Reflux Disease & Heartburn

A Revolutionary Solution for Reflux Disease

Conemaugh Health System offers an innovative surgery for patients diagnosed with reflux disease who continue to suffer symptoms despite taking medication.

Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD) is caused by a weak muscle in the esophagus called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) that allows acid and bile to flow back from the stomach into the esophagus, causing damage to the lining of the esophagus, throat and lungs.

The surgery involves a magnetic sphincter ring, a small, flexible ring of magnets that opens to allow food and liquid down, then closes to prevent stomach contents from moving up the esophagus.  It is implanted during a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. Unlike other procedures to treat reflux disease, this procedure requires no alteration to the stomach.

Roughly the size of a quarter, the magnetic sphincter ring will not affect airport security and patients can still get an MRI. 

HealthBreak Video: LINX Heartburn Procedure

Dr. Stanley Zagorski talks about how a surgically placed magnetic ring device can help patients with chronic heartburn.