The LINX® System offers a new treatment option for Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), reducing or eliminating symptoms through a simple, reversible procedure using laparoscopy or keyhole surgery.
Why you might need it
The LINX® System offers a new treatment option for Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), reducing or eliminating symptoms through a simple, reversible procedure using laparoscopy or keyhole surgery.
The LINX® System is a small, flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores that helps the LOS resist opening to gastric pressures, creating a barrier to the reflux of acid and bile.
Swallowing forces temporarily break the magnetic bond to allow food and drink to pass normally through the LOS. The magnets then close the LOS immediately after swallowing to restore the body's natural barrier to the reflux of acid and bile.
What is Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)?
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) also known as GERD, is a chronic, often progressive condition resulting from a weak Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LOS) allowing acid and bile to flow back or ‘reflux’ from the stomach into the oesophagus.
GORD is a common condition affecting at least 10% of the population in western countries and is the leading physician diagnosis in gastroenterology outpatient clinics.
People experience symptoms of GORD in a variety of ways. The most common symptom of GORD is heartburn. Symptoms may also include regurgitation, sore throat, chest pain and cough.
If GORD is left untreated serious complications can occur such oesophagitis, stricture, Barrett's oesophagus, or oesophageal cancer.
If you suffer from two or more of the following you may benefit from the LINX® procedure:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Cough
- Asthma
- Sore mouth or tongue
- ENT problems
- Upper abdominal pain
- Poor response to anti-acid medications
- Unwilling to take anti-acid medications long-term
Find a Spire hospital offering this treatment
Who will do it?
Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.
All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.
Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.
Before your treatment
You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
Preparing for your treatment
We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.
For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.
Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.
The procedure
The LINX System is placed around the oesophagus just above the stomach using a common, minimally invasive surgical technique called laparoscopy or keyhole surgery.
Patients are placed under general anaesthesia during the procedure, which is generally completed in less than one hour. Once placed, the device will begin working immediately.
Aftercare
Following the procedure, under our consultant's guidance, patients should be able to resume a normal diet and will typically resume normal activities in less than a week.
Unlike other surgical treatments for GORD, the LINX® System does not require any anatomic alteration of the stomach. Side effects are generally minimal and resolve over time.
How effective is the LINX System?
The LINX System reduces or eliminates the symptoms of GORD without creating undue side effects.
A clinical study of the LINX System showed excellent relief of GORD symptoms and significantly reduced levels of acid exposure in the oesophagus two years post implant.
This study also shows that two years post implant:
- 86% of people have completely stopped taking medication for GORD
- 86% of patients are satisfied with their condition
- 90% of patients have a normal level of acid exposure in the oesophagus
Why choose Spire?
We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.
Important to note
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.