Grant: Doctoral Award - Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships

Both obesity and heartburn impact millions of Canadians leading to complex chronic diseases, including certain cancers. Weight loss surgery is the only proven method for the treatment of obesity and its associated diseases. One of three common surgical procedures is the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) performed through tiny incisions in the belly using a camera and long thin surgical instruments (laparoscopic), and involves the removal of 80% of the stomach (gastrectomy) to form a long tube (sleeve). Very little is known about the function of the sleeve, and its impact on patients long-term. A current management dilemma of LSG is painful heartburn symptoms after surgery. Acid in the esophagus (reflux) is assumed to be the cause, despite the removal of acid producing cells found in the stomach. Reflux is made of a complex array of factors leading to heartburn, vomiting, and long-term causes inflammation or cancer of the esophagus. No studies so far have elucidated the chemical make-up of the reflux, the impact to healthy bacteria, or long-term risks to the esophagus after LSG. Both naturally occurring toxic stomach contents and bacteria can damage the esophagus, and impact patient health. Regardless that these factors are unknown; current treatment options consist of acid-suppressant medication. In comparison, the gastric bypass (LRYGB), a procedure reducing the stomach to the size of a golf ball and rerouting the intestinal tract, has been known to decrease heartburn symptoms. The objectives of this project will be to analyze and compare functional changes in the stomach and esophagus causing reflux following LSG and LRYGB in order to determine an appropriate treatment plan. This project will have a significant influence on clinical practice and managing painful complications for patients seeking beneficial obesity treatment. This novel project will directly contribute to Canadian patient health and inform specialists fighting obesity around the world.