The Outcomes of Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Post Bariatric Surgery: Systemic Review and Met-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Even though bariatric surgeries are widely performed around the world, patients frequently experience the recurrence of pre-existing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms or develop new ones, some of which are resistant to medical treatment. With the risk of invasive procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and the inability of fundoplication in certain bariatric surgeries, such as sleeve gastrectomy (SG), the need for new treatments arises. This study  investigate the effect and outcome of magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA), a minimally invasive treatment for GERD, in this population.

Methods: A thorough search was performed from inception until June 6, 2024, to retrieve relevant studies that evaluated the outcomes of MSA on the GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) score and the reduction in proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use in patients who underwent bariatric surgeries. RStudio version 2023.12.0+369 using the "meta" package was used.

Results: A total of eight studies were included in the systematic review and seven studies in the meta-analysis. MSA significantly reduced the GERD-HRQL score (MD = -27.55 [95% CI: -30.99; -24.11], P < 0.001) and PPI use (RR = 0.23 [95% CI: 0.16, 0.33], P < 0.01). 

Conclusion: MSA is a viable treatment option for patients with GERD symptoms who underwent bariatric surgeries. It showed promising results regarding reducing GERD-HRQL score and reduction in the use of PPI.

Note:
Funding declaration: No funds, grants, or other support was received

Conflict of Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Keywords: Bariatric, Sleeve gastrectomy, Magnetic sphincter augmentation, GERD, Gastroesophageal reflux.