Complications of the Angelchik Antireflux Prosthesis

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Abstract
Various complications have been reported recently for the Angelchik antireflux prosthesis, a silicone-gel prosthesis used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and associated hiatal hernia. The cases of 11 patients with complications of this prosthesis reviewed the literature for others were reviewed. Complications included 8 erosions of the device into the gastrointestinal tract, 1 migration, 1 improper placement and 1 case pain believed to be a sequel of surgical trauma. These complications represent those typical to reflux surgery and some unique to the Angelchik prosthesis (migration and erosion). Their exact frequency is unknown, with the manufacturer estimating migration at 0.81% and erosion at 0.15%. Available data indicate that complications may occur up to several years after implantation and physicians may not recognize the problems with the prosthesis if they are unaware of the complications.
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