Paracoccidioidomycosis and Addison's syndrome - case report.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is caused by a fungus (Paracoccidioides brasiliensis), which is endemic to Brazil. It is most frequently found in the lungs, with haematogenous and lymphatic spread. The condition is more prevalent in men, between 30 and 60 years old, commonly rural workers. It is the third leading cause of death among chronic infectious diseases today. The systemic disease has an insidious and nonspecific course, with adrenal involvement being observed in 5% of cases and requiring the destruction of 80% of the glands for symptoms of adrenal insufficiency to appear. Isolated involvement of this gland is quite rare. In this case report, however, our patient presented wasting and adrenal insufficiency with isolated adrenal involvement by the fungus.

Disruption of the brain-esophagus axis in obese patients with heartburn.

Obesity is a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Studies addressing the brain-esophagus axis in obese are lacking. In obese with and without heartburn, we assessed: (i) the brain responses to esophageal acid perfusion during functional brain imaging; (ii) esophageal impedance baseline before and after acid perfusion; and (iii) abdominal fat distribution. In this exploratory study, 26 obese underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain combined with esophageal acid perfusion. Esophageal impedance baseline was determined before and after fMRI, followed by tomographic quantification of the abdominal fat. Among 26 obese (54% men, 39.7 years old, 33.5 kg/m2), there were 17 with heartburn and 9 without heartburn. Before fMRI, the esophageal impedance baseline was lower in obese with heartburn than without heartburn (median 1187 vs. 1890 Ω; P = 0.025). After acid perfusion, impedance baseline decreased in obese with heartburn (from 1187 to 899 Ω; P = 0.011) and was lower in this group than in obese without heartburn (899 vs. 1614 Ω; P = 0.001). fMRI task-residual analysis showed that obese with heartburn presented higher functional connectivity in several brain regions than obese without heartburn. Abdominal fat area did not differ between obese with and without heartburn either for total (72.8 ± 4.4% vs. 70.3 ± 6.0%; P = 0.280), subcutaneous (42.2 ± 9.0% vs. 37.4 ± 9.0%; P = 0.226), or visceral (30.6 ± 7.9% vs. 33.0 ± 7.8%; P = 0.484). In subjects with obesity, the brain-esophagus axis is disrupted centrally with higher functional brain connectivity and peripherally with decreased esophageal mucosa integrity in the presence of heartburn.

Perfil dos pacientes operados por adenoma hepático em serviço de cirurgia hepatobiliar do Rio Grande do Sul / Profile of patients who underwent operation for liver adenoma in an hepatobiliary surgery service in Rio Grande do Sul

Introdução: O trabalho objetiva avaliar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes operados por adenoma hepático e os fatores de influência nas diferentes apresentações clínicas. Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo com 21 pacientes operados por adenoma hepático. Dados de prontuário e laudos anatomopatológicos foram revisados a fim de estudar a relação entre perfil dos pacientes, apresentação clínica e características do tumor. Resultados: Sexo feminino foi predominante na amostra. A idade média dos pacientes foi de 32 anos e o IMC médio 25,9. Uso de anticoncepcional oral foi relatado em 93% dos casos, sendo 13 anos o tempo médio de uso. A presença de comorbidades teve associação com adenomas de maior tamanho, e diabetes mellitus foi doença mais frequente associada a este tumor. Houve associação clínica entre tamanho do adenoma e sintomatologia: pacientes com sinais e sintomas mais pronunciados apresentaram lesões de tamanho médio superior em comparação aos pacientes com sintomas inespecíficos ou ausentes. Conclusão: Os fatores já conhecidos associados ao Adenoma Hepático envolvem o sexo feminino, uso de contraceptivo oral de longa data, doenças do armazenamento do glicogênio, uso de anabolizantes e, menos comumente, gestação e diabetes mellitus. Neste trabalho evidenciamos o diabetes mellitus como a comorbidade mais frequente entre os pacientes com diagnóstico de Adenoma Hepático, relacionando-se a adenomas de maior tamanho na amostra deste estudo, o que sugere possível associação do diabetes mellitus na gênese dos adenomas hepáticos e também no prognóstico, visto que lesões maiores representam risco aumentado de complicações.

