title: Gastroesophageal Reflux Management with the LINX® System for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has gained significant popularity in the USA, and consequently resulted in patients experiencing new-onset gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following this bariatric procedure. Patients with GERD refractory to medical therapy present a more challenging situation limiting the surgical options to further treat the de novo GERD symptoms since the gastric fundus to perform a fundoplication is no longer an option.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to determine if the LINX® magnetic sphincter augmentation system is a safe and effective option for patients with new gastroesophageal reflux disease following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was conducted at the University Medical Center.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a retrospective review of seven consecutive patients who had a laparoscopic LINX® magnetic sphincter device placement for patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between July 2014 and April 2015.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients were noted to have self-reported greatly improved gastroesophageal reflux symptoms 2-4 weeks after their procedure. They were all noted to have statistically significant improved severity and frequency of their reflux, regurgitation, epigastric pain, sensation of fullness, dysphagia, and cough symptoms in their postoperative GERD symptoms compared with their preoperative evaluation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first reported pilot case series, illustrating that the LINX® device is a safe and effective option in patients with de novo refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease after a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy despite appropriate weight loss.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Desart
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Georgios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rossidis
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Michel
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Tamara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lux
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai Medical Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center, 4306 Alton Road, 2nd Floor, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, USA. Kfir.bendavid@msmc.com.
authors.forename: Kfir
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ben-David
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D059346:Magnets; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss
keywords: Gastroesophageal reflux disease; LINX® system; Sleeve gastrectomy