Few audiences appreciate the importance of a properly functioning sphincter like surgeons. Magnetic sphincter augmentation using the LINX device, however, is one area that is beyond the sphincter-related expertise of most surgeons and surgical trainees. Drs. Mike Weykamp, Nicole White, Andrew Wright, and Nick Cetrulo review the literature surrounding the use of the LINX device for gastroesophageal reflux disease and how the device stacks up against the current gold standard in anti-reflux surgery, laparoscopic fundoplication, on this journal review episode of Behind the Knife. 

References: 
1. Skubleny D, Switzer NJ, Dang J, et al. LINX(®) magnetic esophageal sphincter augmentation versus Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Surg Endosc. Aug 2017;31(8):3078-3084. doi:10.1007/s00464-016-5370-3
2. Bonavina L, Horbach T, Schoppmann SF, DeMarchi J. Three-year clinical experience with magnetic sphincter augmentation and laparoscopic fundoplication. Surg Endosc. Jul 2021;35(7):3449-3458. doi:10.1007/s00464-020-07792-1
3. Ferrari D, Asti E, Lazzari V, Siboni S, Bernardi D, Bonavina L. Six to 12-year outcomes of magnetic sphincter augmentation for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Sci Rep. Aug 13 2020;10(1):13753. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-70742-3
4. Alicuben ET, Bell RCW, Jobe BA, et al. Worldwide Experience with Erosion of the Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation Device. J Gastrointest Surg. Aug 2018;22(8):1442-1447. doi:10.1007/s11605-018-3775-0
5. Perry KA. Alternatives to Fundoplication. Presented at SAGES Meeting 2018/16th World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery. April 2018. 
Hyperlink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXczKZxOg9Y
6. Dominguez RV. LINX in GERD. The evolution of the technique. From none to full dissection of the crura. Presented at SAGES Meeting April 2019. 
Hyperlink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhhXZmsBd5c

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