The Impact of Reflux Esophagitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, and Barrett’s Esophagus After Five Years of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Over the past two decades, there has been a surge in the number of bariatric surgeries due to the increasing obesity epidemic. Currently, sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery. One of the complications is reflux esophagitis. The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has increased over the last few decades, and it is now the most common chronic disease. GERD is defined by recurring and troublesome heartburn and regurgitation, as well as specific complications. It affects approximately 20% of the adult population in high-income countries. If the diagnosis is unclear, then endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and esophageal pH monitoring are recommended. Lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery are the main treatments for GERD. As a result, GERD can be categorized into three groups of patients: non-erosive reflux disease, erosive esophagitis, and Barrett’s esophagus. By dividing GERD into these three unique groups of patients, we can focus on the different mechanisms that lead to the development of each of these GERD-related disorders. This will help us concentrate on the specific therapeutic modalities that will benefit each group of patients. The objective of this review to determine the impact of reflux esophagitis and GERD after sleeve gastrectomy. The conclusions drawn from this review are: (1) the pathophysiology of GERD is multifactorial; (2) surgical therapy for GERD is the most appropriate treatment; and (3) the genesis of esophageal adenocarcinoma is associated with GERD.