Erosion of gastric electrical stimulator electrodes: evaluation, management, and laparoscopic techniques.
OBJECTIVE
Gastric electrical stimulation is a promising technology for treatment of gastroparesis. Few studies address potential complications of the device.


METHODS
We review the diagnosis and laparoscopic management of 2 cases of gastric stimulator (GS) electrode erosion through the gastric wall.


RESULTS
Both patients presented with late (16 and 21 mo) device infection. Diagnosis of electrode erosion was verified by upper endoscopy. The electrodes were successfully removed laparoscopically. A new GS and electrodes were implanted laparoscopically in 1 patient 6 months later.


CONCLUSIONS
Electrode erosion is an unusual complication. Surgeons must have a high index of suspicion for electrode erosion when patients present with late GS infections. Eroded electrodes can be removed and replaced laparoscopically.
Department of Surgery, The Permanente Medical Group, Walnut Creek, CA, USA. rocksonl@gmail.com
Rockson C
RC
Liu
Adheesh A
AA
Sabnis
Bipan
B
Chand
D000328:Adult; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005746:Gastric Emptying; D018589:Gastroparesis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male