Uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Choosing an optimal reconstruction method is pivotal for patients with gastric cancer undergoing distal gastrectomy. The uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction, a variant of the conventional Roux-en-Y approach (or variant of the Billroth II reconstruction), employs uncut devices to occlude the afferent loop of the jejunum. This modification is designed to mitigate postgastrectomy syndrome and enhance long-term functional outcomes. However, the comparative benefits and potential harms of this approach compared to other reconstruction techniques remain a topic of debate. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, WanFang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and clinical trial registries for published and unpublished trials up to November 2023. We also manually reviewed references from relevant systematic reviews identified by our search. We did not impose any language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction versus other reconstructions after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The comparison groups encompassed other reconstructions such as Billroth I, Billroth II (with or without Braun anastomosis), and Roux-en-Y reconstruction. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. The critical outcomes included health-related quality of life at least six months after surgery, major postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification (grades III to V), anastomotic leakage within 30 days, changes in body weight (kg) at least six months after surgery, and incidence of bile reflux, remnant gastritis, and oesophagitis at least six months after surgery. We used the GRADE approach to evaluate the certainty of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We identified eight trials, including 1167 participants, which contributed data to our meta-analyses. These trials were exclusively conducted in East Asian countries, predominantly in China. The studies varied in the types of uncut devices used, ranging from 2- to 6-row linear staplers to suture lines. The follow-up periods for long-term outcomes spanned from 3 months to 42 months, with most studies focusing on a 6- to 12-month range. We rated the certainty of evidence from low to very low. Uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction versus Billroth II reconstruction In the realm of surgical complications, very low-certainty evidence suggests that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Billroth II reconstruction may make little to no difference to major postoperative complications (risk ratio (RR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24 to 4.05; I² = 0%; risk difference (RD) 0.00, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.04; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 282 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and incidence of anastomotic leakage (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.44; I² not applicable; RD -0.00, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.02; I² = 32%; 3 studies, 615 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain about these results. Focusing on long-term outcomes, low- to very low-certainty evidence suggests that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Billroth II reconstruction may make little to no difference to changes in body weight (mean difference (MD) 0.04 kg, 95% CI -0.84 to 0.92 kg; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 233 participants; low-certainty evidence), may reduce the incidence of bile reflux into the remnant stomach (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.83; RD -0.29, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.16; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 4, 95% CI 3 to 7; 1 study, 141 participants; low-certainty evidence), and may have little or no effect on the incidence of remnant gastritis (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.01 to 5.06; I2 = 78%; RD -0.15, 95% CI -0.23 to -0.07; I2 = 0%; NNTB 7, 95% CI 5 to 15; 2 studies, 265 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported on quality of life or the incidence of oesophagitis. Uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction versus Roux-en-Y reconstruction In the realm of surgical complications, very low-certainty evidence suggests that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Roux-en-Y reconstruction may make little to no difference to major postoperative complications (RR 4.74, 95% CI 0.23 to 97.08; I² not applicable; RD 0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.04; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 256 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and incidence of anastomotic leakage (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.05 to 2.08; I² = 0%; RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.02; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 213 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain about these results. Focusing on long-term outcomes, very low-certainty evidence suggests that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Roux-en-Y reconstruction may increase the incidence of bile reflux into the remnant stomach (RR 10.74, 95% CI 3.52 to 32.76; RD 0.57, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.71; NNT for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) 2, 95% CI 2 to 3; 1 study, 108 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and may make little to no difference to the incidence of remnant gastritis (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.69 to 2.01; I² = 60%; RD 0.03, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.08; I² = 0%; 3 studies, 361 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and incidence of oesophagitis (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.26; I² = 0%; RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.03; I² = 0%; 3 studies, 361 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain about these results. Data were insufficient to assess the impact on quality of life and changes in body weight. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Given the predominance of low- to very low-certainty evidence, this Cochrane review faces challenges in providing definitive clinical guidance. We found the majority of critical outcomes may be comparable between the uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction and other methods, but we are very uncertain about most of these results. Nevertheless, it indicates that uncut Roux-en-Y reconstruction may reduce the incidence of bile reflux compared to Billroth-II reconstruction, albeit with low certainty. In contrast, compared to Roux-en-Y reconstruction, uncut Roux-en-Y may increase bile reflux incidence, based on very low-certainty evidence. To strengthen the evidence base, further rigorous and long-term trials are needed. Additionally, these studies should explore variations in surgical procedures, particularly regarding uncut devices and methods to prevent recanalisation. Future research may potentially alter the conclusions of this review.