Introduction: This work aims to evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients who underwent surgery for liver adenoma and the factors that could influence different clinical presentations. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with 21 patients with liver adenoma who underwent surgery. Medical records and pathological reports were reviewed to study the connection between patients' profile, clinical presentation, and features of the tumor. Results: Female sex predominated in the sample. The mean age of patients was 32 years and the mean BMI was 25.9. The use of oral contraceptives was reported in 93% of the cases, with an average usage time of 13 years. The presence of comorbidities was associated with larger adenomas, and diabetes mellitus was the most frequent comorbidity co-existing with this tumor. Clinical association between the size of adenomas and symptoms was identified: patients with more pronounced signs and symptoms had larger lesions compared with patients with nonspecific or absent symptoms. Conclusion: The known factors associated with Hepatic Adenoma involve female sex, long-term use of oral contraceptives, glycogen storage diseases, use of anabolic steroids, and, less commonly, pregnancy and diabetes mellitus. In this study, we highlight diabetes mellitus as the most frequent comorbidity among patients diagnosed with Hepatic Adenoma, relating to larger adenomas in this study sample, which suggests a possible association of diabetes mellitus in the genesis of liver adenomas and in the prognosis, since larger lesions represent an increased risk of complications.

Fascíola hepática: relato de caso / Fasciola hepatica: case study

As síndromes consumptivas possuem ampla variedade de diagnósticos diferenciais, sendo um desafio na prática médica. Neste relato, a paciente apresentou astenia, diarreia e tosse, evoluindo com dor em hipocôndrio direito. A elucidação adveio da análise histopatológica após a primeira suspeição ser de lesão hepática maligna. Como desfecho, a infecção pelo trematódeo Fasciola hepatica, endêmico de clima temperado, foi a causa etiopatogênica. Nesse sentido, a intenção deste relato é trazer para discussão diagnósticos diferenciais de síndrome consumptiva tendo em vista etiologias endêmicas.

Consumptive syndromes have an ample variety of differential diagnoses and are a challenge in the medical practice. In this report, the patient presented asthenia, diarrhea, and cough, evolving to pain in the right hypochondrium. The elucidation came from the histopathological analysis after the first suspicion of it being a malignant hepatic lesion. The outcome, infection by the trematode Fasciola hepatica, endemic of temperate climate, was the etiopathogenic cause. In this sense, this report aims to discuss differential diagnostics of consumptive syndrome considering endemic etiologies.

Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver

A 55-year-old woman was investigated for occasional epigastric pain and weight loss. T2-weighted abdominal magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiography revealed a multilocular cyst with multiple septa and a solid component in the liver, measuring 6.1 × 4.8 × 6.5 cm. Given the patient's symptoms and malignant potential, a laparoscopic segmentectomy with partial resection of segments IV B and V was performed to completely remove the cystic lesion, associated with cholecystectomy. Histopathology demonstrated a cyst lined by columnar mucinous epithelium. Therefore, the diagnosis was mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver. This article presents a case report and literature review of this entity.

