Baltimore—For patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, an antireflux procedure that uses a magnetic implant can provide significant relief.

Recent studies show that magnetic sphincter augmentation using the LINX Reflux Management System (Ethicon) effectively controls regurgitation, reduces reflux and, in many patients, eliminates the need for proton pump inhibitor therapy (Gastrointest Endosc 2019;89[1]:14-22.e1; Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016;14[5]:671-677).

Despite the promising outcomes, physicians may be hesitant to adopt the technique given the higher surgical costs of magnetic sphincter augmentation compared with standard laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, said Blair Jobe, MD, the director of the Esophageal and Lung Institute for Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh. read more

This article is from generalsurgerynews.com