Long-term results of treatment of peptic stricture of the oesophagus with the Angelchik prosthesis.

An Angelchik prosthesis was inserted in 43 patients with a peptic stricture above a hiatus hernia; 16 showed columnar lining of the oesophagus below the stricture. The mean preoperative bore of strictures was 8.7 mm. Within months, and without dilatation, 33 strictures shortened, 35 widened and of these 13 disappeared with a mean bore of 11.7 mm. In the long term, three more strictures resolved but three recurred. Final measurements gave a mean bore of 12.2 mm. The mean follow-up was 3.5 years. Symptomatic and radiological assessments suggested that the prosthesis was less effective when sited in the chest.