A safer sleeve surgery to reduce reflux after weight-loss surgery
Official title: Mechanistic and clinical outcomes of a surgical innovation aimed at minimizing GERD associated with vertical sleeve gastrectomy (INNOVATE-VSG)
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11382919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new version of vertical sleeve gastrectomy is being tested to lower the chance of acid reflux and reduce the risk of Barrett’s esophagus in people considering or having weight-loss surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $314,677 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138047-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382919 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with BMI 30-50 kg/m2 undergoing or considering vertical sleeve gastrectomy, especially those with reflux concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without reflux or esophageal issues who receive standard care may not see added benefits from the modified technique.
What this research studies
This project tests a modified vertical sleeve procedure designed to preserve key stomach structures and stabilize the connection to the esophagus, with the goal of reducing reflux after surgery. It is a randomized, single-blind trial that follows participants for 12 months to compare outcomes with the standard approach. The study will enroll adults with BMI 30-50 kg/m2 and potential reflux-related issues, measuring symptoms, reflux strength, and safety along with weight changes. By understanding how surgical technique affects reflux and esophageal health, the research aims to improve long-term outcomes for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lessen reflux and lower the risk of Barrett’s changes and esophageal cancer after weight-loss surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show reflux is a common issue after standard sleeve surgery, and this trial tests a promising modification that has not yet proven superiority.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nguyen, Ninh T — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Nguyen, Ninh T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Surgical technique to reduce acid reflux after sleeve gastrectomy
This trial tests a modified sleeve gastrectomy designed to lower new or worsening acid reflux in adults with obesity who are having bariatric surgery.
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New surgical method to reduce acid reflux after weight loss surgery
This study is testing a new type of weight loss surgery that aims to help people with obesity who also struggle with acid reflux, to see if it can reduce their reflux symptoms while helping them lose weight.
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Omega PF device: a new, easier surgical option for drug-resistant GERD
A new medical device aims to replace complicated GERD surgery with a simpler, safer procedure for people whose reflux isn’t controlled by medicines.
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A NICU randomized trial tests how newborns with suspected GERD respond to standard care, acid-suppressing therapy, or thicker feeds guided by objective pH-impedance tests.
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Reducing over-alertness and stress responses that worsen acid reflux
This work tests whether calming excessive vigilance and automatic stress reactions can help adults with GERD have fewer symptoms and better quality of life.
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Repurposing Fosamprenavir to Help Older Adults with GERD
A clinician-scientist team is testing a repurposed HIV drug, fosamprenavir, combined with sodium alginate, to relieve persistent GERD symptoms in older adults who don’t respond well to standard acid-suppressing therapy.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.