Outcomes of One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Conversion to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Severe Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is an effective procedure to treat severe obesity. However, conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is increasing. We therefore conducted a systematic review to determine the safety and efficacy associated with OAGB-RYGB conversion. A systematic search was conducted by three independent reviewers using Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library following PRISMA guidelines. Six studies including 134 patients were selected who were undergoing OAGB-RYGB conversion. The most common indications were reflux (47.8%), malnutrition (31.3%), and inadequate weight loss (8.2%). Study outcomes demonstrated 100% resolution of bile reflux. Overall, there was medium-term weight gain of 0.61 BMI. OAGB to RYGB conversion leads to resolution of reflux symptoms. However, it is associated with weight regain, albeit this may be acceptable to patients to treat biliary reflux.

Reappraisal of optimal reconstruction after distal gastrectomy - a study based on the KLASS-07 database.

BACKGROUNDS: This study aimed to compare the incidence of bile reflux, quality of life (QoL), and nutritional status among Billroth II (BII), Billroth II with Braun anastomosis (BII-B), and Roux-en-Y (RY) reconstruction after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the prospective data of 397 patients from a multicentre database who underwent LDG for gastric cancer between 2018 and 2020 at 20 tertiary teaching hospitals in Korea. Postoperative endoscopic findings, QoL surveys using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire (C30 and STO22), and nutritional and surgical outcomes were compared among groups. RESULTS: In endoscopic findings, bile reflux was the lowest in the RY group ( n =67), followed by the BII-B ( n =183) and BII groups ( n =147) at 1 year (3.0 vs. 67.8 vs. 84.4%, all P <0.05). The anti-reflux capability of BII-B was statistically better than that of BII, but not as perfect as that of RY. From the perspective of QoL, BII-B was not inferior to RY, but better than BII reconstruction in causing fewer STO22 reflux symptoms at 6 and 12 months. However, only RY caused fewer C30 nausea symptoms than BII at 6 and 12 months, but not BII-B. Nutritional status and morbidities were similar among the three groups, and the operative time did not differ between the BII-B and RY groups. CONCLUSIONS: BII-B cannot substitute for RY in preventing bile reflux, shortening the operative time, or reducing morbidities. Regarding short-term QoL, BII-B was sufficient to reduce STO22 reflux symptoms but failed to reduce C30 nausea symptoms postoperatively.

Short- and long-term outcomes of Roux-en-Y and Billroth II with Braun reconstruction in total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The controversy surrounding Roux-en-Y (R-Y) and Billroth II with Braun (BII + B) reconstruction as an anti-bile reflux procedure after distal gastrectomy has persisted. Recent studies have demonstrated their efficacy, but the long-term outcomes and postoperative quality of life (QoL) among patients have yet to be evaluated. Therefore, we compared the short-term and long-term outcomes of the two procedures as well as QoL. METHODS: The clinical data of 151 patients who underwent total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) at the Gastrointestinal Surgery Department of the Second Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Of these, 57 cases with Roux-en-Y procedure (R-Y group) and 94 cases with Billroth II with Braun procedure were included (BII + B group). Operative and postoperative conditions, early and late complications, endoscopic outcomes at year 1 and year 3 after surgery, nutritional indicators, and quality of life scores at year 3 postoperatively were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The R-Y group recorded a significantly longer operative time (194.65 ± 21.52 vs. 183.88 ± 18.02 min) and anastomotic time (36.96 ± 2.43 vs. 27.97 ± 3.74 min) compared to the BII + B group (p < 0.05). However, no other significant differences were observed in terms of perioperative variables, including blood loss (p > 0.05). Both groups showed comparable rates of early and late complications. Endoscopic findings indicated similar food residuals at years 1 and 3 post-surgery for both groups. The R-Y group had a lower occurrence of residual gastritis and bile reflux at year 1 and year 3 after surgery, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Reflux esophagitis was not significantly different between the R-Y and BII + B groups in year 1 after surgery (p = 0.820), but the R-Y group had a lower incidence than the BII + B group in year 3 after surgery (p = 0.023). Nutritional outcomes at 3 years after surgery did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05). Quality of life scores measured by the QLQ-C30 scale were not significantly different between the two groups. However, on the QLQ-STO22 scale, the reflux score was significantly lower in the R-Y group than in the BII + B group (0 [0, 0] vs. 5.56 [0, 11.11]) (p = 0.003). The rest of the scores were not significantly different (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both R-Y and B II + B reconstructions are equally safe and efficient for TLDG. Nevertheless, the R-Y reconstruction reduces the incidence of residual gastritis, bile reflux, and reflux esophagitis, as well as postoperative reflux symptoms, and provides a better quality of life for patients. R-Y reconstruction is superior to BII + B reconstruction for TLDG.

