Wythe County Community Hospital Performs 50 LINX® Procedures
September 1, 2021
Wythe County Community Hospital performed the 50th LINX® procedure in the operating room today. Wythe County Community Hospital offers the service to our area using the LINX® Reflux Management System, which is a permanent, drug-free treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The procedure helps patients suffering from GERD experience a better quality of life and experience relief without needing daily medication.
Approximately 60 million Americans experience heart burn once a month, with more than 15 million suffering from the condition daily. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing the stomach's contents to flow up into the esophagus. In many cases, GERD symptoms can be alleviated with diet and exercise, but some people require medication or surgery.
The LINX® System is a small flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. The LINX device, roughly the same diameter as a quarter, is a small, flexible ring of magnets that opens to allow food and liquid to pass down and then closes to prevent stomach contents from moving up. LINX® is an innovative minimally invasive approach for the management of the GERD. It is performed through small incisions in an outpatient setting
“As a general surgeon, being able to provide heartburn relief is very satisfying and I am proud to bring this service to the patients of southwest Virginia,” commented Dr. Christopher Downing, – the surgeon who performs the LINX® procedure at WCCH.
“The LINX® procedure underscores how dedicated Wythe County Community Hospital is to providing innovative ways for the treatment of chronic conditions close to home,” said Vicki Parks, Chief Executive Officer, of Wythe County Community Hospital.