Gastric Bipartition with Functional Duodenum Exclusion (GBp-FDE) as a Possible Surgical Conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy in Patients with De Novo GERD and Obesity Recidivism: Preliminary Results of a Case Series

BACKGROUND Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is widely used in obesity treatment, although it is associated with new onset of gastroesophageal reflux disease (de novo GERD) and weight regain. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the standard revisional procedure for GERD, though it offers limited additional weight loss. Ileal-based procedures have demonstrated superior outcomes regarding weight loss but have uncertain results in GERD. This study presents preliminary findings on gastric bipartition with functional duodenal exclusion (GBp-FDE) as a revisional approach following SG in this scenario. CASE REPORT A retrospective data analysis was conducted on 10 patients who underwent GBp-FDE due to de novo GERD and obesity recurrence after SG (mean BMI: 37.2±3.2 kg/m²). Nine patients presented with hiatal hernia and 8 with sleeve dilation. GERD was assessed pre- and postoperatively using a validated questionnaire, endoscopy, and contrast radiology. The surgical technique involved a pre-pyloric antroileostomy in Roux-en-Y configuration using a 40% proportion biliopancreatic limb. One-year postoperative findings included pyloric spasm (endoscopy), very preferential contrast flow to the ileum (radiology), and endoscopic access preservation to the duodenum. GERD symptoms resolved in 90% (P=0.0059) and esophagitis healed in 80% (P=0.008), likely due to gastric decompression. Mean percent total weight loss and percent excess weight loss were 35.2±6.6 and 108.0±11.14, respectively. CONCLUSIONS GBp-FDE seems to be a promising surgery for managing de novo GERD and obesity recurrence after SG, through SG pouch decompression and ileal stimuli, promoted by the antroileostomy. Further controlled studies with extended follow-up are necessary to validate these findings.