Nissen‑Sleeve versus Roux‑en‑Y gastric bypass for reflux in people with severe obesity

The SLEEVE-GERD Trial: A Comparative Study of Nissen-Sleeve and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Obese Patients With GERD

Not applicable Interventional Jagiellonian University · NCT07158008

This trial tests whether Nissen‑Sleeve gastrectomy or Roux‑en‑Y gastric bypass better controls GERD symptoms in adults who are eligible for bariatric surgery due to severe obesity.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment560 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorJagiellonian University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Krakow)
Trial IDNCT07158008 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized trial will directly compare Nissen‑Sleeve gastrectomy (a sleeve gastrectomy combined with a 360° fundoplication wrap) to Roux‑en‑Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in adults with obesity and symptomatic GERD, with an observational sleeve gastrectomy group for patients without GERD. Participants meeting bariatric criteria and GERD definitions will be randomized to N‑SG or RYGB and followed for safety, reflux control, nutritional outcomes, and need for further procedures. The trial highlights differences in anatomical alteration, endoscopic access to the biliary tree, and potential long‑term nutritional risks between the two approaches. Outcomes will inform whether the newer N‑SG technique can match RYGB’s reflux control while preserving gastrointestinal continuity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) eligible for bariatric surgery (BMI ≥40 or ≥35 with comorbidities) who have symptomatic GERD defined by regular PPI use, a GerdQ >6, or endoscopic esophagitis, and who have not had prior upper GI or anti‑reflux surgery and are non‑smokers.

Not a fit: Patients without GERD, those with prior upper gastrointestinal or anti‑reflux surgery, active smokers, or those not eligible for bariatric surgery are unlikely to benefit from enrollment in the randomized comparison.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the Nissen‑Sleeve approach could offer similar reflux control to RYGB while preserving normal GI continuity and reducing long‑term nutritional issues and limitations on endoscopic access.

How similar studies have performed: Roux‑en‑Y gastric bypass is an established, effective anti‑reflux bariatric operation, while Nissen‑Sleeve is a newer hybrid technique with encouraging early observational reports but limited randomized data to date.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

For N-Sleeve Gastrectomy (N-SG) and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) arms:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Written informed consent provided
* Eligible for bariatric surgery according to national guidelines (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² or BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities)
* Presence of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), defined by at least one of the following:
* Regular use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
* GerdQ score \> 6
* Endoscopic evidence of esophagitis (Los Angeles classification grade B or higher)

For Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) observational control group:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Written informed consent provided
* Eligible for bariatric surgery according to national guidelines (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² or BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² with obesity-related comorbidities)
* No symptoms or history of GERD

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of prior anti-reflux surgery
* History of upper gastrointestinal tract surgery
* Active smoking or history of nicotine use
* Severe cardiac insufficiency (New York Heart Association Class III or IV)
* Pregnancy or planned pregnancy during the study period (if applicable based on future additions)
* Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with the participant's ability to comply with the study protocol or would pose additional risk

Where this trial is running

Krakow

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Gastro Esophageal RefluxSevere ObesityBariatric SurgeryNissen-SleeveGastric BypassGERD
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.