GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a chronic condition that can cause a great number of symptoms, the most prominent being heartburn. For those patients that are not able to control their symptoms despite regular use of GERD medications, the LINX procedure might be a good treatment option.
GERD is characterized by a weakening of the esophageal sphincter present between the stomach and the esophagus, which causes the digestive acid in the stomach to spill out into the esophagus, instead of remaining in the stomach where it is supposed to digest food. People will feel a burning pain in the stomach that radiates upwards into the chest and regurgitation of food and digestive juices into the mouth. If the stomach acid gets into the lungs, it can cause asthma, chronic cough, hoarseness, and change of voice.
The LINX procedure involves placing a small bracelet containing magnetic beads at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, which compresses the esophageal sphincter. This strengthens the sphincter so that acid cannot come up easily from the stomach. However, the magnetic forces are not too strong and the beads are still able to separate to allow the food you eat to pass from the esophagus into the stomach without any difficulty.
The surgery takes about an hour and can be performed minimally invasively in the outpatient setting. Most patients can return home on the same day as the surgery. Patients may be able to gradually wean off their GERD medications and get back to a regular diet as their symptoms improve.
The LINX procedure is less invasive than standard surgical treatments and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of GERD. Book an appointment or call us for more information on the LINX procedure and to find out if you might be a candidate.
Dr. Arif Ahmad specializes in the laparoscopic gastric bypass, lap band and sleeve gastrectomy. He is renowned in the Long Island area for his impeccable track record of safety and success. Dr Ahmad conducts patient education sessions every two weeks at Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson and in varying locations across Suffolk County. Please call (631) 689 0220 if you wish to register or have other questions.