Predictive Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Bariatric Surgery: a Controlled Trial Comparing Sleeve Gastrectomy with Gastric Bypass.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with obesity. METHODS: Patients with class II or III obesity were treated with LSG or LRYGB. Procedure choice was based on patients and surgeon preferences. GERD symptoms, endoscopy, barium swallow X-ray, esophageal manometry, and 24-h pH monitoring were obtained before and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients underwent surgery (83% female, 39.3 ± 12.1 years, BMI of 41.5 ± 5.1 kg/m2): 35 (46.7%) had LSG and 40 (53.3%) LRYGB. LSG patients had lower BMI (40.3 ± 4.0 kg/m2 vs. 42.7 ± 5.7 kg/m2; p = 0.041) and trend toward lower prevalence of GERD (20% vs. 40%; p = 0.061). One year after surgeries, GERD was more frequent in LSG patients (74% vs. 25%; p < 0.001) and all LSG patients with preoperative GERD continue to have GERD postoperatively. De novo GERD occurred in 19 of 28 (67.9%) of LSG patients and 4 of 24 (16.7%) patients treated with LRYGB (OR 10.6, 95%CI 2.78-40.1). Independent predictors for post-operative GERD were as follows: LSG (OR 12.3, 95%CI 2.9-52.5), preoperative esophagitis (OR 8.5, 95% CI 1.6-44.8), and age (OR 2.0, 95%CI 1.1-3.4). CONCLUSIONS: One year after surgery, persistent or de novo GERD were substantially more frequent in patients treated with LSG compared with LRYGB. LSG was the strongest predictor for GERD in our trial. Preoperative counseling and choice of bariatric surgical options must include a detailed assessment and discussion of GERD-related surgical outcomes.

Mesenteric desmoid tumor after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a case report

We report the case of a 37-year-old woman investigated for left flank pain 1 year after bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass). Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a solid intra-abdominal lesion measuring 9.3 × 9.4 × 10.4 cm, compressing adjacent structures with no signs of invasion. Ileocolectomy with partial mesenteric resection was performed. A histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of mesenteric desmoid tumor.(AU)

Factors Associated to Abnormal Distal Esophageal Exposure to Acid and Esophagitis in Individuals Seeking Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) impacts choice and outcomes of bariatric surgery. However, GERD diagnosis based solely on symptoms yields inaccurate results. OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with a positive 24h pH-monitoring (pH-test) or esophagitis in patients with severe obesity seeking bariatric surgery. SETTING: Private practice. METHODS: 93 patients with severe obesity underwent prospective evaluation for GERD symptoms, body composition, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry and pH-test. Correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS: 50 patients (53.8%) had GERD symptoms, 49 (52.7%) had esophagitis and 33 (35.5%) had a positive pH-test. Among patients with GERD symptoms, 18% had normal pH-test and no esophagitis, while 34.9% of patients without GERD symptoms had positive pH-test, esophagitis or both. Factors independently associated with positive pH-test were esophagitis (PR:3.08, 95%CI: 1.4-6.9, P = 0.006) and defective lower esophageal sphincter (PR:1.88, 95%CI: 1.09-3.21, P = 0.02). Factors independently associated with esophagitis were hiatal hernia (PR: 2.46; 95%CI: 1.6-3.7, P<0.001), GERD symptoms (PR:2.09; 95%CI: 1.3-3.4, P = 0.003) and positive pH-test (PR:1.82; 95%CI: 1.2-2.7, P = 0.003). The combined presence of GERD symptoms and esophagitis had a low positive predictive value for a positive pH-test (57%). On the other hand, the absence of both GERD symptoms and esophagitis had a 90% predictive value for a negative pH-test. CONCLUSIONS: Investigation for GERD before bariatric surgery should consist of routine upper endoscopy and GERD symptom evaluation in all patients. Patients with GERD symptoms and no esophagitis may need a pH-test for GERD diagnosis. Prospective studies are needed to understand significance of GERD diagnosis prior to bariatric surgery.

Laparoscopic resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) of the small intestine: a case report

Although gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a rare type of cancer, they are the commonest mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). GISTs can affect any segment of the GIT, but the usual location is the stomach, followed by the small intestine. Surgical resection of the tumor is the gold standard treatment for localized GISTs, and in patients with inoperable and metastatic disease, imatinib mesylate is the standard treatment. Pathological diagnosis is based on morphology and immunohistochemical findings. We report the case of a 55-year-old man with jejunal GIST presenting with endophytic and exophytic growth, located in the proximal jejunum. He had history of melena, anemia and one episode of enterorrhagia, and was treated with surgical resection of the lesion. (AU)

Ecological study of viral hepatitis in Brazil: a geographical and temporal analysis

