BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic disease 
requiring adequate treatment since it represents one major cause of development 
of Barrett's esophagus and eventually carcinoma. Novel laparoscopic magnetic 
sphincter augmentation for GERD was evaluated prospectively.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 23 patients with GERD underwent minimally 
invasive implantation of LINX™ Reflux Management System. Primary outcome 
measures were overall feasibility, short-term procedure safety and efficacy. 
Secondary GERD-related quality of life was assessed.
RESULTS: All implantations were performed without serious adverse events. A 
significant decrease in all major GERD complaints were found: heartburn: 96%-22% 
(p<0.001); bloating: 70%-30% (p=0.006); respiratory complaints: 57%-17% 
(p=0.039); sleep disturbance: 65%-4% (p<0.001). A four-week follow-up reduction 
of ≥50% of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dose was achieved in over 80% of 
patients. Self-limiting difficulty in swallowing was found in 70% within four 
weeks. One patient required for endoscopic dilation. GERD-related quality of 
life improved significantly.
CONCLUSION: LINX™ implantation is a standardized, technically simple, safe and 
well-tolerated expeditious procedure.