Management of GERD and Barrett's Esophagus

Incidence, Pathophysiology and Consequence of GERD in the Bariatric Population

Ekua Yorke, BSc, MD, FRCSC
General and Bariatric Surgery
Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Surgery
Richmond, BC

Dr. Ekua Yorke is a general and bariatric surgeon at Richmond Hospital in the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. She is also a clinical instructor of surgery at the University of British Columbia. She completed her medical school at the University of Alberta and surgical residency at the University of British Columbia. She did her fellowship in advanced minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at the Centre for the Advancement of Minimally Invasive Surgery (CAMIS) at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. She currently serves as hospital lead for resident education. Her clinical interests include improving surgical access for patients with obesity and health journalism. 

Presentation Overview:

Emerging research has shown that obesity is associated with an increased risk in both GERD symptoms and complications. Central obesity appears to have a stronger correlation with these complications rather than BMI. This topic will explore potential mechanisms for the association between GERD and obesity. Understanding the role of obesity in GERD pathogenesis will help us better understand the potential role of weight loss as treatment for GERD.