Introduction: Viral hepatitis is a group of diseases that present high hepatotropism and are related to liver dysfunctions, having either an acute or a chronic course. Their worldwide epidemiology is diverse, with several endemic places, such as South America. The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiology of viral hepatitis in Brazil, in order to better understand its pattern of distribution and evolution. Method: A temporal aggregation study was conducted using the Viral Hepatitis Database of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The serological markers used were HBsAg and anti-HCV for hepatitis B and C, respectively. Mortality data were collected from the Mortality Information System for deaths attributed to viral hepatitis. The period analyzed was from 2007 to 2016/17. Results: The incidence was 7.88 (95% CI, 7.30-8.45) for hepatitis B and 11.9 (95% CI, 11.15-12.65) for hepatitis C. Mortality attributed to viral hepatitis was 1.61 (95% CI, 1.35-1.87) deaths per 100,000 people. An analysis of municipal distribution data showed several endemic areas. The Brazilian regions most affected by hepatitis B virus were the northern and southern borders, Santa Catarina coast and Espírito Santo state, while hepatitis C virus was mostly present in metropolitan areas such as Porto Alegre and São Paulo. Conclusions: Viral hepatitis has a diverse geographic distribution in the Brazilian territory, with highly endemic areas. The distribution differs between hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. (AU)

Effect of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the control of erosive esophagitis

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a multifactorial disease associated with environmental and genetic factors. Obesity is among the risk factors for its development, which also correlates with an increase in severity of clinical presentation and a higher incidence of complications associated with reflux. Methods: This historical cohort study included a sample of 249 patients who had undergone bariatric surgery using the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass technique at the Hospital São Vicente de Paulo, Passo Fundo, southern Brazil, from January 2014 to December 2015. Results: Of 249 patients, 77.9% (190 patients) were female and the mean age was 38 years. The occurrence of reflux esophagitis was 81.1% (196 patients) in the preoperative period and 31.3% (75 patients) in the postoperative period. With regard to bariatric treatment response to control moderate and severe esophagitis (grades B, C and D), there was a reduction in prevalence from 62 (25%) to 12 (5%) patients (p<0.05). Conclusions: Bariatric surgery using the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass technique is effective in the control of reflux esophagitis. Regression is observed mainly in cases of moderate and severe esophagitis. (AU)

Reported mortality for colorectal cancer in Brazil in the first 16 years of the 21st century

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant neoplasm with major impact on health today. There is, however, an efficient method for prevention and screening, which varies in different protocols according to each institution or country. The objective is to evaluate the mortality rate and the economic cost of CRC in Brazil during the first 16 years of the 21st century. Method: A retrospective, temporal aggregation study was conducted with an exploratory, documentary quantitative approach on CRC mortality from 2000 to 2016, based on the Mortality Information System database provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Results: In the study period, 218,000 deaths due to CRC were recorded. The CRC mortality rate was 6.2 (95% confidence interval, 5.59-6.81) per 100,000 population, with no significant difference between men and women. Of the 17 age subgroups analyzed, eight had a significant increase from 2000 to 2016, including all subgroups aged over 50 years. Conclusion: There was an increase in mortality due to CRC in the study period.

Variação anatômica do tronco celíaco e do sistema arterial hepático: uma análise por exames de imagem / Anatomical variations of the celiac trunk and the hepatic arterial system: an imaging analysis

