Breakthrough Contractions During Multiple Rapid Swallows on High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry: A Marker of Esophageal Dysmotility in Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients

BackgroundThis study investigates multiple rapid swallows during high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) as an indicator of esophageal dysmotility following bariatric surgery. Gastrointestinal complications, including esophageal dysfunction, are common after bariatric surgery, and predictive markers are lacking.MethodsRetrospective analysis of adult patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) between 2013 and 2023 and were subsequently evaluated by HREM. Contractile reserve (CR) and breakthrough contractions were assessed during MRS and HREM studies assessed by the Chicago Classification version 4.0.ResultsBreakthrough contractions were found in 52.2% of patients undergoing HREM during multiple rapid swallows (MRS), including 70% of patients classified as normal manometry. Presence of breakthrough contractions correlated with greater DCI (1039 vs. 446 mmhg-s-cm, p = 0.05), and was more common after SG compared to RYGB (58.3% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.089) and in proton pump inhibitor users (100% vs. 72.7%, p = 0.093). Contractile reserve was observed in 56.5% of patients, similar to non-bariatric cohorts.ConclusionsBreakthrough contractions are frequent in post-bariatric patients, even with normal manometry, suggesting early esophageal dysfunction. Sleeve gastrectomy patients showed a higher trend of these contractions, potentially due to increased intragastric pressure. Further studies are needed to understand long-term implications.