There are risks involved in even the most basic of surgeries, but surgeons work hard to minimize these risks and maximize the potential rewards associated with each procedure. However, it’s only fair that we take a moment to recognize the potential risks (along with the tremendous benefits) of certain surgeries. Below, we highlight the risks and rewards associated with the LINX procedure for the management of acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The Rewards of LINX Surgery
We touched on the benefits of the LINX procedure for esophageal issues in this blog where we highlighted that three main rewards include the fact that it is a minimally invasive operation, that it is much safer that other treatment options, and that if needed, the surgery can be reversed. Those are three main benefits, but they aren’t the only reasons why the LINX procedure is becoming much more popular for treating GERD and acid reflux. Other benefits of the surgery include:
- It reduces the amount of acid that can make its way back up into your esophagus.
- Reduces symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation.
- May lead to the reduction or elimination of the need to take medications to manage GERD.
- Patients can return to a normal diet the day after surgery.
- Patients can usually be discharged from the surgical center the same day or the day after surgery.
- Esophageal functions, like burping or vomiting, are not restricted in the majority of patients.
- Complications from things like bleeding or infection are minimal.
The Risks of LINX Surgery
The LINX procedure, like any surgery, is not 100 percent effective for every patient. Here’s a look at some of the risks that can occur, and how surgeons work to prevent them from developing:
- Difficulty Swallowing – The device uses magnetic attraction to help mimic the actions of a healthy esophageal sphincter. In some individuals, they may experience some mild difficulty when swallowing, but surgeons try to ensure the device is properly fitted before closing the surgery site to prevent against this side effect. As we noted above, the surgery can always be reversed if swallowing difficulty persists.
- Stomach Bloating – Stomach bloating occurs in about 15 percent of cases on average. Discomfort ranges from mild to moderate, but even if patients deal with stomach bloating, the majority say it is an improvement from their pre-surgical health state.
- Pain – As you might imagine, as the anesthesia wears off, patients may experience some mild to moderate discomfort, but these can be managed with medications as necessary.
- Inability to Burp or Vomit – Some people actually feel that this is a benefit, but if you’re gassy or sick, it might feel good to burp or vomit. Most people don’t have this problem, but about five percent find it very hard to burp or vomit after the LINX procedure.
- Infection, Bleeding, Tissue Damage – Any surgery that involves opening the skin and operating inside the body carries small risks that a structure could be nicked or bacteria could get into the site and cause an infection. Through precise surgical routines, these risks can be effectively minimized.
To learn more about the rewards of the LINX procedure, or to get a better understanding of the totality of the procedure, reach out to Dr. Koeplin today.
