LINX surgery

When can the LINX surgery be the option?

LINX is a modern treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease with abnormal pH values. It is indicated for patients with chronic symptoms, despite long-term therapy. The use of a device should be considered based on medical history and severity of symptoms.

It is also worth noting some points and conditions before LINX surgery:

• The patient must be over 21 years old;
• The patient must not be allergic to the components used: titanium, iron and nickel;
• The patient does not have pacemakers or other metal implants.

Gastroenterologists and surgeons consider the patient's medical history (duration, previous treatment and existing symptoms) and prescribe the procedure if there is a chance of achieving high efficiency.

Advantages of LINX surgery for GERD

The system is a worthy alternative to the classic antireflux operation, which was developed over fifty years ago. It does not require intervention in the anatomical structure of the stomach. In addition, the procedure is minimally invasive, using laparoscopic equipment inserted through a small incision in the abdomen.

The success rate is very high. Approximately 92-95% of patients stop taking the medications needed to relieve reflux symptoms. The remaining 5-10% of patients rarely resort to drug therapy.

Short recovery time after surgery is also a significant advantage. Patients usually return home on the same day. They are recommended to eat solid food immediately after the procedure. The absence of a prolonged postoperative period and complications (as with open surgery) significantly simplifies and improves the quality of life. Complications occur extremely rarely (less than 3% of cases) and are eliminated by removing the antireflux system.

Patients prefer LINX surgery also because it does not disturb the physiological structure of the oesophagus, stomach or sphincter between them. A titanium implant only improves the functioning of the organ. And in case of removal, it does not cause irreversible changes.

What are the risks?

The surgery and the device are simultaneously safe and effective, but certain risks remain. Specialists still recommend removing the titanium device in case of an urgent need for an MRI (however, LINX is considered compatible with an MRI scan). Scanning for various reasons can lead to severe damage or affect the strengthening of the magnetic properties and reliable functioning of the system. In addition, if the LINX is not secured correctly, it may shift later. And correcting these complications requires an additional operation.

The frequency of complications after the operation is low - approximately 3-5%. Side effects of laparoscopic surgery include reactions to anaesthesia (headache, muscle pain, nausea), bleeding, or infection.

LINX reflux control system complications might include achalasia (decreased relaxation in the lower part of the oesophagus), damage to the surface of the oesophagus by the device, displacement of the device, diarrhoea, dysphagia (swallowing issues), inability to belch or induce vomiting, impaired gastric motility, nausea, and stomach bloating.

The LINX device is a long-wearing implant, but a patient may need surgery to remove and replace it at any time. In addition, treatment of side effects may include removing or replacing the implant. After that, the condition is entirely normalized. Therefore, even unforeseen complications do not cause significant damage and are easily solved by surgeons.

What is the recovery after LINX surgery for GERD?

The LINX Reflux System works right after implantation. After the procedure, the person can eat under the physician's guidance. In addition, it resumes normal activities in less than a week. Unlike other types of surgical treatment of reflux disease, the introduction the LINX surgery does not require any anatomical changes in the stomach.

After surgery, eating some meals is essential to keep the system working correctly. However, in some rare cases, patients noted mild discomfort approximately two weeks after surgery when food passed through the oesophagus. It happens due to healing or scarring around the LINX implant. At this point, it is crucial to continue to eat regularly to keep the titanium beads moving. But each patient reacts differently to these situations, so the symptoms vary from mild to noticeable.

Six weeks after surgery, most patients have almost no symptoms. And 12 weeks after the operation, the healing is complete, and the patient can eat and drink everything. Moreover, no more medication is needed after the procedure.

How much does LINX surgery cost?

The price of the surgery depends on many factors and varies widely: 6,500 $ - 32,000 $. To find a specific cost, you should contact AiroMedical and choose the desired clinic and specialist. Destination for GERD treatment plays not the last role in the final bill. Based on this, our specialists can give a more accurate cost estimation.

It should also be taken into account that the entire package usually includes:

• Preoperative diagnostic procedures;
• Specialist consultation;
• The operation itself;
• Subsequent examinations (to control the treatment effect).