Implantable gastric stimulation for weight loss

With the epidemic of obesity worldwide, bariatric surgery has rapidly grown in popularity. Currently, a variety of surgical procedures are performed including Roux-en-Y gastric by, pass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, vertical banded gastroplasty, and biliopancreatic diversion. All of these procedures have been shown to succeed in achieving significant and sustainable weight loss for the majority of patients. However, these procedures also carry the potential for serious operative morbidity, altered gastrointestinal anatomy or function, or both. Electrical gastric stimulation via the implantable gastric stimulation (IGS) system is a relatively new and novel approach to treat obesity. The operative technique is relatively simple and the system does not alter gastrointestinal anatomy. Preliminary worldwide investigations have demonstrated safety and efficacy. This article will review the current experience with the IGS system. (C) 2004 The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract.