Why do I need to have an Endoscopy before Surgery?

This is a common question asked by many patients having Lapband Surgery. A recent article published in the April 2009 issue of the journal Obesity Surgery helps to provide an answer. The authors Munoz et al report on 622 patient who had an endoscopy prior to Bariatric Surgery. Abnormalities were found in 48% of patients. The most common findings were gastritis 21%, oesophagitis 16%, and hiatus hernia in 10% (Ed: the latter condition may require additional surgery at the time of LapBanding).

Duodenitis was observed in 8%, gastric ulcers in 3%, polyps in 1% and Barrett's oesophagus and cancer in 0.1% each. The authors conclude that routine preoperative endoscopy detects different abnormalities which need specific approach prior to surgery. Preoperative endoscopy should be performed in all patients prior to surgery. Munoz R et al. Importance of routine preoperative upper GI endoscopy: Why all patients should be evaluated? Obesity Surgery (2009) 19: 427-431

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