Self-Reported Gastrointestinal Symptoms Two To Four Years After Bariatric Surgery. A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Abstract

Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are efficient methods for weight loss (WL) and WL maintenance in severe obesity. However, the knowledge of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms after surgery is limited. This study aimed to compare the severity of GI symptoms, pain, and self-rated health 2 to 4 years after RYGBP and LSG surgery. Methods In this cross-sectional study, RYGBP and LSG patients answered a questionnaire including the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), questions from the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and self-rated health (SRH). Results A total of 172/303 (57%) responded, RYGBP (n=73) and LSG (n=99). The mean age was 45.3 (SD 11.1) years (74% females). There was no evidence of a difference in total GSRS scores between the surgical methods (p=0.638). There were higher scores of reflux symptoms in LSG vs. RYGBP (both median 1, 75-percentile 2.5 vs. 1.0, p <0.001) and higher consumption of acid-reducing medication after LSG (32% vs. 12%, p <0.001). Pain scores were low in both groups; however, average abdominal pain was higher for RYGBP, median 2 (IQR 0–4) vs. median 1 (IQR 0–3) for LSG (p = 0.025). There was no significant difference in SRH. Conclusions Patients undergoing RYGBP and LSG surgery reported similar total GSRS scores and low pain scores 2 to 4 years after surgery. However, reflux symptoms and use of acid-reducing medication occurred more frequently after LSG surgery, while abdominal pain was more frequent in RYGBP surgery. These findings are important for surgical decision-making and follow-up. Graphical abstract

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms Post Sleeve Gastrectomy in Al-Qassim Region

“…Patients between the ages of 25 and 35 reported the highest prevalence of heartburn symptoms, followed by those between the ages of 36 and 45 and those older than 45. This conclusion is consistent with prior research indicating that younger individuals who undergo SG have an increased likelihood of experiencing heartburn symptoms [ 20 - 22 ].…”

Post-gastric Sleeve Surgery Chronic Symptoms From a Sample of Patients in Saudi Community

“…The results indicated that patients may develop gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal/neurological, mental, and other chronic complications following surgery. Consistent with prior research [20][21][22][23][24] indicating a high prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms following gastric sleeve surgery, a substantial proportion of patients reported experiencing GERD, dyspepsia, regurgitation, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and abdominal distension. GERD is characterized by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus [25].…”

Changes in dietary intake, food tolerance, hedonic hunger, binge eating problems, and gastrointestinal symptoms after sleeve gastrectomy compared with after gastric bypass; 1-year results from the Oseberg study—a randomized controlled trial

“…In accordance with Kvehaugen et al [25] we found only minor reductions of food tolerance after bariatric surgery, with no differences between groups for the overall food tolerance. The current study also supports and extends the main findings of a cross-sectional study comparing RYGB with SG 2 to 4 y after surgery, showing similar gastrointestinal symptom scores (except for reflux) between groups [46]. The current RCT showed no substantial changes in abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea after either surgery.…”