Surgical Therapy Device Effectively Controls Acid Reflux Symptoms

A minimally invasive surgical procedure, called magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA), is a safe and effective option for relieving gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Milan (Italy) followed 100 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic MSA for GERD between 2007- 2012. The patients had been treated with the LINX Reflux Management System to strengthen the weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), using a series of magnetic beads connected to each other by wires to form a ring shape. The researchers tracked clinical outcomes of esophageal pH measurements, symptoms scores, proton pump inhibitor use (PPI), and quality of life scores; for each patient, they then compared that data with presurgical data.


The study results showed that acid reflux was substantially reduced, with median total acid exposure time dropping from 8% before implantation to 3.2% following the procedure. In addition, 85% of GERD patients were able to eliminate their daily use of PPIs. Finally, patients reported an overall satisfaction with their quality of life, from 16 on the GERD Health Related Quality of Life score at baseline, 24 off PPIs, and upon last follow up an improvement to a score of just 2. The study was published in the October 2013 issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.

“The main finding from our study is that MSA was very safe and well tolerated, and our patients were very satisfied with the procedure,” said lead author professor of surgery Luigi Bonavina, MD, of the University of Milan medical school. “MSA has become a standard treatment at our institution because control of reflux symptoms and pH normalization can be achieved with minimal side effects and preservation of gastric anatomy.”

In most GERD patients, the LES is weakened and does not close tightly, allowing digestive juices to return and irritate the esophageal lining. Treatment options include lifestyle changes and medications, such as over-the-counter antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), prescription medications, and a surgical fundoplication, where excess stomach tissue is folded around the esophagus and sewn in place to strengthen the LES.

The LINX Gastroesophageal Reflux Management System is a product of Torax Medical (St. Paul, MN, USA), and consists of a series of titanium beads, each with a magnetic core, connected together with independent titanium wires to form a ring shape; it is then placed laparoscopicaly around the LES. The force of the magnetic beads is designed to provide additional strength to keep a weak LES closed, preventing the backward flow of stomach contents.

Related Links:
University of Milan
Torax Medical