RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Management of severe reflux after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is often done by conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The LINX® system could be an alternative treatment. METHOD: Between 2015 and 2017, 13 patients had LINX® system placed to manage their reflux after SG. Pre-operative evaluation included a barium swallow, endoscopy with pH monitor and esophageal motility. RESULTS: Ten females and three males with mean age of 49⯱â¯13 years were evaluated. Their mean weight before placing the LINX® system was 193⯱â¯45 lbs. and mean BMI of 33⯱â¯6â¯kg/m2. The mean time between SG and placing the LINX® system was 43⯱â¯19 months. The mean Bravo score was 46⯱â¯26 (normal 14.7). One patient developed severe dysphagia post-operatively requiring removal of the LINX® after 18 days and one patient was lost to follow up. The mean follow-up in the remaining 11 patients was 26⯱â¯12 months. The mean GERD-HRQL score dropped significantly from 47/75⯱â¯17/75 to 12/75⯱â¯14/75 (pâ¯=â¯.0003). CONCLUSION: The LINX® system may be used as an alternative to RYGB conversion in managing refractory post-SG reflux.
