Trudie A. Goers, MD, FACS

Treating  GERD  with  LINX

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a condition in which fluids from the stomach wash back into the esophagus. It is uncomfortable, Often the medications over-the-counter or prescribed just don’t stop the symptoms.
GERD is more than just a nuisance. Over time, the repeated exposure to stomach acids can cause permanent damage to the Esophagus and can even result in cancers. When medications aren’t working, surgery is an option and there is a new surgical procedure called LINX that offers patients a less invasive procedure.
LINX is a procedure that allows the Surgeon to place a beaded necklace made of magnets around the weakened valve area of the Esophagus. These magnets help the valve to stay closed, but can flex when the valve needs to open to allow food to head to the stomach. LINX allows patients to often go home the day of the surgery and begin eating a regular diet right away. Should there ever be a reason to remove the LINX necklace, it can be done in a minimally invasive way and the necklace leaves no permanent change to the Esophagus itself.
If you are suffering from Reflux problems that don’t respond to medication, LINX may be your best move.