Gastroparesis is a debilitating condition that affects many type I diabetics as well as post-surgical patients. It may also be idiopathic. These individuals often suffer from intractable nausea, vomiting, and early satiety. When maximum medical management with anti-emetics and prokinetics fails, these patients are left without other options. The development of a new device, and electrical gastric stimulator may give these patients a new option. The device is approved by the FDA and is currently approved for humanitarian use.

This video demonstrates the laparoscopic implantation of this novel and still experimental device. After measuring 10 cm from the pylorus, the pacemaker wires are inserted via one of the ports and implanted into the gastric wall. They are secured into place with protective disks and then attached to the pacemaker unit that is implanted subcutaneously into the left upper abdominal wall. The device is then interrogated and activated in the operating room.

Patients have reported improvements in nausea and vomiting as early as the first post-operative day, although improvements may take weeks to months to become apparent. Ongoing trials will demonstrate whether long-term efficacy is achieved. This device may provide a significant alternative for patients with debilitating symptoms of gastroparesis.