Connie from Houston sent us this question: “I had endoscopy and pH testing done to see if the LINX was working. It looks like it isn’t. For 3 days now the back of my throat is hurting, and I’m having difficulty swallowing. Food irritates it and feels as though it is stuck. Any suggestions?
Margaret from Cypress, TX sent us this question: “I had my LINX the end of 2018. I am now having acid reflux, especially at night. My pulmonologist put me back on Omeprazole 40 AM & before bed. (I sleep elevated). I am calling my surgeon this week. Any ideas??
Dear Connie and Margaret,
When it comes to acid reflux control, LINX surgery is associated with a high failure rate. This is the main reason we don’t recommend LINX surgery for GERD treatment. At Houston Heartburn and Reflux Center, we recommend Nissen fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair to reliably stop acid reflux.
Indeed, a properly performed Nissen fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair, when offered to the right patient, is associated with 100% success rate. The durability of a properly performed Nissen fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair is very high. In other words, a properly performed Nissen fundoplication is likely to last all your life. Unlike LINX device, Nissen fundoplication does not utilize a foreign body that is prone to failure and erosion. Most importantly, Nissen fundoplication anti-reflux mechanism of action is far superior to a simple ring of magnets around the lower esophageal sphincter. For these reasons, Nissen fundoplication is currently considered the gold standard treatment for acid reflux disease.
Therefore, I recommend LINX device removal and conversion to Nissen fundoplication by an expert acid reflux specialist and surgeon. If you are reading this blog, and you are considering anti-reflux surgery, give us a call to discuss the best treatment options for your acid reflux disease before you make any commitment.