Predictive Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms Following Open Sleeve Gastrectomy in Brazil Using Clinical Questionnaire

Purpose To evaluate predictors of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) based on a clinical questionnaire. Materials and Methods This is a cross-sectional study. We included all patients who underwent open SG between May 2013 and March 2017 in a single institution. Patients who could not be contacted or who did not want to participate were excluded. Clinical, demographic, and pre- and postoperative data were collected on medical records. Patients were contacted via telephone and inquired about GERD symptoms postoperatively. Symptoms were quantified using the GERD Questionnaire (GERDq). Patients were divided into three study groups according to GERDq score: asymptomatic (GERDq = 0), mildly symptomatic (GERDq ≤ 8), and severely symptomatic (GERDq > 8). Univariate analysis was performed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, and chi-square tests. A logistic regression model was built for adjusted analysis of the data. Results One hundred eighty-nine patients were included. Mean age was 39.7 ± 10.71 years and 45.5% were female. Postoperative median follow-up period was 4.55 years (interquartile range 5.34–3.76). Mean GERDq score was 7.62 ± 10.17. Sixty-four patients were asymptomatic, 63 were mildly symptomatic, and 62 were severely symptomatic. The group of severely symptomatic patients showed a statistically lower preoperative weight when compared to the other groups ( p = 0.049), but this association was not observed when analyzing preoperative BMI ( p = 0.427). The other variables were not associated with postoperative GERD symptoms, both in univariate and adjusted analysis. Conclusion No variables were statistically and clinically predictive of GERD occurrence or severity after SG. The pathophysiology of GERD is complex and further studies are needed to elucidate this condition.