How to Manage Sleeve Gastrectomy Complications Through Surgery: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The sleeve gastrectomy (SG) procedure was evolved from the biliopancreatic diversion- duodenal switch procedure in order to reduce complication rates and improve outcomes for patients. The complications can be categorised as early, medium, and long-term. A common mid-late complication that is encountered in patients post-SG is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a prominent complication that patients will often complain about, and symptoms include chest pain, dysphagia, heartburn, regurgitation, chronic cough, and laryngitis. With the rise in obesity, and the already high prevalence of GERD in these populations, this is a significant cause of morbidity in western populations and is likely set to worsen. In this chapter, we will cover the pathophysiology of GERD, as well as management options for patients presenting with it post sleeve.