Using LINX to Treat GERD at Stony Brook Medicine скачать в хорошем качестве

Using LINX to Treat GERD at Stony Brook Medicine

The General Surgery Division of Stony Brook Medicine's Department of Surgery is now performing an innovative new procedure to implant a ring of magnetic beads to help prevent gastric reflux in patients who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as heartburn, or acid indigestion, the most common symptom of GERD. Stony Brook University Hospital is the first hospital on Long Island to gain approval to use LINX. Use of this innovative device further demonstrates our commitment to using leading-edge technology to lead the way in patient care. The new minimally invasive surgical procedure represents the latest advancement in treatment of GERD. Using a small, flexible band of titanium beads with magnetic cores, surgeons implant the band around the patient's esophagus just above the stomach. The magnetic attraction between the beads strengthens the weakened esophageal sphincter's barrier function. The band is strong enough to allow food and liquids to pass normally to the stomach, but immediately closes after swallowing to restore the magnetic barrier to reflux. Following the procedure, patients are able to resume a normal diet, and will typically resume normal activities in less than a week. "This new procedure represents a substantial advancement in our ability to treat patients who suffer from GERD," says Mark A. Talamini, MD, professor and chairman of surgery, who performs the procedure. "In addition to excellent clinical results, LINX provides many lifestyle benefits compared to the traditional surgery for reflux called Nissen fundoplication. Studies show that implanting the magnetic beads often reduces or eliminates the need for medications and offers improved quality of life for our patients." Also performing the procedure here are fellow general surgeons Aurora D. Pryor, MD, professor of surgery and chief of general surgery, and Dana A. Telem, MD, assistant professor of surgery. Drs. Talamini, Pryor, and Telem all have advanced laparoscopic skills, and are leaders in the area of minimally invasive surgery. "The LINX procedure, which uses the LINX® Reflux Management System, is indicated for patients diagnosed with reflux who continue to have chronic reflux symptoms despite maximum medical therapy," says Dr. Pryor. "GERD is a caused by a mechanical defect and requires a mechanical solution which is achieved through this minimally invasive procedure," Dr. Telem says. "As the first hospital on Long Island to perform this procedure, we will be able to directly benefit many patients who suffer from acid reflux." Over 30 million American's suffer from acid reflux each month. The symptoms of GERD include heartburn, regurgitation, sore throat, cough and chest pain. When left untreated, reflux disease can lead to serious complications, such as esophagitis, stricture, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal cancer. The LINX device was FDA approved in March 2012 after ten years of development and testing, including two clinical trials with 144 patients. A total of 400 implant procedures were performed over five years of clinical use. In one trial, 90% of patients achieved a reduction in time exposed to acid, with 93% reporting a 50% or greater reduction in GERD over two years. Ninety-two percent of patients were off daily proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a group of drugs whose main action is a pronounced and long-lasting reduction of gastric acid production, after two years. The number of patients reporting regurgitation dropped dramatically from 57 to 1. For consultations/appointments with our general surgeons who provide LINX as a treatment option for GERD, please call 631-444-2274.