There is a better way to manage these symptoms in patients who do not respond to medications in Southwest Florida. It is called the LINX® Reflux Management System and it is an implant that helps keep acid in your stomach and out of your esophagus.
Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (a muscle connecting your stomach to the esophagus) weakens. After swallowing food it should normally tighten to keep the food and stomach acid in the stomach and prevent leaking back into the esophagus. When the muscle weakens the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus causing regurgitation and heartburn. 1 in 5 adults in the United States has GERD. Lifestyle changes and medications are among the initial treatment options. Medications treat the acid by neutralizing it (antacids) or reducing the amount of acid produced (H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors). 40% of patients continue to have symptoms despite taking these medications. You may be a candidate for the LINX Reflux Management System if you are in that group.
NORMAL WEAK LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER
About the LINX device
LINX is an implant that is placed around the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to help it stay closed until food passes through it into the stomach. It is the size of a quarter and looks like a beaded ring. They are actually small magnets and they are able to close tightly to prevent anything from flowing out of the stomach and into the esophagus.
When you swallow the magnets temporarily release allowing the food to enter the stomach. Then the magnets quickly close the ring again keeping the food, acid, and bile all in the stomach. LINX is implanted through a minimally invasive procedure that takes approximately an hour. Most patients go home the same day on a regular diet.
The procedure is currently available with any of the surgeons here at Surgical Healing Arts Center in Fort Myers, FL. Please contact us to set up a consultation by calling 239-344-9786.