Laparoscopic placement of a gastric stimulator for the treatment of gastroparesis: a pilot study technique and results.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and outcomes of laparoscopic placement of a gastric stimulator for patients with gastroparesis.


METHODS
Data of all patients who underwent laparoscopic placement of a gastric stimulator between 2003 and 2005 was retrospectively reviewed. Data included; demographics, perioperative course, and outcomes. A telephone follow-up questionnaire was conducted for all patients. Patient's satisfaction of their life after the procedure was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10.


RESULTS
Seven patients underwent the procedure. There were no conversions, no perioperative complications; all patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. There were no postoperative complications or mortality. Only 5 patients were available for a telephone interview. All patients indicated reduction of symptoms, 4 patients decreased or discontinued their drug therapy. Four patients indicated that they were tolerating regular diet. Three patients indicated an improvement in their general life satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Gastric electrical stimulator may improve gastrointestinal symptoms, reduce the use of drug therapy, and offer subsequent improvement in patients' general life satisfaction. This procedure is relatively safe for patients with refractory gastroparesis. Further studies are required to confirm these results.
Pinto
David A
DA
Department of Surgery, The Bariatric Institute and Section of Minimal Invasive Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, FL 33331, USA.
Kaidar-Person
Orit
O
Cho
Minyoung
M
Roa
Paul
P
Szomstein
Samuel
S
Rosenthal
Raul J
RJ
D000328:Adult; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D018589:Gastroparesis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012189:Retrospective Studies