Laparoscopic Fundoplication Using the Excluded Stomach as a Novel Management Option for Refractory Bile Reflux Following One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB).

BACKGROUND

One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is now a mainstream bariatric procedure. Refractory gastroesophageal reflux is a significant complication following OAGB, and conversion to Roux-en-Y has long been the treatment of choice for this issue. Strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter by Nissen fundoplication (NF) has been reported as an effective anti-reflux surgery. Here we report the short-term outcomes of a modified NF procedure using the excluded stomach (excluded stomach fundoplication-ESF) to treat refractory bile reflux in post-OAGB patients.

METHODS

Thirteen post-OAGB patients underwent ESF for refractory bile reflux during the study, as detailed in the surgical technique. This paper reports the 12 patients whose follow-up data are available.

RESULTS

Following ESF, the GERD-HRQL heartburn score improved from 22.7 ± 3.9 to 1.8 ± 3.5 (p < 0.05). The mean aggregate GERD-HRQL score improved from 27.9 ± 5.3 to 5.7 ± 5.9 (p < 0.05). The GERD-HRQL global satisfaction score showed that 100% of patients were satisfied with the improvement of symptoms. The mean VISICK score improved from 3.8 ± 0.39 to 1.2 ± 0.39 (p < 0.05). One patient was returned to the operating theatre to have the wrap loosened due to dysphagia. Eleven patients did not require PPIs after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

ESF significantly improved the VISICK score and GERD-HRQL of post-OAGB patients with refractory bile reflux in the short term. The current study is being continued to increase the sample size and the follow-up period.