Linx after nissen fundoplication

Thought I would share this here in case this topic hasn't already come up. I recently asked my local surgeon if he would implant the Linx after a nissen fundoplication and the answer was no. This previously was a contraindication listed on Torax's website when the device was newer, but I could no longer find it there so I did a little more digging.

I found a surgeon in Atlanta, GA, C. Daniel Smith, who is now implanting the Linx device in patients who have had prior esophageal surgery. I called his office to ask a few questions and learned that he is currently accepting new patients and is willing to do a phone consultation for patients who are not local after reviewing several tests (barium swallow, endoscopy, 24 hr pH test, and manometry). The surgery date will be scheduled after he is able to confirm the patient is a candidate.

Directly from his website: "Now using LINX with hiatal hernia repair and redo esophageal surgery"

I have no personal experience with Dr. Smith so can't speak to his skill, etc., but the majority of the information I was able to find on him is positive.

While I recognize there are still questions I need to ask about the efficacy of the Linx in patients with failed fundoplication/hiatal hernia repair, this gives me hope as I am young and am concerned about facing more than one fundoplication revision over the course of my lifetime. Hopefully in future more surgeons will consider offering the Linx to those who have had prior surgery.

For those in the U.S. the insurance company battle is a whole other mountain to overcome...