Article Text
Abstract
Introduction Gastroparesis is a debilitating disorder of gastric motility resulting in symptoms of nausea, vomiting, bloating and abdominal pain. In non-responders to medical treatment, Gastric Electrical Stimulation (GES) can improve symptoms leading to an improved quality of life. We present our 14-year experience with GES insertion in gastroparetic patients resistant to medical treatment.
Method Data was prospectively collected from December 2000 to January 2015 in a local database. Information on patient demographics, pre and post GES insertion scores for nausea, vomiting, satiety, bloating and abdominal pain were collated. Factors such as aetiology of gastroparesis, comorbidities and feeding requirements were also recorded. Data on surgical intervention, complications and number of hospital admissions pre and post GES insertion were also included. Quality of life was assessed by SF-36 questionnaires.
Results A total of 104 patients underwent GES insertion (Female 76, Male 28). The median length of stay was seven days (range 1–45 days) and follow up was 42.5 months (6–168 months). There were significant improvements in nausea severity score (p = < 0.0001), abdominal pain (p = 0.005) and bloating (p = 0.001) post GES insertion. The median number of hospital admissions was significantly reduced from six to zero episodes per annum (p = 0.002). Assisted Nutrition requirements were also significantly reduced (p = < 0.001). Overall quality of life using SF-36 scores improved from a mean of 190/500 to 415/500 (p = < 0.0001).
Conclusion GES improves patient symptoms and quality of life. It reduces health care utilisation by avoiding long-term hospital stays and repeated admissions with a reduction in assisted feeding. The current study shows GES is a safe and an effective procedure in the treatment of refractory gastroparesis. To the best of our knowledge, our presented series is the longest consecutive study in Europe and UK alike.
Disclosure of interest None Declared.