Gastric pacing as therapy for morbid obesity: preliminary results.

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 > or = 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.