Bile reflux after bariatric surgery.

The growing epidemic of obesity and the increase in weight loss surgery has led to a resurgence of interest in biliary reflux because anatomical alterations may be refluxogenic. HIDA scan is the least invasive scan with good patient tolerability, sensitivity and reproducibility for the diagnosis of biliary reflux. Patients with more advanced oesophageal lesions have a higher degree of duodenal reflux. It has been shown in animal models and in vitro that there is more Barrett's and dysplasia with duodenal reflux. There are two cases of post-OAGB malignancy reported in 20 years, both without correlation with a biliary aetiology, so the carcinogenic risk probably remains theoretical. Prospective trials on OAGB should include endoscopy preoperatively and at 5-year intervals, to have data on the real effects of bile exposure on the gastric reservoir and oesophagus.

Tranditional Roux-en-Y vs Uncut Roux-en-Y in Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy: a Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Roux-en-Y may cause Roux-en-Y stasis syndrome (RSS), and Uncut Roux-en-Y was proposed to solve this problem. However, because afferent loop recanalization may occur after surgery, its clinical application remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of these two gastrointestinal reconstruction methods. METHODS: A total of 108 patients who received laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) were enrolled; 57 were randomly divided into the Uncut Roux-en-Y (URY) group, and 51 were divided into the Roux-en-Y (RY) group. Patients were followed up for 1 year to evaluate variables, including the following: (1) Assessments for RSS; (2) Preoperative and postoperative Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores; (3) Postoperative gastroscopy to assess the occurrence of reflux esophagitis (Los Angeles classification), residual gastritis and bile reflux 1 year after surgery; and (4) Upper gastrointestinal radiography to evaluate whether recanalization occurred in patients in the URY group after surgery. RESULTS: At 1 year after surgery, a total of 42 patients (73.7%) developed afferent loop recanalization. The incidence of RSS was not different between the two groups (OR, 1.301 [95% CI, 0.482 to 3.509]; P = 0.603P = 0.603). The GSRS score was higher in the URY group (P < 0.001). Postoperative gastroscopy showed that the incidence of bile reflux (P < 0.001) and the grade of residual gastritis (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the URY group, but the grade of reflux esophagitis was not significantly different (P = 0.447, [95% CI, 0.437 to 0.457]P = 0.397). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with traditional Roux-en-Y anastomosis, due to the high recanalization rate, the URY group developed more severe gastrointestinal symptoms, the incidence of bile reflux and the grade of residual gastritis increased and the incidence of postoperative RSS was not reduced.

Braun Anastomosis: A Technique for Bile Reflux Improvement After Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal (SASI) Bypass; a Pilot Study.

Background. Single anastomotic surgeries can increase the risk of reflux, marginal ulceration, and gastrointestinal complications. Braun anastomosis prevents bile reflux after gastric resection and gastrojejunal anastomosis surgeries. The present pilot study evaluated Braun's efficacy in a single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass surgery.Methods. 28 patients with a history of SASI bypass surgery from October 2017 to September 2021 were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on having Braun anastomosis to this surgical procedure; group A: underwent SASI bypass without Braun anastomosis; group B: underwent SASI bypass with Braun anastomosis. The surgical complications in terms of bile reflux, marginal ulcer, reflux esophagitis, and gastritis were evaluated and compared between the groups. Results. Bile reflux and reflux esophagitis were seen more in group A than in group B (37.5% vs 8.3% and 18.8% vs 8.3%, respectively). In contrast, 2 patients (16.7%) in group B had marginal ulcers compared to 1 (6.3%) in group A. Also, gastritis was seen in 1 patient in each group (6.3% in group A vs 8.3% in group B). However, the differences were not statistically different. Conclusions. Braun anastomosis is probably an effective procedure to reduce bile reflux, a concern of SASI bypass. Besides, further studies with a larger study population are needed.

