The University of Toledo Translation Journal of Medical Sciences 
Internal Medicine Abstract, Department of Medicine Research Symposium UTJMS 2023 May 5; 11(1):e1-e1 

Do Patients with Scleroderma Benefit from 
Surgical Treatment for Gastroesophageal 
Reflux? 
Yasmin Khader, MD1*, A. Beran, MD1, S. Ghazaleh, MD2, S. Devis, MD1, N. 
Altorok, MD3 

1Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo, 
Toledo, OH 43614 
2Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The 
University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614 
3Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo, 
Toledo, OH 43614 

*Corresponding author: Yasmin.Khader@utoledo.edu

Published: 05 May 2023 

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is common in patients with scleroderma that may be 
complicated by esophagitis, strictures, and Barret’s esophagus. Anti-reflux medications are still 
considered the first line treatment of GERD in SSc patients. Surgical treatment is usually preserved for 
reluctant cases. We conducted this meta-analysis to assess for the benefit of surgery in treating GERD in 
SSc patients. 

Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was 
conducted through June 01, 2022. We included all studies that assessed for the outcomes of surgical 
treatment of GERD in SSc patients. We calculated pooled odds ratios (OR) for the outcomes that were 
reported in ≥3 studies using a random-effects model.  

Results: A total of 142 patients with SSc who underwent surgical treatment of GERD were included in 
nine studies. Persistence of dysphagia and acid reflux symptoms were used to assess for the outcomes of 
surgery as they were reported in ≥3 studies. Our meta-analysis showed that there is about 61.5% 
decrease in dysphagia after surgery with an OR of 0.385 (0.250, 0.541). Our study also showed a 26% 
decrease in acid reflux symptoms after surgery with an OR of 0.741 (0.484, 0.897)   

Conclusion: The treatment of refractory GERD in patients with SSc remains challenging. Our study 
showed that surgery has been associated with lower rates of dysphagia and acid reflux. However, further 
studies should be conducted to assess for the definitive indications, and the adverse outcomes of surgery 
in SSc patients. 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-702 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-702
mailto:Yasmin.Khader@utoledo.edu