Obesity Surgeries in Patients with Reflux
Reflux and obesity are two health problems that are frequently seen today and are closely related to each other. While obesity increases the risk, reflux can also exacerbate obesity-related complications. Therefore, obesity surgeries can be an effective solution for obese patients with the condition, both in terms of losing weight and reducing reflux symptoms.
How is reflux related to obesity?
Reflux is a digestive system disorder caused by stomach acid leaking back into the esophagus. Obesity is defined as excessive fat accumulation in the body. There is a strong relationship between these two conditions:
Weight Gain: Obesity increases intra-abdominal pressure, making it easier for stomach acid to leak into the esophagus.
Fat Tissue: Excess fat tissue can disrupt the function of the valve between the stomach and esophagus.
Lifestyle: In obese individuals, poor eating habits and inactivity increase the risk of reflux.
Reflux is more common in obese individuals and can cause more severe symptoms. Therefore, bariatric surgeries are an effective option for obese patients with reflux to both lose weight and control reflux.
How is the surgical method chosen in patients with reflux?
The choice of surgery in obese patients with reflux is determined by the patient’s general health status, obesity level and reflux severity. The factors taken into consideration are as follows:
- Reflux severity
- Obesity level
- Patient’s preference
Which obesity surgeries are performed on patients with reflux?
Obesity surgeries that can be performed on obese patients with reflux are planned to both provide weight loss and reduce reflux symptoms. The most frequently preferred types of surgeries are as follows:
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve Gastrectomy is a procedure in which a large portion of the stomach is removed and the stomach volume is reduced. This surgery is one of the most frequently preferred methods in the treatment of obesity.
While sleeve gastrectomy reduces reflux symptoms in some patients, it may increase reflux in others. Therefore, a careful evaluation should be made in patients with severe reflux.
Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass)
Gastric bypass is a surgery in which a small section of the stomach is separated and connected to the small intestine. This method provides both weight loss and greatly reduces reflux symptoms.
Gastric bypass is the most effective bariatric surgery in preventing reflux. It prevents stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus. It is an ideal option for obese patients with severe reflux.
Duodenal Switch Surgery
Duodenal switch is a combined surgery that both reduces stomach volume and reduces nutrient absorption. This method is preferred in cases of severe obesity. It reduces reflux symptoms, but it is a more complicated procedure than a sleeve gastrectomy. It is suitable for extremely obese patients and patients with reflux.
Gastric Band
Gastric band is a method that reduces the volume of the stomach with a band placed on the upper part of the stomach. It is less preferred today. It can reduce reflux symptoms, but its effect is more limited compared to other methods. It may be suitable for patients with mild obesity and reflux.
What are the benefits of bariatric surgeries for reflux?
Bariatric surgeries provide the following benefits in patients with reflux:
Weight Loss: Losing weight reduces the risk of reflux by reducing intra-abdominal pressure.
Reducing Stomach Volume: Reducing stomach volume reduces stomach acid production.
Restoration of Esophagus Function: Some surgeries restore the function of the valve between the esophagus and stomach.
What should be considered during the post-operative recovery process?
The recovery process after bariatric surgery varies depending on the method used. In general:
- The diet program recommended by the doctor should be followed after the surgery.
- Regular exercise accelerates weight loss and reduces reflux symptoms.
- Reflux medications should be used in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic
- WebMD
- Healthline
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS
- Cleveland Clinic
- NHS
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Medscape
- Medical News Today