Spire Manchester Reflux Clinic patient undergoes life-changing surgery

Dan Collins, a Spire Manchester Reflux Clinic patient, spent an agonising two years suffering with the effects of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) before undergoing a life changing LINX procedure performed by Consultant General Surgeon Mr Paul Goldsmith, which eliminated all of his symptoms and restored his health and happiness.

A poor quality of life

Prior to undergoing surgery, 34-year-old Dan suffered two years of misery due to GORD. His unpleasant daily symptoms were life hindering, ranging from constant coughing and vomiting to weight loss, a disrupted sleeping pattern and increased stress.

Dan wasn’t able to enjoy any kind of physical exercise as this unfortunately triggered his reflux. He then lost a considerable amount of weight as a result of vomiting daily and throughout the night. As well as affecting his physical health, his reflux symptoms also affected his mental wellbeing. Dan says that he felt pressure to hide his illness from work colleagues, which in turn left him feeling anxious and ostracised.

Having reached a point where he desperately needed a solution, Dan sought the help of Mr Paul Goldsmith, a Consultant General Surgeon at Spire Manchester Hospital. Mr Goldsmith diagnosed Dan with a 4.5cm hiatus hernia and reduced oesophageal motility due to long standing GORD.

After an initial consultation, it was agreed that the best course of action for Dan was to undergo the LINX procedure. The LINX system is a treatment option for GORD sufferers, in which a ring of magnetic beads is placed around the lower oesophagus. This helps to stop acid reflux. LINX is implanted during a minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure with the hiatus hernia being fixed at the same time.

A healthy and happy future ahead

Reflecting on the outcome of the procedure, Dan says, “I completely appreciate that the process is slow and that I won’t be able to return to my ‘old’ eating habits overnight. But this procedure has literally changed my life. When the LINX device was fitted, I experienced relief from all symptoms, and I feel like a new man.

“I am still mindful about eating slowly and chewing food, but now I can enjoy a full night’s sleep, I no longer experience nausea or vomiting, and I also had instant relief from coughing.”

Dan was overwhelmed with the level of care he received at Spire Manchester Hospital. Complimenting everybody he came into contact with, including porters, the nursing team, anaesthetist and Mr Goldsmith himself, he says, “even upon entering the operating theatre Mr Goldsmith just gave me a little nod as I was being led in by the anaesthetist. I felt completely reassured throughout the whole process.

“I cannot thank everybody enough.”

Mr Goldsmith's expert opinion 

Commenting on Dan’s quality of life prior to surgery compared to now, Mr Paul Goldsmith says, “it was obvious from the first consultation how much Dan struggled with his reflux. Despite many adaptions to his lifestyle and use of medications his symptoms still ruined his day to day life, something we see at the Reflux Clinic very regularly. Once all the appropriate investigations had been performed we were able to offer Dan many different types of treatment options for his reflux.

“After careful counselling and discussion of the case at our Reflux MDT, in which an ENT surgeon, a gastroenterologist and oesophageal physiologists were present, Dan opted for the LINX device. This is a day case keyhole procedure where the hiatus hernia is fixed and a LINX device is measured up precisely for the individual and then placed. The patient is able to eat immediately after the operation.

“Post operatively for the first 12 weeks we recommend six small meals a day with lots of chewing, this enable the LINX 'training' to commence straight away and ensure that the scar tissue that can form around the LINX is not too tight.”

If you suffer from acid reflux, you can visit our Reflux Clinic page for expert medical advice.