Free Yourself from Acid Reflux with the LINX® System
What is the LINX® System?
If you are currently suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) but are not responding to medication, you may be a candidate for the LINX® Reflux Management System. The LINX®System is a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery that aims to permanently treat acid reflux symptoms. The LINX® System consists of a small band of magnetized titanium beads that is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). When the patient swallows, the beads open to allow for the passage of food and drink from the LES into the stomach. The device then closes to prevent gastric acids from the stomach being pushed back up into the esophagus. This procedure can typically be completed in an hour and, in most cases, patients are able to return home the same day as the procedure and resume normal eating and drinking habits.
Benefits of the LINX® System
The LINX® System is intended for patients who have had difficulty controlling their GERD with prescription drugs such as Prevacid®, Nexium® and Prilosec®. Unlike these medications that simply aim to control acid build-up, the LINX® System addresses the underlying problem by simulating a normally-functioning esophagus. Like the Nissen Fundoplication, the standard surgery for GERD, the LINX® System is a permanent solution for GERD but involves a much less invasive surgery than other acid reflux treatments.
Patients who have received the LINX® System have been able to reduce or completely eliminate their use of GERD medication and have reported marked improvements in heartburn and regurgitation symptoms. A clinical study of 100 people with chronic GERD symptoms who were treated with the LINX® System found that:
- 92% of patients achieved significant symptom improvement
- 92% of patients achieved freedom from daily GERD medication
- 98% of patients reported no bothersome heartburn affecting their sleep nightly
- 98% of patients required no change to their diet from heartburn on a daily basis
- 100% of patients eliminated severe regurgitation
- 90% of patients achieved a reduction in esophageal acid exposure
- 94% of patients were satisfied with their overall condition after the LINX® System
Potential Side Effects
The LINX® System is a relatively new procedure and long-term side effects have not yet been studied. Side effects reported by patients who have received the LINX® System have been minimal and most often include difficulty swallowing, being unable to belch or vomit, post-operative pain and temporary bloating of the stomach. Your doctor will provide you with a complete list of risks and side effects before the procedure.
Want To Learn More?
If you are 21 years of age and have persistent GERD symptoms despite medication and lifestyle changes, the LINX® System might be the acid reflux cure you’ve been looking for. Dr. Luke Serck at Yankton Medical Clinic is qualified to perform the LINX® surgery and can answer any questions you may have about the procedure. Call (605) 664-2742 to schedule a consultation.
