Andrew B, et al. – The impact of laparoscopic Roux–en–Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on regression of barrett’s esophagus (BE) was evaluated. Researchers demonstrated that LRYGB as an useful combined bariatric and anti–reflux surgical technique for patients with severe obesity and BE. In this series, in short–term follow–up, laparoscopic Roux–en–Y gastric bypass achieved endoscopic and histologic regression to normal mucosa in a substantial number of the patients. In addition, long–term follow–up for patients with BE according to standard surveillance protocols is still recommended.

Methods

• Researchers conducted a review of all patients with biopsy proven BE, who underwent LRYGB at the institution.
• They distinguished a total of 19 patients.
• They distinguished a subset of those patients who had at least 1 year of clinical, endoscopic, or histological data, comprising a total of 14 patients.
• In this study, 7 of these patients had symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.
• All 19 patients had short–segment BE, one patient had low–grade dysplasia.

Results

• They observed that post–LRYGB, 6 of 14 (42.9%) patients had histologic regression of BE to normal esophageal mucosa, with no evidence of ongoing BE.
• Of 14 patients, 13 (92.8%) reported compliance with continuing PPI therapy for at least the first year after surgery.
• It was noted that body mass index for the group of 14 patients enhanced from 46.6 to 30.3 kg/m2.