Gastric Pacing as Therapy for Morbid Obesity: Preliminary Results

Author: Valerio Cigaina¹

Source: Obesity Surgery, Volume 12, Supplement 1, April 2002 , pp. 12-16(5)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

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

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.

Keywords: GASTRIC MYO-ELECTRIC STIMULATION; IMPLANTABLE; DEVICE; MORBID OBESITY

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1381/096089202762552610

Affiliations: 1: Unit of Digestive Surgical Electrophysiology, Umberto I Hospital, Mestre-Venezia and University of Verona, Italy

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