Linx procedure for severe GERD, Is it beneficial?

Posted by montgomery41 @montgomery41, May 4, 2018

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is feeling well. I've posted once before regarding Botox injections to the Pyloric Sphincter. Today I would like to hear from those that have either heard about or have had the Linx procedure for severe GERD. I'm going to raise the topic at my next appointment with my GI specialist. When I went in to get the Botox injections about a month and a half ago my GI specialist stated that my GERD was severe and that she could visually see the acid/reflux free flowing back up into my esophagus, like it was something she stated she hasn't seen very often. Since being diagnosed with GP and Vagus Nerve Dysfunction my GERD has become a nightmare! Currently I take Zantac syrup twice daily and Prevacid ODT twice daily and these medications just aren't helping anymore. I have to sleep upright in a recliner to sleep and am unable to lay next to my husband in bed because if I do he is waking me up because I'm literally choking on the reflux. I avoid the foods and drinks I'm suppose to and I quit smoking. Does anyone know if the Linx procedure is minimally invasive or a noninvasive procedure? I thought maybe it could be done by endoscopy. Any ideas, information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your responses!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

Profile picture for user13903 @user13903

I am from Europe 23 old, 75kg, student and in 3 last years I have problems with my stomach. I posted here because I dont find the LINX method in europe.My symptoms are: I spit my food that comes from the stomach for 3-6 hours after meal even I am sitting straight on the office. Cant do gymnastic or run for 5 hours after meal. After 5-6 hours I am hungry. Small meals helps a bit. Rarely I have heartburn or I have very low heartburn. Never can sleep after small or large meal.Endoscope: inadequate esophageal convergence without esophagitis small diaphragmatic hernia and gastritis on stomach's body, negative helicobacter (it was positive and i got a treatment)Doctors says that the results of endoscope and ultrasound does not justify my symptoms. Nexium only will help for better sleep nothing more. Walking for 1-2 hours makes me feel good but I cant do that because I am working/studying in office. I am really thinking for an operation because its very hard to run do gymnastic and affects also my sexual life.I thought if you do Linx operation you will have problem doing magnetic tomography in the future. Is it designed to stay forever or you remove it after treatment? Please give some advise before doing any step thank you!

Jump to this post

Your situation sounds quite complex and requires more than the input you can get on this forum. I think you need an evaluation at a top gastroenterology facility to determine the treatment you require. Find the contact information for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN and contact them. They will gather your information and decide if they can offer you an appointment based on your history, symptoms etc. They are #1 in the US in gastroenterology and treat patients from all over the world. Good luck to you.

REPLY
Profile picture for user13903 @user13903

I am from Europe 23 old, 75kg, student and in 3 last years I have problems with my stomach. I posted here because I dont find the LINX method in europe.My symptoms are: I spit my food that comes from the stomach for 3-6 hours after meal even I am sitting straight on the office. Cant do gymnastic or run for 5 hours after meal. After 5-6 hours I am hungry. Small meals helps a bit. Rarely I have heartburn or I have very low heartburn. Never can sleep after small or large meal.Endoscope: inadequate esophageal convergence without esophagitis small diaphragmatic hernia and gastritis on stomach's body, negative helicobacter (it was positive and i got a treatment)Doctors says that the results of endoscope and ultrasound does not justify my symptoms. Nexium only will help for better sleep nothing more. Walking for 1-2 hours makes me feel good but I cant do that because I am working/studying in office. I am really thinking for an operation because its very hard to run do gymnastic and affects also my sexual life.I thought if you do Linx operation you will have problem doing magnetic tomography in the future. Is it designed to stay forever or you remove it after treatment? Please give some advise before doing any step thank you!

Jump to this post

I am considering having surgery to resolve my terrible GERD problems. Toupet fundoplication has been recommended for me but it wraps around only 75% of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Has anyone had this surgery? Did it resolve your severe GERD problems? Do you still need to take Proton Pump Inhibitor medication? Thanks for your input!

REPLY
Profile picture for aliceorangebike @aliceorangebike

I am considering having surgery to resolve my terrible GERD problems. Toupet fundoplication has been recommended for me but it wraps around only 75% of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Has anyone had this surgery? Did it resolve your severe GERD problems? Do you still need to take Proton Pump Inhibitor medication? Thanks for your input!

Jump to this post

@aliceorangebike Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You are considering having surgery for GERD, specifically toupet fundoplication. You are looking to connect with members that have experience with this topic.

You will notice I changed the title of the question slightly. I did this so you could more quickly connect with members.

Members like @jons @contentandwell @robbie1956 @danab @astaingegerdm @dvdhoover @robbie1956 @fourof5zs @jenniferb @margaretmary @dstb83bb have experience with the topic of GERD and may be able to help answer your question.