A Gastrectomy for early-stage gastric cancer patients with or without preserving celiac branches of vagus nerves: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vagus nerve-preserving gastrectomy is increasingly popular in treating gastric cancer in the early stage, however the long and short-term outcomes after gastrectomy while preserving the celiac branch of the vagus nerve are not well defined. We aimed to summarize and compare perioperative and longer-term outcomes after celiac branch vagus nerve-preserving gastrectomy (CBP, preserving both the celiac and hepatic branches of the vagus nerve), compared to those without CBP (non-CBP, only the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve is preserved). METHODS: We searched the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases for papers published before October 2021. The primary results were evaluated by short-term and long-term postoperative complications, whereas the secondary outcomes included surgery-related parameters, recovery-related parameters and overall survival. Random-effects or fixed-effects model were used to estimate odds ratio, and weighted mean difference for the outcomes. The underlying publication bias was identified via funnel charts, Begg's test and Egger's test. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by removing the research one by one. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies consisting of 8 retrospective studies and one randomized control trial were included. The analysis included 1,109 patients, with 568 (51.2%) of patients receiving CBP and 541 (48.8%) patients who received non-CBP. The CBP group had a shorter time in terms of first flatus (weighted mean difference = -0.436, 95% confidence interval: -0.603 to -0.269; P < 0.001) and hospital stay (weighted mean difference = -0.456, 95% confidence interval: -0.874 to -0.037, P = 0.033) than the non-CBP group, but the time to the start of oral intake was comparable between the groups. Regarding short-term complications and surgery-related parameters, between CBP and non-CBP, no evident differences were observed in pancreatic complications, anastomotic leakage, postoperative bleeding, operation time, blood loss or lymph nodes examined. In terms of long-term complications, the incidence of gallstones in CBP was lower than that in non-CBP (odds ratio = 0.582, 95% confidence interval: 0.356-0.953, P = 0.031), and the incidence of bile reflux in CBP was lower than that in non-CBP (odds ratio = 0.473, 95% confidence interval: 0.280-0.800, P = 0.005). However, the prevalence rates of diarrhea, early dumping syndrome, esophageal reflux, and delayed gastric emptying were comparable between CBP and non-CBP. CONCLUSION: The present research showed that gastric cancer patients in the early stage under CBP were superior to those without CBP in terms of incidence of gallstones, bile reflux, time of first flatus and hospital stay. Furthermore, it is imperative to conduct randomized control studies with larger sample sizes to determine the oncological survival outcomes when preserving the celiac branch.

Proximal vs. Total Gastrectomy: Is There a Difference in Quality of Life for Patients?

BACKGROUND: Proximal gastrectomy (PG) has been excluded from the arsenal of western surgical oncologists for fear of bile reflux and diet intolerance. However, it is often an appropriate, less morbid operation for patients requiring resection of a proximal gastric cancer. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2017, we performed 19 PG and 37 total gastrectomies (TGs), of whom 15 and 25 were alive at the time of data collection. In this single-center series, we present findings of a 10-question interview of patients who underwent proximal (n = 8) or TG (n = 16) regarding postgastrectomy food-related symptoms, based on a modified version of the validated Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale. RESULTS: Out of 7 Likert scale questions, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding bile reflux, early satiety, appetite, energy level, physical activity limitations, pain, or general dissatisfaction with their surgery. Patients from both groups reported eating similar amounts of their preoperative volume per meal and overall food volume for the day. Both groups reported eating a similar number of snacks and meals throughout the day. Food satisfaction scores, calculated by summation of the Likert scores, were not different. CONCLUSION: Although limited by the small population, we did not find a clinically relevant difference in food-related symptoms comparing PG and TG patients. This pilot study suggests that PG is an appropriate alternative to TG in certain populations. Anecdotal beliefs regarding potential bile reflux or diet intolerance should be reconsidered.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease as an Indication of Revisional Bariatric Surgery-Indication and Results-a Systematic Review and Metanalysis.

This systematic review evaluates the indications and results of revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A systematic literature search and meta-analysis was performed for articles published by April 1, 2021. After examining 722 papers involving 17,437 patients, 48 studies were included (n = 915 patients). RBS for GERD was mostly reported after sleeve gastrectomy (n = 796, 87%) and one anastomosis gastric bypass (n = 62, 6.8%) and was performed due to intractable GERD (71.6%), GERD and weight issues (16%), and biliary reflux (6.2%). Mean follow-up of the studies was 31.5 (3-84) months. Pooled estimation of a meta-analysis of studies reported 7% of GERD following primary surgery needing RBS, in which 99% of the patients experienced remission.

