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Alfred Stokes, aged 11, decided to chose to support the OPA in a school charity event.

“As part of Alfred’s English course, the whole year have been learning about persuasive communication using the AFOREST technique (Alliteration, Facts, Opinions, Rhetorical questions, Emotive language, Statistics and rule of Three). To put this into action the school organised a charity morning where each child ran a stall for a charity of their choice and then communicated why people should donate fictional money to their cause. Alfred chose OPA as his charity after his Grandad had died from Oesophageal Cancer in November 2021. Alfred spent a lot of time reading OPA material, making bookmarks with OPA facts on and OPA bunting, and after a few tears by his Teacher and Mummy during rehearsal of his speech, Alfred was ready to go! Alfred had a great time hooking people in to his stall and articulating why his charity should be supported. At the end of the session and monies counted, of the 66 charities represented Alfred came third! He was so chuffed to have done the charity and his Grandad proud. Although he didn’t win the prize fund for the highest grossing charity, he has said he’d like to donate this weeks pocket money which Dad will top up to OPA. Below is Alfred and his stall.” – Drew Stokes, Alfred’s father.

The OPA Cancer charity has officially opened its bigger and better space.

“Demand for our services is higher than ever and the old space just wasn’t meeting our needs anymore”

Our new office address is:

Unit 4
Bordesley Hall Farm Barns
Storrage Lane
Alvechurch
Birmingham
B48 7ES

Reflux is a disease.  Not a bad meal choice!

Reflux (also called Gastroesophageal reflux  disease, or GORD) is caused by a weak muscle in your oesophagus called the Lower Oesophageal Sphincter (LOS).  The LOS is your body’s lower reflux
barrier.  Normally your reflux barrier acts like a one way valve, allowing food and liquid to pass into the stomach, but preventing stomach contents from flowing back into the oesophagus.  In people with reflux, the reflux barrier allows harmful acid and bile to flow back into the oesophagus.

What Causes Reflux Disease?

Reflux disease is caused by inappropriate relaxation or weakness in a muscle called the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). Normally the LOS acts like a one-way valve, allowing food and liquid to pass through to the stomach, but preventing stomach contents from flowing back into the oesophagus.

Complications of Reflux Disease*

In addition to producing a wide range of  symptoms, reflux disease can lead to potentially serious complications including:

  • Oesophagitis (Inflammation that can damage the tissue of the oesophagus)
  • Stricture (Narrowing of the oesophagus)
  • Barrett’s Oesophagus (Pre-cancerous changes to the tissue lining the oesophagus)
  • Oesophageal cancer (in rare cases)*

In people with reflux disease, the lower oesophageal sphincter is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing acid and bile to flow back from the stomach into the oesophagus.

There are several tests that your consultant may use to diagnose reflux disease. Here are some examples.

  1. Response to medication A trial of PPI medication may be used to confirm diagnosis in patients with typical symptoms.
  2. OGD
    Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), also known as upper Endoscopy, is a test that examines the oesophagus and LOS for evidence of reflux disease.
  3. pH
    pH monitoring using a probe in the oesophagus near the stomach measures the level of oesophageal acid exposure.

The LINX Reflux Management System is indicated for patients diagnosed with pathologic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) as defined by abnormal pH testing, and who continue to have chronic GORD symptoms despite maximum medical therapy.

Redefining the Surgical Treatment of Reflux Disease

How LINX Works

LINX is a small, flexible ring of magnets placed around the Oesophagus during a minimally  invasive procedure.

The magnets help to keep the lower esophageal sphincter (LOS) closed so that acid and bile  do not flow from the stomach to the Oesophagus.

When you eat or drink, the forces from swallowing cause the magnets to separate, the LINX device to expand, and the LOS to open for food or liquid to pass into the stomach.

MRI Conditional

The LINX device is MRI conditional, so patients can undergo magnetic resonance imaging up to either 0.7-Tesla (0.7T) or 1.5-Tesla (1.5T), depending on the LINX model implanted.

What is LINXTM?

LINX is a flexible ring of small magnets placed around the oesophagus just above the stomach during a minimally invasive procedure to help prevent reflux.

How does LINX work?

The strength of the magnets helps keep the valve between your stomach and oesophagus closed to prevent reflux.  When you swallow, the magnets separate temporarily to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach.

How is LINX different from other procedures?

LINX requires no permanent anatomic alteration, reduces gas and bloating preserves the ability to other procedures? belch and vomit and patients typically go home within 24 hours and resume a normal diet.

How is LINX implanted?

LINX is placed around the oesophagus just above the stomach using a minimally invasive surgical technique.  Many patients are able to go home the same day.

Can LINX be removed if needed?

Yes. LINX can be removed using a minimally invasive procedure and preserves patients’ future treatment options.

How do I know if I am a candidate for LINX?

Three diagnostic tests are used to determine if patients may be candidates for LINX: EGD, pH and Manometry.

When can I start eating normally again?

Patients are encouraged to return to a normal diet as soon as tolerated or as directed by their physician.

When can I return to normal activities?

Patients are generally able to return to non-strenuous activity within a couple of days.

How long will LINX last?

LINX is designed to be a lifelong implant.

Can I go through airport security?

LINX should not affect airport security.  All patients are provided an implant card to let people know they have an implant.

Can I have an MRI?

LINX patients may undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) up to either 0.7-Tesla (0.7T) or 1.5-Tesla (1.5T), depending on the LINX model implanted. You should discuss the MRI scanning options with your consultant prior to deciding on treatment with LINX. LINX patients can also undergo: CT scan, x-ray, ultrasound and PET scan.

What are potential risks associated with LINX?

Achalasia (lower part of oesophagus does not relax), bleeding, death, device erosion (device passing through the oesophageal wall), device explant/re-operation, device failure, device migration (device does not appear to be at implant site), diarrhoea, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), inability to belch or vomit,  infection, impaired gastric motility, injury to the oesophagus, spleen, or stomach, nausea, odynophagia  (painful swallowing), organ damage caused by device migration, pain, peritonitis (inflammation of  the peritoneum), pneumothorax (collapsed lung), regurgitation, saliva/mucus build-up, stomach bloating,  vomiting, and worsening of preoperative symptoms (including but not limited to dysphagia or heartburn).

85% of patients were freed from dependence on daily GORD medication

Bothersome regurgitation was eliminated in 99% of patients

Bothersome heartburn was eliminated in 88% of patients

Patients reported a significant improvement in their Quality of Life

There are many reasons patients consider surgery as an alternative to medical therapy.

  • Are you dependent on medication to manage your reflux disease symptoms?
  • Do you continue to suffer reflux disease symptoms while on medication?
  • Is your reflux disease affecting your quality of life? (Examples: poor sleep, inability to tolerate certain foods, inability to participate in daily activities)
  • Are you concerned about the long term use of drugs to treat your reflux disease?
  • Are you concerned about the long  term risks of serious complications from your reflux disease

Talk with your physician about your treatment options if your physician determines you are not responding to medication.

Benefits

  • Durable resolution of bothersome heartburn and regurgitation
  • Requires no alteration to the stomach anatomy
  • Patients typically go home in less than 24 hours and resume a normal diet
  • Patients are generally able to return to non-strenuous activity within a couple of days
  • Reduces gassiness and bloating
  • Preserves the ability to belch and vomit

Limitations/Risks

  • Incomplete symptom relief
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Risks related to surgery and anesthesia
  • Device failure