Archbold Medical Center| Archives Magazine | Winter 2018

16 ARCHBOLD MEDICAL CENTER “I GET HEARTBURN A LOT.” If that rings true for you, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is frequent reflux. Over time, it can damage the lining of your esophagus. Is it time to talk about advanced treatment? When GERD is not adequately treated, it can cause swallowing problems and other health issues. In rare cases, it may even lead to cancer. If you’re yearning to stop the burn- ing and the condition exists—despite following all of your doctor’s advice— there’s a new surgical option you can consider. Archbold general and bariatric sur- geon Joey Jarrard, MD, is now offering the Linx® Reflux Management System, a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure that is designed to have a positive impact for patients suffer- ing with GERD the day the device is implanted. The device is about the size of a quar- ter and is made up of interlinked tita- nium beads with magnetic cores. During a minimally invasive surgical procedure, the device is implanted around the outside of the lower esopha- geal sphincter (LES). The mag- netic attraction between the beads helps the LES function to prevent reflux. The titanium beads open and close to let food down, and if it needs to come up, it can. Linx does require a surgical procedure, but there is no alteration to the stomach. Most patients go home the same day or the day after surgery. “The Linx® Reflux Management System is intended for patients diagnosed with GERD as defined by abnormal pH testing, a test used to measure the amount of acid that flows into the esophagus from the stomach during a 24-hour period, “ Dr. Jarrard said. “Patients who continue to have chronic GERD symptoms despite maximum medical therapy or who would like to stop taking their reflux medications may benefit from this procedure.” ADVANCED TREATMENT OPTIONS CAN HELP YOU SAY GOODBYE TO THE BURN Get a grip on GERD About 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences GERD. People who have GERD now have a safe and effective treatment alternative: the Linx Reflux Management System. Linx® Stomach Esophagus Acid Food passing through esophagus Size of the Linx device Joey Jarrard, MD General and Bariatric Surgeon Here’s what you need to know about GERD: •  Reflux occurs when the acidic juices in your stomach flow backward up into your esophagus. •  You’re at higher risk for GERD if you are pregnant, are overweight or smoke. •  Some medicines can make GERD worse. These include sedatives, anti- depressants and drugs to treat high blood pressure. •  Without treatment, GERD can cause chest pain, trouble swallowing, respiratory problems and bleeding. It’s also linked to esophageal cancer. Here’s what you can do: •  Avoid GERD triggers, like alcohol and spicy foods. •  Don’t eat within two to three hours of bedtime. •  Raise the head of your bed about 6 to 8 inches. •  Try over-the-counter medications. Options include antacids, such as Maalox or Mylanta; H2 blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid AC) or ranitidine (Zantac 75); and proton pump inhibi- tors, such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid) or omepra- zole (Prilosec).