Functional Importance of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy for the Lower Esophageal Sphincter in Patients with Morbid Obesity

Background Obesity is characterized by excess body fat measured in body mass index (BMI), which is the weight in kilograms (kg) divided by the height in square meters [m2]. In the Northern Hemisphere, the prevalence of overweight has increased by up to 34%. This situation is associated with high incidence of comorbidities such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Bariatric surgery is the only effective treatment for severe obesity, resulting in amelioration of obesity comorbidities. Data on LES competence following sleeve gastrectomy (SG), one of the several bariatric procedures, are conflicting.