Chronic acid reflux, or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), causes daily symptoms like:
While medications may help control symptoms for some people, others continue to struggle despite long-term treatment.
Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, in Jackson, Mississippi, offers LINX®, a device that helps manage GERD by strengthening the body’s natural barrier against acid reflux.
If you’re considering this minimally invasive procedure, read on to understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
The LINX Reflux Management System is a small, flexible ring of magnetic titanium beads placed around your lower esophagus during a minimally invasive surgery.
The device reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter — the muscle that helps prevent stomach contents from flowing backward into the esophagus.
Benefits of LINX device placement include:
The magnetic beads are strong enough to keep acid in the stomach but flexible enough to allow food and liquids to pass through when swallowing.
Our surgical team may consider you for LINX device placement if you:
Before recommending surgery, our team may recommend several other tests, including:
These tests help determine whether the LINX procedure is appropriate for your condition.
Our surgeons typically perform LINX placement laparoscopically through several small incisions in the abdomen. We access the area where the esophagus meets the stomach and repair any hiatal hernia that’s present. Then, we place the LINX device.
The procedure usually takes about an hour, and many people return home the same day or after an overnight stay.
Recovery after LINX surgery is often quicker than with more invasive procedures. We encourage most people to resume light activity soon after surgery and gradually return to normal routines over the following days.
You may experience some temporary side effects during surgery, including mild discomfort, bloating, and soreness near the incision sites.
Difficulty swallowing is especially common during the healing process as the body adjusts to the device. We may recommend that you eat small, frequent meals and chew thoroughly to help the esophagus adapt.
In many cases, you can continue to eat regular foods relatively soon after surgery because swallowing helps the device remain mobile during healing.
Some people notice improvement in reflux symptoms soon after surgery, but others notice gradual improvement over several weeks as swelling decreases and healing progresses.
Many people are eventually able to reduce or stop GERD medications after LINX placement. Everyone is different, though. Our team can help you better understand what to expect for your situation.
Living with persistent reflux can affect your:
LINX device placement may offer long-term symptom relief with a minimally invasive approach.
If GERD symptoms persist despite medication or lifestyle changes, call Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, today or use the online tool to schedule a visit. We can help you determine if LINX might be right for you.
