Esophageal disorders following bariatric surgery vs. pharmacologic alternatives
Undergoing bariatric surgery could result in a greater risk of esophageal disorders compared with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.
In a study presented at the American College of Gastroenterology 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course, investigators examined the esophageal outcomes among a group of more than 89,000 patients who underwent bariatric surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and more than 84,000 patients who received the GLP-1 receptor agonists liraglutide, semaglutide or tirzepatide to treat obesity.
After a follow-up of five years, the investigators found that the patients who received GLP-1 receptor agonists were less likely to experience reflux esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett’s esophagus compared with those who underwent bariatric surgery.
The investigators emphasized that clinicians should weigh the weight loss benefits with the esophageal risks when making treatment decisions in patients with obesity.
Read more: ACG 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course
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