FAQs
Below are frequently asked questions that will hopefully clarify any questions you have on the LINX® Procedure. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here you can contact us and we will add more at your request.
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Who are RefluxUK?
RefluxUK are a specialised service for the diagnosis and treatment of reflux symptoms.
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Why choose RefluxUK?
RefluxUK work with the most experienced reflux specialists in the UK to ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and the best possible treatment of your symptoms.
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How do I make an appointment?
Please contact us by phone: 0207 043 0419 or email: help.myreflux@refluxuk.com.
- Your name.
- Your email address.
- Your mobile phone number.
- A brief description of your symptoms and any diagnostics tests or treatments you may have already had.
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How do I pay for the appointment?
If you are a self paying patient we will send an invoice and payment is required in advance of your consultation. If you are an insured patient, we will arrange for payment direct from your insurer.
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What tests are required?
If the doctors thinks you may be eligible for treatment then there are a number of tests that may be required;
Endoscopy
This involves putting a camera down your throat (usually under light sedation) so the doctor can check the appearance of your oesophagus and stomach.
pH monitoring
pH monitoring measures the presence of acid in the oesophagus over a 24 or 48 hour period. The results of this monitoring are expressed as a DeMeester score. The DeMeester score takes into account the amount of time there is acid in the oesophagus (upright and lying down), the number of reflux episodes that occur and how long they last. A normal DeMeester score is less than 14.7.
Manometry
This procedure assesses the muscle functioning of the oesophagus and will show any swallowing disorders that are present.
Barium swallow
A moving x-ray image is taken as the patient swallows, another way to assess the functioning of the oesophagus.
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Why are the tests required?
Reflux is a complex disease and the symptoms are not always easy to interpret, the diagnostic tests are required to establish objective evidence of reflux disease. Without this evidence there is a risk that any treatment may not be effective or make the patient worse. The tests are therefore extremely important.
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Who will arrange the tests?
The required tests will be arranged by your RefluxUK doctor at the time of your first appointment.
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Which treatments does RefluxUK offer?
As experts in the treatment of reflux symptoms, RefluxUK offers all the most effective treatments, however in some cases it may be possible to reduce the symptoms of reflux with lifestyle modifications or a review of medication.
Our Treatments
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Which hospital will I be treated at?
RefluxUK currently treats patients at The Lister Hospital in London, Spire Tunbridge Wells, Spire Manchester and the BMI Priory in Birmingham. Other hospitals around the UK will be added to the list soon.
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How do I arrange treatment?
Your treatment will be arranged at your convenience by the staff at RefluxUK.
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How do I pay for treatment?
Payment for your treatment will be taken at the time you attend the hospital.
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What will happen on the day of treatment?
You will be admitted to hospital on the day of treatment and shown to your room, there will be some forms to complete and a nurse will put a cannula in your hand. You will be seen by the surgeon to check you understand the treatment you’re having and you will be asked to sign a consent form.
You will also be seen by the anaesthetist who will discuss the anaesthetic with you. When it’s time for your treatment, you will be taken to the anaesthetic room and put to sleep.
Most of the treatments take less than one hour. Once the treatment is completed you will be woken up and taken back to your room. Some treatments will not require being put to sleep in which case you will attend the hospital, meet with the doctor to discuss the treatment and sign the consent form, you will then undergo the treatment and be discharged a couple of hours later.
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How long will I be in hospital for?
Most patients will be offered the chance to stay in hospital for one night but if their treatment takes place in the morning there is a good chance they will be able to leave the same day if they wish to do so. A stay of one night is normally the maximum required. Some treatments do not require an overnight stay.
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What do I do if I have symptoms or side effects after treatment?
It is unusual for patients to suffer from side effects, however you will be given a 24 hour phone number to call if you have any questions.
LINX® FAQS
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What is LINX®?
The LINX® System is a medical device indicated for patients diagnosed with pathologic Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) defined by abnormal pH testing and who continue to have chronic GORD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease) symptoms despite maximum medical therapy. LINX® is placed around the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LOS) using a simple technique called laparoscopy (keyhole surgery).
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Who is LINX® for?
The LINX® System is suitable for chronic GORD (Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease) sufferers who do not respond fully to medication.
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Will I be cured?
The LINX® Reflux Management System is designed to work with your lower oesophageal sphincter to reduce the symptoms of GORD(Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease). However, there is a chance you may still have some symptoms of reflux, such as heartburn, after the implant. Even normal, healthy people can suffer from heartburn or reflux at times. Your doctor or nurse can advise you on how to avoid this, such as eating smaller meals.
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When can I start eating normally again?
Try to return to a normal diet as quickly as you feel able to do so. This helps your body adapt to the LINX® Reflux Management System.
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When can I return to normal physical activities?
Generally, patients can return to non-strenuous activity within a couple of days. However, as with any surgical procedure, you should consult your doctor about what activities you can do and how soon you can do them after the insertion of the LINX® System.
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Is there a risk of my body rejecting the LINX® Reflux Management System?
The LINX® System is designed to minimize the risk of rejection. All areas of the device that contact the body are made of materials that are used frequently in medical devices and have proven to be very stable. However, if you have a medical history that suggests you may be at increased risk of your body rejecting a medical device, it is important that you tell your doctor about this before receiving a LINX® Reflux Management System.
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Will the magnets wear out?
The LINX® Reflux Management System uses permanent magnets and therefore will not wear out.
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Can I go through airport security?
The LINX® Reflux Management System should not affect airport security. However, all patients will be provided with an implant card to have available in case an issue arises.
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Can I have an MRI test after receiving the LINX® Reflux Management System?
If you are told you need an MRI procedure, please contact your LINX® physician. It is important to know which LINX® device you have. The LX models of LINX® are considered MR Conditional in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system up to 0.7 Tesla. The LXM models of LINX® are considered MR Conditional in a MRI system up to 1.5 Tesla. Scanning under different conditions may interfere with the magnetic strength and function of the device. LINX® implants PRIOR to September 10, 2015 have the LX model. If your LINX® implant was AFTER September 10, 2015, contact your LINX® physician.
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Will I need a follow-up endoscopy?
An endoscopy is not required after the LINX® procedure.