Lynx procedure
Lynx is a laparoscopic surgical procedure which involves placing a magnetic beading around the lower oesophagus. The magnetic ring is closed around the oesophagus during rest time, and therefore will not allow acid to regurgitate up. During swallowing of food or drink, the power of the oesophageal peristalsis overcomes the magnetic power between the beads and opens the ring to allow food to pass down to the stomach.
I have been involved in LYNX procedure surgery since 2013 and have shared in a debate about LYNX in the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
To fairly evaluate LYNX procedure in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux, it would be reasonable to ask and answer three questions:
- Does LYNX offer better control of acid reflux than the gold standard, Nissen Fundoplication?
- Does LYNX procedure have a lower or higher rate of side effects than Nissen Fundoplication?
- What is the history of inserting foreign bodies around the lower oesophagus?
LYNX offers good long-term relief of acid reflux which might be similar or slightly less than Nissen Fundoplication. Unlike Nissen fundoplication, LYNX has not been tested for durability of the effects because it was FDA approved in 2012.
Although LYNX procedure might produce less gas bloating as a side effect when compared to Nissen Fundoplication, but it produces much worse outcomes in relation to the more serious side effect of dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing). This is evidenced by the need to dilate and stretch the lower oesophagus in 1 out of 4 (25 percent) of patients who had the procedure. The rate of dilatation because of dysphagia in cases of Nissen Fundoplication is only around 1 to 3 percent.
The history of inserting foreign bodies around the lower oesophagus is not good. LYNX, like the old Angelchik ring or the gastric band, can migrate up or down or cause a future complication of erosion into the oesophagus.
I have stopped doing the LYNX procedure surgery many years ago because I cannot see the logic of inserting a foreign body around the oesophagus while I have an operation that, if properly done, has an excellent outcome, less side effects, and no foreign bodies inserted.
