I suggest you visit the webiste www DownWithAcid org uk where you will find details of 8 types of fundoplication and 10 different "artificial" reflux techniques.
I'm assuming you're referring to Nissen fundoplication or LINX magnetic sphincter augmentation device.
My personal views are to recommend Nissen Fundoplication which has been practiced for 50 years, the last 20 years of which by laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication is still considered the gold standard. There have been more recent inventions and innovations in this field but not considered quite as good. 90% of those who had the LNF operation 20 years ago are happy they had it.
LINX presently looks as if it may be the best of the new technologies. It is a ring of magnetic titanium beads on a wire. It has been successfully used for over 10 years. Of those who have been followed up (with a mean average time of 5 years) 85% are happy with it.
LINX cannot be implanted in those with more than an absolute minimum hiatus hernia or with Barrett's Oesophagus.
LINX has had considerale publicity in America where, whenever a clinic introduces the technique, they have proudly announced the new technique - and the device looks pretty.
Torax medical, who make LINX, promote it on the "failings" of LNF in that many recipients of the surgery have difficulty burping or vommitting afterwards. For those who do experience this problem, it is usually short lived whilst the internal scar tissue heals. They do not publicise the fact the majority of those having the LINX implant experience swallowing difficulties - a solid bolus is required, along with good peristalsis, to open the ring.
Torax also sell LINX on the advantage that it is reversible - though LNF could be reversed if it were ever considered necessary.
The magnetic bracelet means if the recipient requires an MRI scan, it has to be given at a low level as it would cause explantation. And in certain magnetic fields, induction would cause heating.
In the 70's an artificial ring was produced to encircle the oesophagus in a similar way to LINX. Instead of magnets, it was effectively a rubber band. There was a clamour to have the "Angelchik" implanted. However 20 years later, the clamour was to have it removed. The band had started eroding the outside of the oesophagus tube. I hope the LINX device doesn't casue the same problems.
I was on PPIs for 15 years (increasing to the very high 80mg omeprazole daily) before I had Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication. It was the best thing I ever did.