New Linx Procedure at Munster Community Hospital Has Patients Saying Goodbye to GERD

New-Linx-Procedure-at-Munster-Community-Hospital-Has-Patients-Saying-Goodbye-to-GERDA flexible quarter-sized device being used by surgeons at Community Hospital in Munster is greatly improving quality of life for many chronic heartburn sufferers. LINX is currently the only medical device approved by the FDA as a safe and effective treatment for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

General Surgeon Russell Pellar, MD, is first in Northwest Indiana to perform the minimally invasive procedure using the LINX technology. When LINX’s small band of magnetic beads is positioned around the patient’s esophagus at the lower muscle or sphincter, it acts as a natural barrier to reflux and helps to eliminate GERD.

“The Linx device, which is implanted laparoscopically, offers another minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery and does not require reconfiguration of the stomach,” said Pellar. “While medication remains a popular choice for patients suffering from GERD, for some, the symptoms and side-effects can be painful.”

GERD is caused by reflux and regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus. In normal swallowing, a valve between the esophagus and stomach open to allow food to pass into the stomach then closes to prevent reflux of the food back into the esophagus. For those with GERD, this valve is weakened or absent, allowing the acidic digestive juices to flow back (or reflux) into the esophagus.

GERD is typically treated with medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs can lose their effectiveness over time, requiring progressively higher dosing. Research shows that of the approximately 30 million Americans diagnosed with chronic GERD and are dependent on daily medications, 20 to 40 percent are not satisfied with PPIs.

Up until now, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication had been considered the standard surgical approach for treatment of severe GERD. During a Nissen fundoplication, also called a complete fundoplication, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped 360 degrees around the entire lower end of the esophagus and stitched in place permanently, reinforcing the closing function of the lower esophageal sphincter.

During the LINX procedure, instead of the stomach being altered as in a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, the titanium ring shaped device is positioned around the neck of the lower esophagus just above the stomach. The magnetic beads constrict to prevent acid from escaping out of the stomach while allowing the patient to eat and swallow normally.

The minimally invasive procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes about an hour to complete, minimizing recovery time and risks to the patient. Patients can resume a normal diet the same night as the procedure, according to Pellar.

The device does not affect airport security and patients with LINX can still have an MRI. Unlike Nissen fundoplication, the LINX device can be removed and the procedure is reversible.

“This new advancement revolutionizes the surgical treatment of reflux disease, said Lou Molina, CEO, Community Hospital. “We are glad we can provide this minimally invasive option to our patients and I believe we will improve the overall quality of life for those suffering from GERD. This device gives them an opportunity to live more comfortably and heartburn free.”

When heartburn and acid reflux can no longer be managed by over-the-counter medication and you continue to experience GERD, ask for a referral to the surgeons and gastroenterologists at Community Hospital in Munster. Call 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477. Visit comhs.org.