Reflux Esophagitis (GERD) — LINX System: treatment in the Best Hospitals in the World
Treatment prices are regulated by national law of the corresponding countries, but can also include additional hospital coefficients. In order to receive the individual cost calculation, please send us the request and medical records.
Department for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The Department for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease offers all the options of modern medicine for the elimination of this disease. The department's specialists give preference to an individualized treatment approach, and therefore they comprehensively assess each clinical case and select the necessary complex of therapeutic measures for each patient. Whenever possible, the doctors use conservative methods, but patients with advanced stages of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) require surgery. The team of the department's surgeons has excellent skills in Nissen fundoplication and LINX Reflux Management System implantation, which are the most effective for GERD treatment. In most cases, the department's surgeons perform interventions using sparing minimally invasive techniques, which require only a few skin incisions to form a surgical access. Such progressive operations contribute to the speedy recovery of the patient after surgery, and also minimize the risks of developing severe bleeding and infections.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hernia Surgery and Bariatric Surgery
The Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hernia Surgery and Bariatric Surgery provides the full range of surgical treatment in its field of competence. The department's highly qualified surgeons annually perform about 2,000 surgical interventions. Extensive clinical experience allows the specialists to perform even particularly complex operations. The department’s advanced operating rooms serve for surgery to treat gastrointestinal diseases, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, pancreatic, rectal, anal and colon pathologies. The medical facility also successfully performs operations to treat hernias: inguinal, umbilical, and anterior abdominal wall hernias. In addition, the department's doctors deal with the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Minor traumatic laparoscopic interventions are considered the gold standard, which guarantee a patient minimal risks and rapid postoperative restoration. Surgeons tell the patient in detail about their upcoming treatment and, in every possible way, support them in their recovery.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Endocrine Surgery and Hernia Surgery
The Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Endocrine Surgery and Hernia Surgery offers the full range of modern surgical interventions in the areas of its specialization. Every year, the medical facility performs more than 2,500 surgical interventions on an inpatient and outpatient basis. The department has vast clinical experience in the field of minimally invasive surgery, which allows the patient to avoid severe pain and prolonged hospitalization. In addition, the department offers robotic surgery using the most modern models of the da Vinci surgical system. The medical facility has the status of the Reference Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery and Hernia Surgery. Surgical treatment of cancer is one of the department's clinical priority focuses. A large number of da Vinci robot-assisted interventions are performed here for gastrointestinal cancers. The department holds a leading position in the use of the da Vinci surgical system in the treatment of rectal and sigmoid cancer patients. The operating rooms of the medical facility are equipped with the very latest technology, while hygiene and safety standards are at the highest level as well. Prior to surgery, the patient undergoes a comprehensive examination. Doctors also assess the risks of the upcoming operation and its expected results. With appropriate clinical indications, preference is always given to minimally invasive surgery.
Department of General, Abdominal, Transplant, Hepatopancreatobiliary, Colorectal, Endocrine, Bariatric Surgery and Hernia Surgery
The Department of General, Abdominal, Transplant, Hepatopancreatobiliary, Colorectal, Endocrine, Bariatric Surgery and Hernia Surgery provides the full range of services in the areas of its specialization and holds a leading position at the national and international levels in terms of the number of surgical interventions performed and their success. Of particular interest are operations for treating diseases of the bowel, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, and endocrine glands. The department's doctors have excellent skills in the surgical treatment of cancer, surgery for liver, kidney, pancreas, and small intestine transplants, and operations for morbid obesity. The department's operating rooms are the pride of the medical facility, since they have all the necessary technical options for performing operations with the da Vinci surgical system, image-guided interventions, and endoscopic surgical procedures, which are characterized by minimal trauma rates.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Hernia Surgery
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Hernia Surgery is one of the best medical facilities in Germany for the treatment of colon, stomach, esophageal, pancreatic, and liver cancers! The main specialization is surgical procedures for malignancies in the intestines, stomach, esophagus, liver, pancreas, and rectum. The department also successfully operates on patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The department's therapeutic capabilities are complemented by the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, sigmoid diverticulum, umbilical and inguinal hernias, cholelithiasis, and anorectal disorders. Nearly all surgical procedures are performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques – the department has the status of a Center of Excellence for Minimally Invasive Surgery certified by the German Society for General and Vascular Surgery (DGAV). The medical facility also offers innovative da Vinci robot-assisted surgery. These procedures have become the standard of care for colon cancer, rectal cancer, and colonic diverticulosis. Each clinical case is evaluated individually and the surgical procedure is carefully planned. Surgeries are performed in high-tech operating rooms in compliance with hygiene and safety standards.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Hernia Surgery and Bariatric Surgery
The Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Hernia Surgery and Bariatric Surgery offers the full range of effective surgical treatments in accordance with modern medical standards. Operations of varying complexity are performed on the stomach, colon, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, rectum, thyroid gland, and parathyroid glands in the department's operating rooms every day. The department's primary focus is the surgical treatment of malignant gastrointestinal tumors. The medical facility is certified in this area by the German Cancer Society (DKG). The team of endocrine surgeons specializes in the treatment of diseases of the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, and adrenal glands. Patients with morbid obesity are also successfully operated on here. In their work, the department’s specialists primarily use minimally invasive surgical techniques, which virtually eliminate trauma to healthy tissue during the intervention. The department's operating suite is equipped with an innovative da Vinci Surgical System, which allows the doctors to perform sparing and high-precision surgical interventions. The specialists of the medical facility strictly adhere to hygiene and safety standards and create the most comfortable conditions for each patient during their hospital stays.
Department of Abdominal and Colorectal Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery
The Department of Abdominal and Colorectal Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery offers the full range of services in these medical fields. It provides surgical treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid and parathyroid glands, thoracic organs, vascular system, rectum, anus and colon. In addition, the department performs bariatric interventions for the treatment of morbid obesity. A special focus is made on the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are always preferred, if clinically indicated. The team of the department's surgeons has 8 progressive operating rooms equipped with everything necessary for successful treatment. The department also has the da Vinci Xi surgical system for high-precision minimally invasive robot-assisted interventions. The patient's health is in the safe hands of the best German surgeons who have gone through a rigorous selection and have vast clinical experience.
Department of Adult and Pediatric General, Abdominal, Transplant Surgery
According to Focus magazine, the Department of Adult and Pediatric General, Abdominal, Transplant Surgery ranks among the top German medical facilities specializing in bowel cancer treatment! The department performs surgical treatment of general surgical diseases, abdominal pathologies, and also specializes in organ transplantation. Of particular interest are surgical oncology of the abdominal organs, as well as pancreatic and liver surgery. The department annually performs more than 3,000 surgical interventions, which contributes to its credibility at the national level.
Department of Abdominal, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery
The Department of Abdominal, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery offers all modern surgical interventions in these fields. Specialization covers the treatment of diseases of the abdominal organs, endocrine glands, pathologies of the lungs and chest wall, pathological vascular lesions of all parts of the body. In addition, kidney transplantation and pancreas transplantation are part of the surgeons' tasks. Whenever possible, operations are performed using minimally invasive techniques that have several advantages over classical interventions.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of General and Abdominal Surgery ranks among the top German departments specializing in bowel cancer treatment! The department offers the full range of classical and minimally invasive methods for the treatment of common surgical diseases, cancer pathologies, diseases of the endocrine organs, proctological problems. The specialization also covers transplant surgery (liver, kidney and pancreas transplantation). The department is certified by the German Cancer Society for its outstanding results in the treatment of bowel, pancreatic, stomach and liver cancers.
Department of General, Abdominal and Vascular Surgery
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of General, Abdominal and Vascular Surgery ranks among the top German medical facilities specializing in the treatment of bowel cancer! The department offers the full range of surgical treatment of diseases of the abdominal organs and blood vessels, including the transplantation of abdominal organs. The sparing minimally invasive surgical techniques are widely used in the clinical practice, which allow to provide treatment in simple and complex clinical cases by making small incisions and using special tiny surgical instruments. The exceptional experience and profound knowledge of the department's doctors are also an integral part of the high treatment success rates.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Endocrine Surgery and Bariatric Surgery
The Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Endocrine Surgery and Bariatric Surgery offers a full range of surgical treatments in its areas of specialization at the highest level of university medicine. The department operates on patients with abdominal cancers, with a special focus on stomach, esophageal, colon, pancreatic, and liver cancers, inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, hernias, and vascular diseases, as well as pathologies of the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, and neuroendocrine tumors. The department is certified in accordance with the standards of the German Cancer Society (DKG) for its high success rates in the surgical treatment of oncological diseases and has also been awarded the DGH Siegel certificate by the German Hernia Society. The department presents the direction of bariatric surgery, whose specialists excel in the treatment of morbid obesity with procedures such as gastric bypass, gastric banding, sleeve gastroplasty, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. In their clinical practice, the department's surgeons mainly use modern minimally traumatic surgical techniques. The department performs minimally invasive, robotic (da Vinci Si® and Xi® systems), and endovascular surgery. It is important to the specialists at the medical facility to provide each patient with the best therapeutic results with a high degree of safety.
