Gastric pacing as therapy for morbid obesity: preliminary results.
BACKGROUND
A novel method to treat morbid obesity is presented--gastric electrical pacing. Following animal research, human investigation in a total of 24 patients in three cohorts began in 1995.


METHODS
Morbidly obese subjects (BMI > or = 40) received electrical stimulation devices in 1995/6 (n = 4), 1998 (n = 10) and 2000 (n = 10). Electrodes were positioned intramuscularly on the anterior gastric wall at the lesser curvature. BMI = body mass index; %EBL = % excess BMI (> 25) lost.


RESULTS
Patients reported satiety for food with less food. The 2 patients from the first study followed for > 5 years have achieved 38 and 67 %EBL. In the second study, every patient lost weight. At 36 months follow-up, the mean %EBL was 24 +/- 10 SD (n = 10).


CONCLUSIONS
Implantable gastric pacing is a safe procedure and causes changes in eating habits in morbidly obese humans, resulting in decreased food intake and weight loss.
Cigaina
Valerio
V
Unit of Digestive Surgical Electrophysiology, Umberto I Hospital, Mestre-Venezia, Italy. valerio.cigaina@tin.it
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013270:Stomach / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology