Mansfield LINX® Surgery

Treatment for GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder known for
causing heartburn. Patients with GERD often have a difficult time finding
food that won’t cause them pain or discomfort. LINX® is a cutting-edge,
FDA-approved treatment for GERD offered at Surgical Associates of Mansfield.
The LINX® device is a small implant that can be attached to the esophagus
through a minimally invasive surgical procedure. We are one of the few
medical providers in Tarrant County who provide this treatment.

How Does it Work?

The LINX implant is a small, flexible bracelet of magnetic titanium beads.
This bracelet is placed around the esophagus using a laparoscopic procedure.
Patients with GERD often suffer problems with regurgitation. This occurs
when gastric juices in the stomach overflow and start climbing up the
esophagus. The LINX® implant keeps the esophagus closed so that the
juices cannot overflow. However, the implant is also flexible, so it can
expand to let food in, thus creating a one-way path to the stomach.

What Happens Next?

Although GERD is a minimally invasive procedure, it is still recommended
patients spend the night at the hospital to ensure there are no complications.
Additionally, you should only eat soft or liquid foods for the first 48
hours after the operation. You can usually resume normal activities within
a few days. However, ab exercises like crunches or sit-ups should be held
off for several weeks.

Keep in mind that LINX® is made of metallic magnets, so you will no
longer be eligible for MRI imaging tests. Likewise, your implant will
set off metal detectors. You will be provided with a card that will explain
your situation to security personnel.

After receiving LINX®, problems with regurgitation and heartburn should
be significantly improved, if not gone entirely. Most patients who were
taking daily acid suppression medications find that they no longer need them.

You can view the post-op instructions
here.

For more information about the LINX® implant and GERD treatment,
contact Surgical Associates of Mansfield today.