IBC Oxford University Poster Abstract 8 - Reflux after bariatric surgery, does LINX bridge the gap?

Abstract Introduction Reflux after bariatric surgery is not uncommon and can negatively impact patients’ quality of life. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is well known to induce de-novo reflux symptoms. Barrett’s esophagitis has been widely reported after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Moreover, esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy is not routinely performed for all patient preoperatively to detect patients with silent reflux. In most cases, conversion of sleeve gastrectomy to a low-pressure procedure can solve the issue and relieve the symptoms. However, some patients still experienced these symptoms after gastric bypass. Objectives We aim to present our early experience, as a tertiary university institute, in using LINX device to manage reflux symptoms after different bariatric procedures. Methods It is a case series representing our early experience in preforming LINX procedure for patients with intractable reflux after different bariatric procedures. Results Ten cases with intractable symptomatic reflux were managed in our hospital using LINX device. Five of them had their reflux after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, three cases had intractable reflux after gastric bypass and two cases after one-anastomosis gastric bypass. All cases were managed successfully using LINX device. All patients were followed up for 9–18 months with good results in terms of reflux symptoms and quality of life. Conclusion Reflux after bariatric surgery remains a common cause of patients’ morbidity that negatively impact their quality of life. LINX procedure can present a valid option to tackle postoperative reflux with promising results.