Laparoscopic conversion of omega loop gastric bypass to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for Barrett's esophagus: case report.

BACKGROUND: The number of mini gastric bypass / one anastomosis bypass (MGB-OAGB) procedures in bariatric patients that have been performed world-wide has drastically increased during the past decade. Nevertheless, due to the risk of subsequent biliary reflux and development of ulcer and neoplastic (pre)lesions caused by long-time bile exposure, the procedure is still controversially discussed. In here presented case report, we could endoscopically demonstrate a transformation from reflux oesophagitis to Barrett's metaplasia most likely caused by bile reflux after mini-gastric bypass. To our knowledge, this is a first case study that shows development of Barrett's metaplasia after MGB-OAGB. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 50-year-old female which received a mini-gastric bypass due to morbid obesity (body mass index (BMI) 42.4 kg/m2). Because of history gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a fundoplication had been performed earlier. Preoperative gastroscopy showed reflux esophagitis (Los Angeles classification grade B) with no signs of Barrett's metaplasia. Three months post mini-gastric bypass, the patient complained about severe bile reflux under 40 mg pantoprazole daily. Six months postoperative, Endoscopically Barrett's epithelium was detected and histopathologically confirmed (C1M0 after Prague classification). A conversion into Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed. The postoperative course was without complications. In a follow up after 6 months the patient denied reflux and showed no signs of malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid progress from inflammatory changes of the distal esophagus towards Barrett's metaplasia under bile reflux in our case is most likely a result of previous reflux disease. Nevertheless, bile reflux appears to be a potential decisive factor. Study results regarding presence of bile reflux or development of endoscopically de-novo findings after MGB-OAGB are widely non-conclusive. Long-term prospective studies with regular endoscopic surveillance independent of clinical symptoms are needed.

Bile Reflux After Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve (SADI-S): a Meta-analysis of 2,029 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve (SADI-S) is a novel bariatric surgery modified from the classic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS). These surgical modifications address most BPD-DS hurdles, but the risk of bile reflux may hinder SADI-S acceptance. We aimed to evaluate the event rate of bile reflux after SADI-S. METHODS: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were used to search English articles between 2008 and 2021 by two independent reviewers using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). The risk of bias was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the JBI tool. Event rates were meta-analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CME) V3. RESULTS: Out of 3,027 studies analyzed, seven were included. Studies were published between 2010 and 2020. Six out of 7 studies were retrospective. Three studies had a low risk of bias, three studies had a moderate risk of bias, and one had a high risk of bias. The mean follow-up was 10.3 months. The total number of patients was 2,029, with 25 reports of bile reflux, resulting in an incidence of 1.23%, with an event rate of 0.016 (95% CI 0.004 to 0.055). CONCLUSIONS: Bile reflux has not been demonstrated to be problematic after SADI-S in this meta-analysis. Further long-term studies are needed.

Laparoscopic Fundoplication Using the Excluded Stomach as a Novel Management Option for Refractory Bile Reflux Following One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB).

BACKGROUND: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is now a mainstream bariatric procedure. Refractory gastroesophageal reflux is a significant complication following OAGB, and conversion to Roux-en-Y has long been the treatment of choice for this issue. Strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter by Nissen fundoplication (NF) has been reported as an effective anti-reflux surgery. Here we report the short-term outcomes of a modified NF procedure using the excluded stomach (excluded stomach fundoplication-ESF) to treat refractory bile reflux in post-OAGB patients. METHODS: Thirteen post-OAGB patients underwent ESF for refractory bile reflux during the study, as detailed in the surgical technique. This paper reports the 12 patients whose follow-up data are available. RESULTS: Following ESF, the GERD-HRQL heartburn score improved from 22.7 ± 3.9 to 1.8 ± 3.5 (p < 0.05). The mean aggregate GERD-HRQL score improved from 27.9 ± 5.3 to 5.7 ± 5.9 (p < 0.05). The GERD-HRQL global satisfaction score showed that 100% of patients were satisfied with the improvement of symptoms. The mean VISICK score improved from 3.8 ± 0.39 to 1.2 ± 0.39 (p < 0.05). One patient was returned to the operating theatre to have the wrap loosened due to dysphagia. Eleven patients did not require PPIs after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: ESF significantly improved the VISICK score and GERD-HRQL of post-OAGB patients with refractory bile reflux in the short term. The current study is being continued to increase the sample size and the follow-up period.