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LINX failure

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Posted 12/6/2017 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,

New poster here. I had a LINX placed in February 2016. In May of this year, I started having what I thought was reflux again. In addition, I had the most awful (metallic sweet) taste in my mouth all the time. I went to see my LINX surgeon and he basically said it couldn't be reflux because the LINX (and his statistics specifically) has a very low failure rate. He said I must be "very sensitive" to any acid. I was instructed to take Pepcid AC for a month and if that didn't work, I could have a swallow study to see if the LINX migrated. I walked out of there feeling very "dismissed". Previously, I really liked the surgeon. He is very experienced (and even teaches LINX to other surgeons).

Took the Pepcid, symptoms returned so I went to see my GI in August. She put me on prescription omneprazole and said to take for a month and re-evaluate. It helped but symptoms returned after getting off the medicine. I had an upper endoscopy last week and sure enough, I have reflux again (gastritis in stomach and irregular Z line). Biopsies confirmed reflux. She said I must be a "LINX failure".

I'm confused as to what to do. I decided to go with the LINX, instead of the Nissan, for a few reasons. One, quicker recovery. Two, I have a permanent ileostomy and was worried about the extra gas with the Nissan. After 11 years of severe ulcerative colitis, I had my colon removed in 1996, lived with a J pouch for 9 years until it prolapsed and had it removed at Cleveland Clinic. Hence, the permanent ileostomy. So, needless to say, I am not a wimp (nor am I "sensitive" as suggested by the surgeon).

Help! For those of you that have had a Nissan or toupet, are you happy with it? I know that's a loaded question. I took a PPI for many years and do not want to continue down the medically controlled route.

Thank you for your input. Really appreciate it!

Judith
Posted 12/7/2017 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear about your failed LINX procedure. Hiatal hernias are a tough problem and very painful.

I had another procedure besides the Nissen wrap in Celebration, Florida. It is called a gastroesophageal valvuloplasty. During the operation, the esophagus is put back into the stomach and a valve is created, which opens and closes when you eat. The hiatal hernia is closed with a Vicryl mesh. All sutures and the mesh dissolves postoperatively. Full recovery is at two months when you can lift heavy items, but recovery is pretty quick. Look at our post. There are several of us who have undergone the procedure. You fly home after 4 days in the hospital. I’m one year after the procedure and I feel great. I had a complicated procedure because my stomach was upsidedown in my chest and I had lots of preop systems. Postoperatively I had severe inflammation which was treated with medication. I am stil on the PPI since it takes 3-6 months to recover. Here are links for your consideraton. I did included some research in the second link.

7 Days Post Op - Hiatal Hernia/Gerd Surgery

Robotic-assisted gastroesophageal valvuloplasty with Vicryl closure of the hiatal hernia- no wrap

Several individuals have undergone the procedure and documented their perioperative period. We have no side effects after our procedures, including gas or anything else. I haven’t felt this good in years and I am so glad this is behind me. yeah

Post Edited (Yellow1955) : 12/6/2017 8:18:55 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/7/2017 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your reply. I do not know that I have a hiatal hernia, but I will certainly read up on the surgery you mentioned. I'm in the DC area but have no problem traveling.
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