Department of General, Abdominal and Transplant Surgery
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of General, Abdominal and Transplant Surgery ranks among the top German departments specializing in bowel cancer treatment! The department offers the full range of services in these medical fields and guarantees the first-class medical care at the university level. The department specializes in the treatment of diseases of the abdominal cavity, esophagus and thyroid gland, transplantation of liver, kidney and pancreas. The medical facility has won the reputation of one of the three largest and most successful Transplant Centers in Germany. Also, within the clinical practice, doctors hold highly-specialized consultations on rare diseases and provide 24-hour emergency care.
Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Thoracic Surgery and Bariatric Surgery
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Hernia Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, Thoracic Surgery and Bariatric Surgery is one of the best medical facilities in Germany for colorectal cancer treatment! The department offers a full range of surgical treatment in its areas of specialization. The department successfully operates on patients with diseases of the digestive tract, hernias, pathologies of the liver and gallbladder, colon and rectum, thyroid gland and parathyroid glands, as well as diseases of the lungs, pleura, and chest wall. The department offers all currently available surgical procedures for the treatment of morbid obesity. Bariatric surgery is performed in the Center of Excellence certified by the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV). It should be noted that the department has a reputation as one of the best medical institutions in Germany with enormous experience in the field of pancreatic and esophageal surgery and resection of periampullary tumors. Almost all surgical procedures in the department are performed using minimally invasive and robotic techniques. This treatment provides good results while minimizing postoperative recovery time and eliminating serious surgical risks. The department also provides innovative treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis using HIPEC, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The department performs more than 5,100 surgical procedures of varying complexity each year, most of them on an outpatient basis.
Department of General, Abdominal, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery
The Department of General, Abdominal, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery covers the whole range of services in these fields. The department specializes in the treatment of diseases of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, as well as overweight. In addition, the department is a recognized Center for Vascular and Pediatric Surgery.
Department of General, Abdominal, Adult and Pediatric Transplant Surgery
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of General, Abdominal, Adult and Pediatric Transplant Surgery ranks among the top German departments specializing in the treatment of bowel cancer! The department specializes in the treatment of tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, and retroperitoneal space (peritoneal carcinomatosis), liver, kidney, pancreas, bowel transplantations in children and adults, as well as the surgical treatment of obesity and general surgical interventions.
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a chronic condition in which acid from the stomach is pumped into the oesophagus through a loose opening between them. The disease can last for years, intensifying and receding. Usually, GERD causes heartburn and belching, but it can also lead to coughing, hoarseness, and tooth decay. Long-term exposure to acid of the cells of the oesophagus causes them to degenerate and can lead to cancer, so GERD cannot be ignored and must be treated.
Overview
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is considered to be a medical condition that develops when reflux of stomach contents causes symptoms that bother patients or causes functional complications. Heartburn and regurgitation are considered the most common symptoms of the disease, and reflux esophagitis is the most common complication.
The mechanisms of the formation of heartburn sensation remain not understood fully. Most often, heartburn is a consequence of pathological reflux of both acid and duodenal contents. Also, the sensation of heartburn may be associated with disturbances in the motility of the oesophagus, increased sensitivity of its mucosa due to disorders of the central and peripheral innervation, changes in psychological condition. Consideration and correct management of these processes determine the success of therapy largely.
The main goals of reflux disease treatment are the relief of symptoms, improvement of well-being (quality of life), as well as treatment and prevention of complications. In the presence of motor disorders, esophageal hypersensitivity, or changes in psycho-emotional status, their correction is required.
