LINX® is a type of keyhole surgery that involves putting a small, flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores around your food pipe (oesophagus) just above the stomach. This is to mimic the valve at the bottom of your food pipe that creates a barrier to the reflux of acid or bile.

The procedure is performed laparoscopically, meaning as keyhole surgery. Once your consultant has put the LINX system in place swallowing forces temporarily break the magnetic bond to allow food and drink to pass normally through your lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). The magnets then close the LOS immediately after swallowing to restore your body’s natural barrier to the reflux of acid and bile. The procedure is generally completed in less than an hour.

The LINX system starts to work as soon as it is in place. You should be able to resume a normal diet within a few hours and can usually return to normal activities in less than a week.