Below I have linked two previous discussions related to Gerd. You may want to scroll through the posts in these discussions and read previously suggestions.

- Ectopic heart episodes and GERD, acid indigestion issues https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ectopic-episodes-and-a-bedtime-dose-of-an-acid-indigestion-liquid/
- GERD https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gerd-4/
- POEM Surgery for Achalasia https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/two-months-after-poem-surgery-for-achalasia/

May I ask what types of treatment you have already had related to GERD?

REPLY
Profile picture for aliceorangebike @aliceorangebike

I am considering having surgery to resolve my terrible GERD problems. Toupet fundoplication has been recommended for me but it wraps around only 75% of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Has anyone had this surgery? Did it resolve your severe GERD problems? Do you still need to take Proton Pump Inhibitor medication? Thanks for your input!

Jump to this post

@aliceorangebike Hi Alice I do have Gerd but at least for the moment it's well controlled with Omeprazole. But I can relate I had a pretty bad issue with inflammation in my intestines jun of 2019. Sorry but can't help with that surgery. If I can help any other way please let me know. Going thru that issue a year ago i can say it's not fun and I wish you good luck with your decision. By chance are you being seen at a Mayo facility? I have had great experience with them.
Have a Blessed Day
Dana

REPLY
Profile picture for aliceorangebike @aliceorangebike

I am considering having surgery to resolve my terrible GERD problems. Toupet fundoplication has been recommended for me but it wraps around only 75% of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Has anyone had this surgery? Did it resolve your severe GERD problems? Do you still need to take Proton Pump Inhibitor medication? Thanks for your input!

Jump to this post

While I had a Nissen to reduce my GERD problems ..mine failed..and the Gastropaneisis problems are 100 times worse than GERD..try anything to reduce GERD by your eating habits ..than trying to solve the problem with surgery...the 1 in 6 failure is toooooo high..ken

REPLY
Profile picture for aliceorangebike @aliceorangebike

I am considering having surgery to resolve my terrible GERD problems. Toupet fundoplication has been recommended for me but it wraps around only 75% of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Has anyone had this surgery? Did it resolve your severe GERD problems? Do you still need to take Proton Pump Inhibitor medication? Thanks for your input!

Jump to this post

Are you strict with your diet? No soda, No booze!

REPLY
Profile picture for aliceorangebike @aliceorangebike

I am considering having surgery to resolve my terrible GERD problems. Toupet fundoplication has been recommended for me but it wraps around only 75% of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Has anyone had this surgery? Did it resolve your severe GERD problems? Do you still need to take Proton Pump Inhibitor medication? Thanks for your input!

Jump to this post

Please do not get the Nissen Fundoplication. It was the worst decision of my life. Please try a holistic medicine expert to help you with your diet. There is no turning back if it doesn’t work and there are numerous side effects/complications the surgeons don’t tell you.

REPLY
Profile picture for lceresi @lceresi

Please do not get the Nissen Fundoplication. It was the worst decision of my life. Please try a holistic medicine expert to help you with your diet. There is no turning back if it doesn’t work and there are numerous side effects/complications the surgeons don’t tell you.

Jump to this post

@iceresi @aliceorangebike I'll certainly agree with that.

REPLY
Profile picture for Erika @erikas

@aliceorangebike Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You are considering having surgery for GERD, specifically toupet fundoplication. You are looking to connect with members that have experience with this topic.

You will notice I changed the title of the question slightly. I did this so you could more quickly connect with members.

Members like @jons @contentandwell @robbie1956 @danab @astaingegerdm @dvdhoover @robbie1956 @fourof5zs @jenniferb @margaretmary @dstb83bb have experience with the topic of GERD and may be able to help answer your question.

Below I have linked two previous discussions related to Gerd. You may want to scroll through the posts in these discussions and read previously suggestions.

- Ectopic heart episodes and GERD, acid indigestion issues https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ectopic-episodes-and-a-bedtime-dose-of-an-acid-indigestion-liquid/
- GERD https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gerd-4/
- POEM Surgery for Achalasia https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/two-months-after-poem-surgery-for-achalasia/

May I ask what types of treatment you have already had related to GERD?

Jump to this post

I have been taking maximum doses of prescription strength PPIs for many years, strictly following the GERD diet, consulted with Gastroenterolgists, a swallowing and esophagus expert, and took all the diagnostic tests prior to meeting with a surgeon.

REPLY
Profile picture for riflemanz64 @riflemanz64

Are you strict with your diet? No soda, No booze!

Jump to this post

Yes! For the past 3 years I’ve followed the GERD diet strictly.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.