Laparoscopic placement of a gastric stimulator for the treatment of gastroparesis: a pilot study technique and results.

Aim: To evaluate the safety and outcomes of laparoscopic placement of a gastric stimulator for patients with gastroparesis.
Materials and 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.