Connect
Linx After Fundoplication?
I had a fundoplication over a decade ago and have been on Dexilant to avoid reflux, but I get occasional reflux incidences. I had manometry done 3 years ago after I complained of the reflux, and I was told that the wrap had loosened but was not appropriate
I just learned about the Linx device, which appears to be more efficient than fundoplication. Can the Linx be used in a patient with a fundoplication? If so, are there any special considerations?
Thanks in advance for any information.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
Welcome to Connect, @garrym
I think you'll be interested to read about @drrobertsmsmft @carolynlivingjaks and @angelamarie experiences with the LINX procedure in this discussion:
- Linx procedure https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/linz-procedure/
@kdubois shares that she would've liked have had the LINX procedure but that hiatal hernia was too large. Furthermore many insurances will not cover it. Might either of those 2 considerations be a factor in your being able to have LINX after fundoplication?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI understand that the LINX cannot be done after fundiplication. A doctor could tell you why. I believe it is because the sphincter that is involved with the LINX procedure is obscured by the Nissan fundiplication.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI dint believe you can have a LINX procedure after a fundiplication. Ask your doctor. See YouTube video by Dr. Lipham of USC.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThanks for the welcome message and for the link to the previous discussion, which didn’t show up in my search.
I had a very large hiatal hernia — my stomach was in my chest and collapsed a lung, and the laparoscopic repair and fundoplication took 6.5 hours. Given that, I’m thinking that the Linx device is not possible, but I figure I’ll confirm.
Btw my GI doc retired and I haven’t connected with a replacement yet, so I’m asking here.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@garrym I have too long of a story for here. I have a little at my blog (no ads that I am aware of there) http://zarogasnook.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-long-time-passing.html . Short of it is failures and then a rouen-y .. gastric by pass that had to be done open because my stomach and loops of my intestines pulled into my chest in 2015. I am still recuperating.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI had a Linx procedure and due to several episodes of vomiting it became dislodged and had to be removed. Has anyone else experienced this situation?
Hi @joegries,
Welcome! You might be interested in viewing these other discussions on Connect, where you will meet many others who’ve shared their experiences with the Linx procedure:
– Linx procedure https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/linz-procedure/
– Reversal of a fundoplication https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reversal-of-a-fundoplication/
I’m tagging @angelamarie who had a Linx procedure, and mentioned, "I'm now being told "it slipped.”
I’d also like to bring @mmax @carolynlivingjaks @dandl48 @darcy29 @link1030 @ed_85 @kozlo52 @myskye @katmandoo in to this conversation to share some of their experiences and any information they may have.
@joegries, did you have to repeat the procedure?
Hello,
I just had surgery on Jan 22nd 2019 to repair a slipped Nissan wrap and severe refactory heartburn and reflux. This Nissan was done 24yrs ago. My surgeon closed a large hole in the diaphragm. This is the second time the diaphragm is repaird. She mentioned that my stomach would soon be completely sliding into my chest again as before if I had not done this surgery. Dr. Sohn was able to undo the Nissan and place a LINX band around the LES. I am heartburn free for a week and half now for the first time in over 30yrs. Granted according to the Dr. I must wean off the PPIs to avoid rebound excessive acid production. From what I've been told at the hospital I need to be swallowing solids every 1-3 hrs in order to work the scar tissue forming around the LINX device. As long as I take 1/2 to 1 tsp size bites very well chewed it goes down with out a problem. Eating slowly is key. If this routine is not followed I was told that the scar tissue forming would create a stricture and cause major problems swallowing down the road. Now the only problem left to fix is to try and get rid of the last 2cm of Barretts esophagus above the LES.
On Jan 22, 2019 I has surgery to re-repair a hiatal hernia. My surgeon placed the LINX, closed the large hole in the diaghragm and unwrapped my stomach from the Nissan that had slipped and was done 24yrs ago. I've had no heartburn for the first time in over 24yrs.🙂
I’m so pleased to hear they can undo a Nissan Fundiplication and use the LINX for you. I had the LINX procedure in September 2018 and had the same experience. Where did you have it done. I went to USC.