Screening endoscopy before bariatric surgery: a series of 448 patients

In this consecutive series of 451 successful screening EGDs, positive findings led to a change in medical treatment in a significant number of patients (18%), but a change in the timing of surgery or the surgical technique in relatively few (<1%). In addition, a significant correlation between gastritis and postoperative anastamotic ulceration suggests a causative link, with implications arguing for stronger medical therapy. A randomized trial should be performed to validate the usefulness of preoperative EGD in bariatric patients.