Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, occurs when the acid in your stomach finds its way into the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube linking your mouth and the stomach. As a result, there is irritation of the walls of the esophagus, leading to heartburn and an acidic taste. Apart from surgery and medication, the latest option for GERD treatment is the LINX procedure Dallas. The LINX treatment appeared about ten years ago. After that, it was subjected to thorough testing by the FDA for about four years before finally being approved as a treatment option for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Your health specialist implants the device around the valve between the esophagus and your stomach. The magnetic property of the LINK device ensures that the esophagus valve stays closed and only opens when the time is right. Thus, it prevents the stomach acid from returning to your throat, and the food can find its way into your stomach when eating.
Subsequently, below are the advantages of the LINK Reflux Management System.
It is minimally invasive
GERD surgery, like other surgeries, involves numerous risks. GERD surgeries narrow or close off the esophagus’s lower end to safeguard you against acid reflux. Some risks and complications include difficult and painful swallowing, returning heartburns, gas bloat syndrome, and recurrent heartburn.
Because the LINK procedure is minimally or less invasive, performing it does not put you at risk of severe complications.
Faster recovery
Fundoplication is a surgical procedure your doctor can use to treat your stomach acid reflux. It involves folding and sewing your stomach’s upper part (fundus). Once you have undergone surgery, you will take about three to six weeks to recover.
During recovery, you must adhere to a particular diet modification. For example, in the first week, you are to take clear fluids (water, soups, and decaffeinated tea), then, in subsequent
weeks, consume soft food. Once you recover, you can start eating your regular healthy food.
However, the LINK procedure has little downtime. That is because the incisions that it produces are minor. Since you recover almost immediately after the treatment, you can continue your daily activities after a few days.
Less operative time
When undergoing fundoplication, the procedure takes between 40 minutes to one hour. And because of the invasive nature of the surgery, your doctor may require that you spend a few days in the hospital.
On the other hand, the LINK procedure lasts about 10 to 20 minutes, which can be a bit longer if you factor in the short time it takes to prepare for treatment and recovery. Your health specialist will allow you to go home immediately or on the same day.
Without treatment, GERD can lead to inflammation and damage to your esophagus lining and tissues. Therefore, you will have chest pain and difficulty swallowing. Moreover, you are susceptible to Barrett’s syndrome or esophagus if you have chronic GERD. You may even get Esophageal cancer, a common cause of cancer deaths globally.
Contact Michael Sutker, MD, today to book an appointment for your LINX procedure.