What is a Gastric Pacemaker?
A gastric pacemaker, also known as a gastric electrical stimulator, is a device that is implanted under the skin of the abdomen and delivers electrical pulses to the stomach. The electrical pulses stimulate the stomach muscles and nerves, and help improve the stomach's ability to empty food.
Indications for Gastric Pacemaker
A gastric pacemaker is used to treat a condition called gastroparesis, which means delayed gastric emptying. Gastroparesis is a disorder that affects the normal movement of the stomach muscles, and causes food to stay in the stomach longer than usual. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, weight loss, and poor blood sugar control. Gastroparesis can be caused by various factors, such as diabetes, surgery, infection, medication, or idiopathic (unknown) reasons.
Who is a Candidate for a Gastric Pacemaker?
A gastric pacemaker is not the first line of treatment for gastroparesis, but it may be an option for patients who have severe and chronic symptoms that do not respond to other treatments, such as dietary changes, medication, or injections. A gastric pacemaker may also be considered for patients who have complications from gastroparesis, such as malnutrition, dehydration, or frequent hospitalizations.
However, not everyone is a good candidate for a gastric pacemaker, and the decision depends on several factors, such as the cause and severity of gastroparesis, the patient's medical history and preferences, and the availability and expertise of the surgeon.
Gastric Pacemaker Placement Procedure
The gastric pacemaker placement procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that involves making a few small incisions in the abdomen and inserting the device and its wires through a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light attached to it. The device is placed under the skin, and the wires are attached to the stomach wall. The device is then programmed to deliver the optimal amount and frequency of electrical pulses to the stomach. The procedure usually takes about an hour, and the patient can go home the same day or the next day.
Risks of Gastric Pacemaker
As with any surgery, the gastric pacemaker placement procedure has some risks and potential complications, such as infection, bleeding, injury to nearby organs, device malfunction, or device migration. Some patients may also experience side effects from the electrical stimulation, such as discomfort, pain, or cramps in the stomach or chest. These risks and side effects are rare and can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon, following the preoperative and postoperative instructions, and reporting any signs of problems to the doctor.
Benefits of Gastric Pacemaker
The gastric pacemaker can provide significant benefits for patients with gastroparesis, such as reducing the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting, improving the quality of life, and enhancing the nutritional status and blood sugar control. The gastric pacemaker can also be adjusted or removed if needed, without requiring additional surgery. However, the gastric pacemaker is not a cure for gastroparesis, and it does not guarantee complete symptom relief or weight gain. The effectiveness of the gastric pacemaker varies among patients, and depends on several factors, such as the cause and duration of gastroparesis, the patient's compliance with the device settings and follow-up care, and the patient's expectations and satisfaction.