Symptoms
Esophageal symptoms. Heartburn is a burning sensation behind the sternum spreading from the bottom up, individually appearing when sitting, standing, lying, or bending forward, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of bitterness in the throat and mouth. It is often associated with a feeling of fullness in the epigastrium, which occurs on an empty stomach or after consuming any type of solid or liquid food, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, or after the act of smoking.
Extra-esophageal symptoms: hoarseness (especially in the morning, due to irritation of the vocal cords by the stomach contents), dry cough, or wheezing (bronchospasm in response to irritations of the lower esophagus), chest pain (GERD is the most common cause of non-cardiac chest pain).
Alarming symptoms requiring urgent endoscopic examination are swallowing disorders (dysphagia), painful swallowing, weight loss, bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract (profuse or latent).
GERD may be asymptomatic; then reflux esophagitis is revealed incidentally during endoscopy. During GERD, periods of exacerbation and remission are observed. If left untreated, severe GERD can lead to serious complications.
Diagnostics
- EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy).
The standard for diagnosing GERD is EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy). This method is available and highly informative. It allows confirming or denying the presence of the disease in most cases. During the examination, one can notice inflammation of the esophageal mucosa: redness, increased vascular pattern, erosion, and ulcers. Besides, there may be reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. If necessary, a biopsy is performed during EGD, which is taking a piece of the inner wall of the esophagus and examining it under a microscope.
- Gastroscopy.
Gastroscopy is indicated if symptoms persist for a long time (5-10 years), remain despite appropriate treatment, and atypical or alarming symptoms are present. It is also possible to detect a hiatal hernia or visible insufficiency of cardiac closure, as well as assess the severity of changes in the esophagus.
- A barium swallow test.
A barium swallow test (cine esophagram, swallowing study, esophagography, modified barium swallow study, videofluoroscopy swallow study) has limited use, but it can reveal anatomical abnormalities that contribute to diagnosing reflux disease or other complications of GERD, like narrowing of the oesophagus.
- Esophageal manometry.
Esophageal manometry is used to facilitate the correct placement of the probe for pH monitoring of the esophagus, to exclude disorders of esophageal motility, or to select the type of surgery.
Ambulatory 24-hour monitoring of esophageal pH with simultaneous measurement of esophageal impedance is also a standard for diagnosis making. Impedance assessments can detect reflux and determine its stage, while pH measurements can determine whether the reflux episodes are acidic or non-acidic.
Treatment
The main options of GERD treatment include recommendations for lifestyle and diet, drug therapy (antisecretory drugs, antacids), with the ineffectiveness of which the surgery is prescribed (e.g., laparoscopic fundoplication).
Surgery can be considered in:
- Patients who are not treated effectively by standard drug therapy
- Patients who are forced to take medications for life to relieve symptoms and ensure an adequate quality of life
- Patients who have severe complications of GERD (e.g., Barrett's esophagus, peptic strictures)
- Patients with extra-esophageal manifestations (hoarseness, cough, chest pain, aspiration)
Fundoplication is a traditional surgery in which the upper curve of the stomach (bottom) is wrapped around the esophagus and sutured into place so that the lower part of the esophagus passes through a small tunnel of the gastric muscle. This surgery strengthens the valve between the esophagus and the stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) and allows existing hernias to be removed, which helps to normalize the digestive process and heal the oesophagus.
Fundoplication is the intervention that can be performed through the abdominal cavity or chest. The chest option is often used if the person is overweight or has a short esophagus.
As a rule, fundoplication for reflux esophagitis is performed using a laparoscopic surgical technique through minimal punctures of the body.
If for some reason, fundoplication requires a large incision, patients will most likely spend 5-7 days in the hospital. Fundoplication is performed under general anesthesia. It takes 4 to 6 weeks to recover from surgery.
If the laparoscopic fundoplication is used, patients will most likely only stay at the hospital for 2 to 3 days. The absence of large incisions helps to reduce postoperative pain. After laparoscopic fundoplication, most people can return to work or normal routine in about 2 to 3 weeks, depending on their lifestyle.
If it is not possible to perform full fundoplication or partial fundoplication, the installation of the LINX system is done.
