With gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive disorder in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, many patients are resigned to daily discomfort, restrictive eating, and compromised sleep. Fortunately, there are options for relief that
eliminate these struggles for good.
Gal Levy, MD, a surgeon in UTMB’s Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, has seen terrific success with the LINX Reflux Management System, which uses a magnetic augmentation device that acts as a reflux barrier. She says the vast majority
of patients treated with LINX experience instant relief.
“If anyone ever has had reflux, you know it’s pretty miserable for people that have uncontrolled reflux or reflux burns. It feels like battery acid in the chest, and patients can’t lie down flat. It’s pretty uncomfortable,”
Dr. Levy says.
LINX works via a ring of magnets that are hooked together around the patient’s esophagus, implanted via a minimally invasive procedure. The strength of the magnets helps keep the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) closed to prevent reflux. When the
patient swallows, LINX opens temporarily to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach.
Traditional anti-reflux surgery is also a minimally invasive procedure, but Dr. Levy has seen patients who say they either cannot have the surgery or have been hesitant to do so, for various reasons. Dr. Levy describes the LINX insertion as a “very
straightforward procedure,” with patients able to go home the same day, once they show that they can tolerate food.
Following surgery, the patient remains on a strict postoperative diet for three months to ensure healing goes well. They receive regular follow-up calls from nurse practitioner Eloise Catrett, who helps to make sure they are following post-op instructions
and are on track for success.
After three months, patients are able to go back to their normal diet and no longer have to avoid “trigger” foods. They can also lie down flat to sleep. The device is able to stay in place indefinitely once implanted, bringing permanent relief.
“These patients have an excellent quality of life and go back to eating and enjoying regular activities without concerns or complications,” Dr. Levy says.
LINX was introduced in 2008 and FDA approved in 2012. Dr. Levy said when she first started performing the procedure, she offered it only to young, healthy individuals. That has since changed, and she has successfully performed the LINX procedure on patients
of all ages, up to their 70s.
“As time goes on, we get more data and more information. Anyone who has good motility and is comfortable with an implant and following the postoperative rules can be evaluated for this product,” she says.
Dr. Levy performs the LINX procedure at Galveston and League City campuses. She says primary care physicians can refer patients to CT Surgery to have any required testing or imaging completed before the team determines the best course of action for each
patient.