In this study, researchers retrospectively analyzed histopathology reports from biopsy samples taken during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) performed preoperatively in 30 adolescent patients scheduled for sleeve gastrectomy. They aimed to determine the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal inflammation in these patients. The percentage weight loss was estimated postoperatively at 3, 6 and 12 months. Percent total body weight loss (TBWL) was compared between patients who had upper gastrointestinal inflammation and those who did not have such inflammation. 

Histopathology findings revealed esophagitis in nine (30%) patients; 10 (33%) had gastritis, while nine (30%) had duodenitis. Five patients tested positive for Helicobacter pylori and one patient was found to have a gastric ulcer because of which surgery was deferred. Inflammation in minimum of one area was detected in 21 patients (70%). Five (17%) patients had been prescribed antacids prior to the endoscopy. Postoperatively, the mean TBWL at one year was 22% of total body weight. Patients with preoperative gastritis or duodenitis lost significantly less weight one year after the surgery than those who did not have either gastric or duodenal inflammation prior to the surgery. This study has established that upper gastrointestinal inflammation was common in obese adolescents undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. Gastric and duodenal inflammation were associated with less weight loss after the surgery. 

Lewit RA, et al. J Surg Res. 2022 May;273:119-126.