The LINX Reflux Management System offers the option of a simple laparoscopic surgery to strengthen the lower sphincter between the esophagus and stomach. It restores the body's natural barrier to reflux without any anatomical changes and minimal side effects. Experience shows that patients are asymptomatic immediately after surgery and therefore the quality of life is improved significantly.
The LINX Reflux Management System is a small flexible titanium bead chain with a magnetic core. The magnetic core keeps the sphincter closed, preventing reflux.
The LINX system is placed on the esophagus just above the stomach during the minimally invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopic surgery. This surgery to treat reflux disease is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes less than an hour. The procedure is performed only in specialized hospitals certified by the LINX Reflux Management System manufacturer.
The LINX system works immediately after implantation. After the procedure, patients will be able to eat normally and can usually resume normal activities in less than a week. Unlike other surgical treatments for reflux disease, the LINX system does not require any anatomical changes in the stomach.
It is important to eat small meals several times a day after surgery to keep the LINX system working properly. In some cases, it has been observed that about 2 weeks after the operation, there may be a short-term mild discomfort during the passage of food through the esophagus due to healing or scarring around the LINX reflux system implant. At this point, it is extremely important to continue eating regularly to keep the LINX magnetic reflux system moving. Each patient reacts differently to these situations, so symptoms range from very mild to noticeable. Healing is complete 12 weeks after the surgery, and the patient can eat and drink everything, no more medication is required.
With LINX, the patients receive the same benefits of reflux control as with fundoplication, but without severe complications.
The LINX system, according to official clinical studies of the FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration), is not only safer but also more effective. The LINX is available in the United States as well as in Europe at clinics specializing in the LINX system.
The LINX device is a long-term implant, but surgery may be required at any time to remove and replace it. Treatment for side effects may include removal and/or replacement of the implant.
Potential complications associated with the LINX reflux control system include achalasia (lack of relaxation of the lower esophagus); damage to the esophagus spleen or stomach; organ damage due to device displacement; damage to the esophageal surface by the device; bloating; nausea; diarrhea; bleeding; dysphagia (difficulty swallowing); impaired gastric motility; peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum); device displacement (the device cannot be detected at the implantation site); removal of the device; worsening of preoperative symptoms (including dysphagia, heartburn, etc.). The complications are extremely rare.
Where can I undergo treatment for reflux esophagitis with the LINX system?
Health tourism is becoming more and more popular these days, as treatment abroad often ensures a much better quality of treatment.
The best success rates in LINX system treatment for reflux esophagitis demonstrate:
- Academic Hospital Regio Pinneberg, Germany
- Academic Hospital Brothers of Mercy Munich, Germany
- University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
- Charite University Hospital Berlin, Germany
- University Hospital Ulm, Germany
You can check out the full list of hospitals on the Booking Health website.
The cost of treatment
The prices in hospitals listed on the Booking Health website are relatively low. With Booking Health, you can undergo treatment for reflux esophagitis with the LINX system in the best hospitals in the world at an affordable price.
The cost of treatment varies, as the price depends on the hospital, the features of the disease, and the complexity of its treatment.
The cost of treatment in Germany is 23,250-50,924 EUR.
The cost of treatment in Israel is approximately 30,578 EUR.
The cost of treatment in Turkey is approximately 25,995 EUR.
You might want to take into account the cost of the possible additional treatment and follow-up care. Therefore, the ultimate cost of treatment may differ from the initial price.
To receive the information on the cost of treatment, contact us by leaving the request on Booking Health website.
How can I undergo treatment for reflux esophagitis with the LINX system?
It is not easy to self-organize any treatment abroad. It requires certain knowledge and expertise. Thus, it is safer, easier, and less stressful to shift some responsibility onto a medical tourism agency.
As the largest and most transparent medical tourism agency, Booking Health has up-to-date information on treatment for reflux esophagitis with the LINX system in the best hospitals in the world. With precise information on the success rates of different hospitals, Booking Health will help you select a medical facility, taking into account your wishes for treatment.
We want to help you during this difficult time and take on all the troubles. You can be free of unnecessary stress, while Booking Health takes care of all organizational issues. Our goal is to find the best medical facility for you, where you can undergo LINX system treatment for reflux esophagitis safely.
Medical tourism can be easy! All you need to do is to leave a request on the Booking Health website, and our manager will contact you shortly.
