LINX® Reflux Management System
For men and women who deal with the uncomfortable and even painful symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux, living with GERD can mean avoiding one’s favorite foods or a lifetime reliance on daily medication. At our conveniently located North Dallas practice, board-certified DFW bariatric surgeon Hossein Bagshahi, MD provides a clinically proven and minimally invasive solution to prevent the reflux of stomach acid. The LINX® device is a reflux management system designed to restore the barrier between the lower esophagus and stomach, keeping harmful stomach contents from shooting up into the esophagus. Unlike other GERD treatments, LINX® surgery is minimally invasive, does not alter the natural anatomy, and has shown to reduce (or eliminate) acid regurgitation in 99 percent1 of patients.
If acid reflux is disturbing your ability to live freely and comfortably, book a consultation with our compassionate GERD specialists and friendly medical team. We prioritize providing a range of safe, conservative, and effective techniques to treat GERD symptoms without the invasiveness of traditional surgery.
What is LINX® Surgery?
The LINX® device offers a minimally invasive surgical treatment to address gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by restoring the body’s natural barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. Made up of a circular ring of magnetic, interlinking beads, LINX® is implanted around the lower esophageal sphincter — the muscle between the stomach and esophagus responsible for keeping stomach fluids and contents from refluxing upward. LINX® closes this opening to prevent episodes of heartburn and acid reflux, while still remaining flexible enough to open naturally when you swallow, belch, or vomit.
Unlike traditional anti-reflux surgeries that permanently change the stomach anatomy, LINX® is designed to preserve normal anatomy and function. The device is biocompatible, durable, and intended to remain in place long term.
How Can LINX® Effectively Treat GERD?
GERD occurs when stomach acid and digestive contents repeatedly flow backward into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, a chronic cough, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. Over time, untreated GERD can result in complications such as erosion of the esophageal lining, Barrett’s esophagus, and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. The LINX® system is strong enough to keep the sphincter closed while at rest, but easily opens to allow food and liquids to pass normally.
LINX® can offer a myriad of benefits for those who are good candidates, including:
- Performed laparoscopically, allowing smaller incisions, less scarring, shorter healing times, and a lesser risk of complications
- Does not alter natural anatomy or involve stomach wrapping like Nissen fundoplication
- Allows normal swallowing and passing of food and drink
- Greatly reduces or even eliminates reliance on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and other acid reflux or heartburn medications
- Can prevent long-term complications associated with GERD
Due to its minimally invasive nature and ability to closely mimic natural sphincter function, LINX® has become an attractive option for patients wanting an effective alternative to lifelong medication use or more extensive surgical procedures.
Who is a Good Candidate for LINX®?
While not suitable for every patient, those who rely on daily reflux medications but who wish to avoid long-term drug use may find LINX® surgery appealing. Additionally, patients looking for a less invasive option that preserves normal stomach anatomy often consider LINX® as an alternative to traditional fundoplication.
Minimally invasive LINX® surgery may be an excellent acid reflux treatment for patients who:
- Deal with chronic GERD symptoms that are not well-managed despite use of medication, such as heartburn, regurgitation, or chest discomfort
- Have documented abnormal acid reflux in diagnostic testing, such as pH monitoring
- Have normal or near-normal esophageal motility
- Do not have a large hiatal hernia, or can have hernia surgery during their LINX® procedure
Dr. Bagshahi and our team can listen to your symptoms and review your medical history to address the root cause of your GERD symptoms, and create a custom treatment plan to help you live free from the worry of acid reflux and heartburn pain.
How is the LINX® Procedure Performed?
The LINX® procedure usually involves an outpatient surgery performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Using general anesthesia, implantation of the LINX® device typically takes less than an hour. During the surgery, Dr. Bagshahi makes a series of small incisions in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope (a small camera) and specialized instruments.
The lower esophagus is gently exposed, and the appropriate size of the LINX® device is selected based on a patient’s anatomy. The magnetic ring is then placed around the outside of the lower esophageal sphincter. If a small hiatal hernia is present, it may be repaired during the same operation to optimize reflux control. Once the device is in position, the instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed.
Since the stomach itself is not cut, wrapped, or altered, surgical trauma is minimized. Most patients are able to go home on the same day or after a short overnight hospital stay. The procedure is considered reversible as the device can be removed if necessary, although this is uncommon.
What Can I Expect From Recovery After LINX® Surgery?
Recovery after LINX® surgery is generally faster and easier than recovery from more extensive anti-reflux procedures. Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort at the incision sites and some temporary soreness in the chest or upper abdomen. These symptoms are typically well-controlled with oral pain medication and improve over the first few days.
Patients are usually encouraged to resume eating solid foods soon after surgery. This may seem counterintuitive, but regular swallowing helps the LINX® device adapt and function properly. Some patients experience temporary difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) during the early recovery period as the body adjusts to the device. This is common and usually resolves over several weeks.
Normal daily activities can often be resumed within a few days, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for a short period as directed by Dr. Bagshahi. Many patients notice a significant improvement in reflux symptoms almost immediately, while others experience gradual improvement over several weeks.
At Bagshahi Bariatric & General Surgery, our board-certified bariatric surgeon and GERD specialists can help you live more comfortably without having to rely on medications for the rest of your life. To explore our spectrum of minimally invasive treatments for heartburn and acid reflux, don’t hesitate to reach out to our North Dallas practice for a consultation, serving the DFW and Dallas regions.