Erosions of the angelchik prosthesis in pediatric-sized developmentally disabled patients

We reviewed case histories of 40 pediatric-sized developmentally disabled patients who had previously participated in a study comparing the Nissen fun-doplication with the Angelchik prosthesis for the surgical treatment of severe gastroesophageal reflux. Five of these patients had experienced erosions of the prosthesis into the gastrointestinal tract. These erosions were diagnosed between 2 years and 2 years 8 months following surgical insertion of the device. Erosions were associated with a variety of symptoms including vomiting, increasing discomfort, melena, anemia, coffee ground gastric residuals, and repeated small bowel obstructions. In no case was erosion associated with the development of peritonitis. Despite the documented advantages of the Angelchik prosthesis, the 12.5% erosion rate in this patient population is excessive. We recommend that use of the Angelchik prosthesis is not advisable in pediatric-sized developmentally disabled patients.