Endoscopic Cardiac Band Ligation for the Management of Refractory GERD After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

GERD is a prevalent condition worldwide, estimated to be around 20-30 % in North America. Obesity is rapidly increasing with an estimated prevalence of 66% in the adult population in the United States. Presently, bariatric interventions are the only sustainable method to address morbid obesity and its resulting comorbidities. One of the most common restrictive surgeries includes laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Although very effective for treating obesity, some of these surgeries might cause deleterious effects regarding GERD, due to anatomical modifications. Refractory GERD is defined by lack of symptom control on maximum dose of PPI therapy. Cardia Band Ligation Anti-reflux (CLEAR) procedure utilizes multiple band ligations at the cardia in a 270-degree fashion, resulting in tissue necrosis and scar formation, narrowing the GE junction and enhancing the flap valve system. The investigators hypothesized that CLEAR can be a safe and efficient intervention to improve post bariatric GERD.