Introdução: As variações anatômicas das artérias hepáticas e do tronco celíaco são de grande importância para cirurgias laparoscópicas, transplantes hepáticos, intervenções radiológicas e tratamento de lesões abdominais. O grande aumento de intervenções minimamente invasivas deixou os atos cirúrgicos com menos espaço para o reconhecimento de estruturas anatômicas. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo do banco de dados do Hospital São Vicente de Paulo durante o ano de 2016, analisando imagens abdominais de tomografia computadorizada com contraste e angiotomografias que envolvem a aorta abdominal e seus ramos ­ um total de 461 imagens foram analisadas. Resultados: Dos 461 pacientes analisados, 86,9% apresentaram a conformação usual do tronco celíaco ­ cuja anatômica é a origem tríplice com as artérias gástrica esquerda, esplênica e hepática comum e artéria mesentérica superior se originando sozinha da aorta abdominal. Dentre as anatomias anômalas (13%), o padrão mais comum desses ramos foi a presença em 4,5% de um tronco hepatomesentérico e um tronco gastroesplênico. No sistema arterial hepático a conformação mais prevalente foram as artérias hepáticas direita e esquerda sendo ramos da hepática próprias em 66,3%. Das alterações anatômicas (33,2%), as mais comuns foram a presença de uma artéria hepática esquerda acessória ramo da artéria gástrica esquerda (7,8%). Conclusão: Variações anatômicas do sistema arterial hepático e do tronco celíaco são prevalentes, podendo apresentar diversos arranjos organizacionais. (AU)

Introduction: Anatomical variations in the hepatic arteries and the celiac trunk are of great importance for laparoscopic surgeries, liver transplants, radiological interventions and treatment of abdominal injuries. A large increase in the number of minimally invasive interventions hampered the recognition of anatomical structures in surgical procedures. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using the 2016 São Vicente de Paulo Hospital database of contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography images and computed tomography angiographies showing the abdominal aorta and its branches. In total, 461 images were analyzed. Results: Of the 461 patients analyzed, 86.9% had usual conformation of the celiac trunk, which trifurcates into the left gastric artery, the common hepatic artery and the splenic artery, while the superior mesenteric artery originates alone from the abdominal aorta. Among the cases of anomalous anatomy (13%), the most common pattern in these branches was the presence of a hepatomesenteric trunk and a gastrosplenic trunk in 4.5%. In the hepatic arterial system, the most prevalent conformation was the right and left hepatic arteries being branches of the hepatic artery proper in 66.3%. Of all anatomical variations (33.2%), the most common were the presence of a left accessory hepatic artery of the left gastric artery (7.8%). Conclusion: Anatomical variations in the hepatic arterial system and the celiac trunk are common, having different structural arrangements. (AU)

Innovative hybrid technique for bile duct exploration in the treatment of choledocholithiasis

Introduction: Common bile stone disease (CBDS) is frequent and has potentially severe complications, such as acute biliary pancreatitis and cholangitis. Unnecessary and unplanned procedures should be avoided, so before choosing the best treatment of common bile duct lithiasis it is essential to have a proper diagnose. CBDS is currently treated by therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Results: The aim of this article is to present an innovative hybrid technique for common bile duct exploration, as an option for cases where the laparoscopic approach is not resolutive, avoiding the need for conversion to open approach technique. Conclusions: The hybrid technique has the same benefits as open and laparoscopic techniques, but without increasing material costs and with good resolution in complex cases of common bile duct stones. (AU)

Epidemiological profile of viral hepatitis in Rio Grande do Sul and its health macro-regions

Introduction: Viral hepatitis comprises a group of viruses characterized by high global prevalence and hepatic tropism. Its epidemiology is extremely variable throughout the world, and South America is an endemic place. A better understanding of the regional reality is fundamental for proposing new public health measures. Methods: We conducted an aggregate temporal study of the Viral Hepatitis Database of the Ministry of Health of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), with an epidemiological profile of the reactive results of HBsAg and Anti-HCV tests, together with data on mortality from acute Hepatitis B and chronic viral hepatitis from the respective Health Macro-Regions from 2007 to 2015. Results: The incidence of new cases of hepatitis B in RS during the analyzed period was 11 (95% CI, 9.7-12.1) cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Meanwhile, the Northern region of the state, represented by the municipality of Passo Fundo, had 32.7 (95% CI, 28.3-37) and 22.8 (95% CI, 19.5-26) new cases of hepatitis B per 100,000 inhabitants for men and women, respectively. The incidence of new cases of hepatitis C in the State of Rio Grande do Sul was 29.2 (95% CI, 24.5-34.9 in 100,000 inhabitants). Conclusion: Viral hepatitis remains an important pathology in the context of Rio Grande do Sul and its Macro-Regions. (AU)

