Radiology of the Angelchik prosthesis for gastroesophageal reflux

The placement of a ring prosthesis around the esophagus above the gastric cardia for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux has been shown to give acceptable clinical results and is technically easier than procedures such as gastropexy and fundoplication. Radiologists should be familiar with this surgical technique because postoperative follow-up and complications are best evaluated by radiologic imaging. The normal and abnormal radiologic features of the Angelchik antireflux device are described. Of 38 patients who underwent surgical implantation of the Angelchik prosthesis, four required postoperative removal of the device because of its dislodgment.