Duodenogastric biliary reflux assessed by scintigraphic scan in patients with reflux symptoms after sleeve gastrectomy: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Bile reflux is a factor in the appearance of severe esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus, which have been reported after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Incompetent lower esophageal sphincter and increased gastroesophageal acid reflux have been demonstrated after this operation. Some reports have shown bile content in the antrum during endoscopic control, but no investigations objectively confirm the presence of duodenogastric bile reflux in these patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the presence of duodenogastric bile reflux (DGR) after SG in patients presenting reflux symptoms.

SETTING: University hospital.

METHODS: Prospective study of 22 patients presenting reflux symptoms who underwent SG for morbid obesity and who received endoscopic evaluation and scintigraphic study to confirm esophagitis and duodenogastric bile reflux.

RESULTS: Erosive esophagitis was observed in 11 patients and Barrett's esophagus in 2 patients. Seven patients (31.8%) presented positive DGR. Among them, 3 had type B and C esophagitis. The other 4 patients did not present esophagitis in spite of reflux symptoms.

CONCLUSION: DGR may be present in patients with gastroesophageal reflux after SG. This line of investigation requires further studies to confirm this hypothesis.