Minimally Invasive LINX® Surgery Provides Long-Lasting Relief from GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, can prevent you from enjoying your favorite foods and severely affect your quality of life. While medication can provide short-term relief from symptoms, Dr. H. Joseph Naim believes patients deserve long-lasting outcomes without depending on daily medication.

Dr. Naim and his team have recently added the LINX® Reflux Management System to the procedures offered at his surgical centers in Los Angeles, CA, Long Beach, and Orange County. The surgery can be performed in under two hours and offers life-changing benefits for patients seeking permanent GERD treatment.

The Effects of GERD On Your Life

GERD is caused by a weak esophageal sphincter, which allows powerful, harmful gastric juices to escape your stomach and up your throat. The day-to-day side-effects include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Bloating
• Gassiness
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bad breath
• Chest pain

Additionally, GERD has been linked to more serious illnesses, including:

• Ulcers
• Esophagitis
• Esophageal stricture
• Respiratory concerns
• Barrett's esophagus
• Esophageal cancer

As GERD can have very serious effects on your overall health, finding a long-lasting solution is essential to your well-being.

Since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 2012, LINX has helped 85 percent of patients achieve freedom from their GERD medication and reduced uncomfortable heartburn by 77 percent.

How Does the LINX Reflux Management System Work?

About the size of a quarter, the LINX Reflux Management system is a small ring of titanium magnets. During a minimally invasive surgery, the ring is placed around your esophageal sphincter, which separates the throat from the stomach. The flexible ring allows food particles to move down the throat and into the stomach normally, but prevents stomach acid from moving up.

The system can provide:

• Freedom from daily medication
• Reduced side effects of GERD
• An improved quality of life

A recent study released by Torax Medical showed that all patients who received the LINX ring had an improved quality of life and reduced dependency on proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) medication at their five-year follow-up.

Are You a Good Candidate?

In general, candidates should be free of any metal allergies. There are no additional restrictions as long as you are healthy enough to undergo surgery.

The Surgery

LINX can be placed during a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. During surgery, you will be placed under general anesthesia. Dr. Naim will then create a keyhole-shaped incision in your abdomen in order to access your esophagus. The procedure is performed laparoscopically, allowing Dr. Naim to view your internal organs without creating large, invasive incisions. Once the LINX unit is placed, Dr. Naim will suture the small incisions with dissolvable stitches. The procedure typically lasts one to two hours from start to finish.

The procedure can also be performed at the same time as a hiatal hernia repair. A hiatal hernia can cause GERD when it allows your stomach to push up into your chest, affecting the pressure in your throat sphincter.