symptoms at 6 years whereas 9 patients (32%) had de novo GERD. QoL was improved for 62% of patients at 6 years.

Conclusion: The benefits of SG on weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, and QoL were maintained in the long term for most patients.