A now rarely seen anti-reflux device: The Angelchik prosthesis

Abstract

CASE REPORT A 43­year­old male was presented to our upper gastrointestinal clinic with acute symptoms of reflux and dysphagia to both solids and liquids. He had undergone open anti­reflux surgery 15 years prior with the fitting of a now obsolete device—the Angelchik device. Until this episode, he had enjoyed a normal diet with well controlled gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. He was listed for surgery due to the sudden onset of severe symptoms and inability to tolerate food. No erosion or injury to the esophagus was noted. However, it was evident that the prosthesis had moved into an abnormal position causing an acquired stenosis of the lumen (Figure 1). It was removed in its entirety and an immediate laparoscopic Nissen's fundoplication was performed. The patient made an uneventful recovery from the procedure and was back to eating a normal diet within two weeks of the procedure. DISCUSSION The Angelchik device was introduced in 1979 [1]. It consisted of a C­shaped ring of silicon fitted around the gastroesophageal junction. The ring was secured in the place by means a fitted Dacron tape. It was well favored at the time compared to other anti­reflux surgeries CLINICAL IMGAE OPEN ACCESS