Heartburn, acid reflux, regurgitation — do these symptoms bother you? If so, you’re not alone.
Millions of people experience the discomfort of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It happens when stomach acids take an unwelcome trip back up the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. GERD occurs because the valve at the bottom of the esophagus is weak or defective. Over time, this acid irritation can lead to those bothersome symptoms. And truly disrupt your daily life. But treatments are available.
Over the last ten years, Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation with a device called LINX™, has proven highly effective in treating GERD.
What is LINX Reflux Management System?
LINX is a flexible chain of titanium beads that have magnetic cores, much like a bracelet. It is placed around the lower esophagus to recreate a barrier to prevent harmful stomach acids from entering the esophagus. This surgery has been used to treat patients who have had persistent symptoms of GERD despite optimal medical management and the use of medications.
As compared to conventional surgery, which wraps the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus, LINX retains your normal anatomy. It also allows you to maintain a two-way valve, preventing side effects such as gas and bloating symptoms, which can often be experienced with conventional surgery.
When patients have had alterations to their stomach for weight loss surgery, such as a sleeve gastrectomy, surgical options have been limited and conventional surgery is not possible.
Now, there is good news for those suffering from GERD with sleeve gastrectomy. The magnetic sphincter augmentation is now approved for this group of patients.
Not everyone is a candidate for the procedure, but surgeons look at those patients:
- With a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 35.
- Are at least one year out from weight loss surgery.
Surgeons also conduct a full evaluation and determine if the patient has a normal squeeze of the esophagus (from top to bottom) and if the anatomy of the remaining stomach is appropriate.
Some weight loss surgery patients may have had GERD before their surgery. Others can develop GERD symptoms after their weight loss surgery. In those patients who have persistent symptoms of GERD after sleeve gastrectomy, recent studies show that with LINX after sleeve gastrectomy, 85% of people are off daily Proton Pump Inhibitorsand 92% are free of moderate to severe regurgitation (occurs when stomach contents move upwards into the esophagus) one year after the procedure.
This procedure is performed minimally invasively, and patients often can go home on the same day.
Valerie Williams, MD, a leading expert in esophageal diseases and GERD, has extensive experience in LINX surgery. She is the associate medical director of thoracic surgery at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Her expertise and dedication highlight our commitment to your well-being.
“LINX is a game-changer for patients who experience GERD after sleeve gastrectomy for weight loss surgery,” she says. “It offers hope and relief to those who have been struggling.”
GERD can significantly impact your daily life. If you or someone you know is struggling with GERD, don’t wait. Explore the possibilities of LINX and other treatments for GERD at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
