Contact number: 020 7806 4010
Contact number: 020 7078 3831
What is RefluxStop?
RefluxStop is an innovative surgical device designed to treat acid reflux by preventing the backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus. Unlike traditional anti-reflux surgeries, it does not involve tightening the oesophagus or creating barriers that could interfere with swallowing. Instead, RefluxStop works by altering the anatomy at the junction between the stomach and oesophagus, allowing it to maintain natural function while eliminating reflux symptoms.
The non-active implant is expected to last a lifetime and patients who receive the surgery should see an almost immediate improvement to their symptoms once they have fully recovered from the procedure.
RefluxStop is particularly beneficial for patients with weak oesophageal motility or those who cannot tolerate other reflux surgeries. It reduces the risk of complications such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which is sometimes associated with more conventional treatments like fundoplication.
RefluxStop in London
In cases of GORD that cannot be treated by medication, individuals may be referred to a reflux surgeon who may deem you suitable for RefluxStop.
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, RefluxStop is performed laparoscopically (keyhole) and is designed to relieve your symptoms, prevent further damage, as well as allow you to come off medication. If surgery looks like the best option to stop your symptoms, the team here has been offering advanced surgery for GORD for over 20 years, and will support you every step of the way.
If you are struggling with acid reflux, or think that you might be experiencing symptoms of GORD, get in touch with our specialist reflux team.
Consultants
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy.
Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about The LINX System
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected and vibrant area of North West London, known for landmarks such as Regent’s Park and Abbey Road Studios. We are easily accessible from neighbouring areas, including Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6):
- By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital. For patients travelling from Hampstead (NW3), Finchley Road station (Jubilee Line) offers a convenient route, while Kilburn (NW6) is similarly well served by the same line.
- By Bus:
Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
- By Car: If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, use major roads like Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road for a direct approach.
Our hospital’s location in St John’s Wood ensures easy access for patients across London, particularly from the NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
A clinical study looked at the extent to which RefluxStop helped patients four years after it had been implanted.
The RefluxStop procedure, a minimally invasive surgical option for chronic GERD, has shown promising results in a 4-year study. The procedure effectively reduced symptoms, as demonstrated by a 90% decrease in GORD-HRQL scores. Additionally, it was well-tolerated, with a low rate of side effects and no device-related complications. While the study results are encouraging, further research is needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness and safety in a larger patient population.
RefluxStop is particularly beneficial for patients with weak oesophageal motility or those who cannot tolerate other reflux surgeries. It reduces the risk of complications such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which is sometimes associated with more conventional treatments like fundoplication.
An endoscopy examination using a thin, flexible telescope passed down the oesophagus into the stomach will give the specialist an accurate indication of the health of your oesophagus.
If reflux oesophagitis is suspected during endoscopy, then several small biopsies are taken from the lining of the oesophagus to determine the severity of the condition.
On rare occasions, specialised acid measurement tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Doctors can also ask for a barium swallow or barium meal that uses a solution and X-rays to chart blockages or abnormalities in the oesophagus.
The main symptom of gastroesophageal disease is heartburn but you can also feel pain in the upper abdomen or chest. Patients can feel sick and experience acid reflux where stomach acid comes back into your mouth causing an unpleasant, sour taste.
Other symptoms are belching, a burning pain when swallowing hot drinks and bad breath. Symptoms usually occur after a large meal, or at night and may feel worse when you are lying flat.
Medically reviewed by Mr Majid Hashemi - MB ChB FRCS (Gen) on 30/11/2024