Treatment of posterior gastric wall gastrointestinal stromal tumor with gastric sleeve: a case report

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common non-epithelial tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. The most usual location is the stomach, followed by the small intestine, where it may cause digestive bleeding and anemia. Surgical resection of the tumor is the gold standard treatment, and definitive diagnosis is based on immunohistochemical analysis of the surgical specimen. We report the case of a 53-year-old man with gastric GIST presenting with endophytic and exophytic growth, located at the posterior wall of the stomach, in the antrum-body transitional zone, treated with gastric sleeve. (AU)

Epidemiological profile of esophageal cancer mortality in Rio Grande do Sul and its health regions

Introduction: Malignant esophageal neoplasia is a rare tumor, but it has high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and intensive treatment associated with surgical approach remains the best treatment for the disease. Its epidemiology is extremely diverse in the world, even in the same country. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis made from 2000-2015, analyzing the mortality rates of malignant esophageal neoplasia in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) in its 30 Health Regions and in Brazil. The mortality data were collected in the Mortality Information System (SIM) and the population data in the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Results: The esophageal cancer mortality rate was 8.61 (95% CI, 8.49-8.73) per 100,000 inhabitants in RS, while the national rate was 3.66 (95% CI, 3, 49-3.82), with a significant difference (p <0.0001). The regional distribution was variable, and the West Border region presented the highest rate, 12.91 (95% CI, 12.05-13.77). However, even regions with lower mortality presented twice as much deaths than the national rate. Mortality increased with aging, with the oldest age groups (≥80 years) presenting 69.62 (95% CI, 64.9-74) deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Conclusion: Esophageal neoplasia is still a very serious condition in the state of RS, being associated with an almost 3-fold higher mortality rate compared to the national rate. Even within the state different epidemiological patterns are found. (AU)

Incarcerated right-sided diaphragmatic hernia in a patient undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Bochdalek hernia is the most common congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Its symptoms are normally diagnosed and treated during the neonatal period. Conversely, in adults it is usually asymptomatic and, as a consequence, this group is misdiagnosed. A case of a 64-year-old female patient with an uncommon incarcerated right-sided diaphragmatic hernia formed three years after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and a significant weight loss is reported. The importance of this abnormality as a complication of the bariatric surgery should be considered(AU)

The Impact of Gastric Bypass on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Morbidly Obese Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in morbidly obese patients. BACKGROUND: Recently, authors have reported that early results of GBP can control GERD. However, longer follow-ups based on objective parameters for GERD are missing. METHODS: Fifty-three patients [15 men (28%), 39 years old (range, 18-59), body mass index = 46 ± 7.7 kg/m2] were consecutively evaluated for GERD irrespectively of related symptoms, before the operation (E1) and at 6 (E2) and 39 ± 7 months postoperatively (E3). The end points were (1) esophageal syndromes based on the Montreal Consensus and (2) an esophageal acid exposure assessment. RESULTS: Body mass index dropped from 46 ± 7.7 kg/m2 at E1 to 30 ± 5.2 kg/m2 at E3. Typical reflux syndrome displayed a significant decrease from 31 (58%) at E1 to 8 (15%) at E2 and 5 (9%) at E3. Statistically significant differences occurred between E1 and both postoperative evaluations (P < 0.001). Reflux esophagitis was detected in 24 (45%), 17 (32%), and 10 patients (19%) at E1, E2, and E3, respectively (P = 0.002). The incidence of GERD decreased in 34 (64%) and 21 (40%) patients at E1 and E2, respectively, and then in 12 (23%) patients at E3. DeMeester scores reduced from 28.6 (E1) to 9.4 (E2) and 1.2 (E3) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For most morbidly obese patients, in addition to causing significant weight loss, GBP reduces GERD symptoms, improves reflux esophagitis, and decreases esophageal acid exposure for longer than 3 years.