Laparoscopic insertion of gastric electrodes for electrical stimulation.

Gastric electrical stimulation can provide symptomatic relief for patients with refractory gastroparesis. Traditionally, these wires are placed through a midline laparotomy. This paper describes and illustrates, in detail, the laparoscopic technique for successful implantation. Thirty-one consecutive patients from October 2003 to March 2005 underwent laparoscopic insertion of gastric stimulating wires for gastroparesis. Twenty-six patients were female. Four laparoscopic ports were used to insert a pair of electrodes. Anterior, cephalad retraction of the gastric wall is critical for accurate seromuscular placement of gastric leads. Intraoperative endoscopy was used to verify the seromuscular placement of the leads. Both leads were secured to a subcutaneous generator and electrical parameters were immediately established in the operating room. Patient demographics, operative details, and postoperative morbidities were recorded. All procedures were completed laparoscopically. The mean operative time was 114.4 +/- 20.9 minutes (range, 95-140). No perioperative mortality occurred. Two patients developed cellulitis at the generator site postoperatively and oral antibiotics were prescribed for one week postoperatively. No hardware was removed. Two patients had their generators repositioned due to pain at the pocket site. Gastric electrical stimulation is a novel treatment modality for patients with refractory gastroparesis and can be accomplished safely via laparoscopy. Laparoscopic insertion is successful even in patients with prior surgery and intact gastrointestinal tubes. Long-term follow-up and the current prospective multicenter trial continue to assess the efficacy of this treatment modality.