Two-Stage Explantation of a Magnetic Lower Esophageal Sphincter Augmentation Device Due to Esophageal Erosion.

INTRODUCTION

Implanting a magnetic lower esophageal sphincter augmentation device (LINX, Torax Medical) has become an increasingly common option in the surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. As the enthusiasm for placing this device increases, experience in the management of device-related complications-including erosion-is necessary.

METHODS

We report a staged approach to LINX removal in a 64-year-old female with symptoms of odynophagia secondary to partial erosion of a LINX device into the esophagus.

RESULTS

The patient had a 12-bead LINX device placed in 2011 at an outside, international facility. In late 2013, she began experiencing symptoms of odynophagia. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy at our institution in October 2015 demonstrated two metallic beads eroding through the distal esophageal lumen. An elective endoscopic removal of the two visible beads was performed. A postoperative esophagram confirmed that there was no resulting esophageal perforation. The patient noted mild improvement in her symptoms. After a 12-week period to allow for complete healing, the remaining 10 beads of the LINX device were explanted laparoscopically without complication. No further procedures were undertaken. At 2 months' follow-up, the patient noted complete resolution of her symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Transmural erosion of the LINX device into the esophageal lumen is a rare occurrence, with only five such complications reported in the published literature. We present the first account of LINX explantation for esophageal erosion in the United States. We demonstrated that a staged laparoendoscopic approach to LINX removal in these cases is feasible with minimal morbidity.