Abstract
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF) is the gold standard of surgical treatment for patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GER), with safety profile and long term results satisfactory in 80%. In the last decade, the use of a Lower Esophageal Sphincter Enhancement Device (LESD), marketed as LINX® (from Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson), has been proposed as an alternative to Anti-Reflux Surgery. The device consists of an expandable chain of titanium beads with a magnetic core designed to increase the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and prevent its improper relaxation. Preliminary results have been encouraging; however, it is not without complications. The most accepted indications are: GER with normal esophageal motility and without erosive esophagitis, hiatal hernia < 3 cm, BMI < 35 kg/m2, and patients without previous gastroesophageal surgeries. It is installed by laparoscopy. The most important adverse effects are: dysphagia with the need for endoscopic dilations, and, removal of the device, between 1 and 7% at 2.5 years. Most of the studies have methodological limitations, conflicts of interest, lack of objective results and long-term follow-up, preventing the reaching of extrapolable conclusions regarding the efficacy of MSA.
