The LINX Procedure

When you eat and swallow food, it travels down the throat, passes into the esophagus and moves into the stomach. Muscle fibers in the lower esophagus prevent the food from moving back up. For people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, the muscle in the esophagus does not fully contract. The result is stomach acid, bile and other digestive juices that flow back up, or “reflux,” into the esophagus. 

When to consider surgery for GERD

Common symptoms of GERD include a burning feeling in the chest and regurgitation. GERD can be a lifelong issue, but it can usually be well managed with lifestyle changes and medication. In more severe and chronic cases, these treatments are not sufficient. The medication may lose its effectiveness, the dose may need to increase with time, or the benefits of taking the medication no longer outweigh the risks. Long-term use of medication for acid reflux can include a higher risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. For all of these reasons, a minimally invasive surgery using the LINX^® device may be considered.

What is the LINX?

The LINX Reflux Management System is a small, flexible ring of titanium-coated magnets that when separated, allow the esophagus to fully open and bites of food to pass through. If there is no food pushing the ring open, the magnets are attracted to each other and the ring stays tightened up, keeping the esophagus closed and preventing reflux. The esophagus should have a thick muscle, called the lower esophageal sphincter, that squeezes it shut, keeping stomach contents from moving up between bites and meals. In people with reflux, the sphincter muscle is weak. The LINX works by reinforcing the muscle and provides enough squeeze that so the esophagus stays closed when it should and allows it to widen when appropriate. 

What to Expect With the LINX procedure 

During the procedure to implant the LINX device, the surgeon makes five very small incisions on the abdomen to access the lower esophageal sphincter. The device is looped around the exterior of the muscle. After the procedure, people usually go home the same day. The recovery is typically quick and usually not painful because the incisions are so small. Most people can immediately go back to a normal, solid food diet and return to usual activities after a few days of rest. Some people may have difficulty swallowing for the first few weeks, but this is typically the only side effect, and it usually subsides. While the LINX can be removed, this is rarely necessary. For people with persistent swallowing problems, there are other, less invasive ways to improve swallowing while allowing the device to remain in place, controlling reflux symptoms and improving overall quality of life.  

How Effective is LINX?

The LINX procedure means more people may be able to benefit from a surgical option to alleviate acid reflux. The majority of people who get the LINX procedure are able to stop taking acid reflux medication and remain off of it. The results from the LINX procedure are designed to last a lifetime — the device should never “wear out.” Studies have shown that after five years, more than 90% of people are satisfied with their reflux control. For people who are not candidates for the LINX device, there are other surgical procedures to treat GERD. Your surgeon will help you select the best procedure for you.