Repairing the esophagus during weight loss surgery for patients with a weak valve

A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating PAtients With Lax Gastroesophageal Junction to Initial Sleeve Gastrectomy With or Without Concomitant Crural Repair (REPAIR)

Not applicable Interventional Sengkang General Hospital · NCT05330910

This study tests if fixing a hiatal hernia during weight loss surgery can help people with a weak valve have fewer problems like acid reflux and esophagus damage after their surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment96 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorSengkang General Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Singapore and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05330910 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of repairing a hiatal hernia during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on the incidence of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis (EE). The study aims to determine if patients with a lax gastroesophageal junction and hiatal hernia experience fewer complications after surgery when the hernia is repaired simultaneously. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving LSG alone and the other receiving LSG with hiatal hernia repair. The trial seeks to provide insights into the best surgical approach for patients at risk of postoperative complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21-65 with a Hill's grade III gastroesophageal junction who are planning to undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with documented erosive esophagitis or those with Hill's grade I, II, or IV gastroesophageal junction will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce the risk of postoperative GERD and EE in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the benefits of hiatal hernia repair during LSG, indicating that this approach is still under investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 21-65 years old
* Able to provide informed consent
* Hill's grade III gastroesophageal junction on preoperative endoscopy
* Opted to undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as their bariatric procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
* Contraindications to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
* Opted not to undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
* Had previous upper gastrointestinal surgery
* Had documented erosive esophagitis on preoperative endoscopy
* Had Hill's grade I, II or IV gastroesophageal junction on preoperative endoscopy

Where this trial is running

Singapore and 1 other locations

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 ObesityBariatric Surgery CandidateEsophagus InjuryGastroesophageal RefluxBariatric SurgeryEsophagitisGastroesophageal reflux diseaseLaparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
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.