Gastric Neurostimulator for Gastroparesis
What is Gastroparesis and How Does Laparoscopic Placement of a Gastric Neurostimulator Help?
Gastroparesis is a stomach disorder where there is a major loss of necessary cells in the stomach that slows down the rate of food digestion causing the stomach to function poorly and cause a lot of pain. It is commonly caused
by diabetes. The laparoscopic procedure involves several small incisions in the abdomen to give access to ports, small tubes, that allow your doctors tools and a camera into the body to place a small device called a gastric neurostimulator that helps
control your symptoms. The laparoscopic procedure is done in order to assure minimal recovery time.
If possible, this treatment will be done robotically. The benefits are less pain and less tissue manipulation. For more information, please visit davincisurgery.com.
Your Initial Consultation
We will undergo necessary advising to assure a safe and successful procedure as well as answer any questions you may have before your procedure. You will need to take several tests, which may include blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds of the stomach. We will ask you which medicines, vitamins and other supplements you are currently taking in case they affect the procedure, and we will ask you to stop taking aspirins and other specific drugs that can cause a higher risk of excess bleeding during your surgery and recovery. As the gastric neurostimulator helps reduce your symptoms and does not heal gastroparesis, we will have follow up consultations and test in the future to assure you’re in the best health.
The Surgical Procedure
The steps for laparoscopic placement of a gastric neurostimulator involve:
- Administration of anesthesia to put you to sleep and assure a pain-free procedure
- Several small incisions are made in the abdomen area to allow the ports access
- The stomach is carefully deflated and the gastric neurostimulator are safely placed and secured into the stomach wall
- The tools, camera and ports are then taken out, the incisions are carefully stitched up and the procedure is finished
Recovery Expectations:
The laparoscopic procedure allows a faster healing process with minimal pain and scarringin comparison to an open procedure. Patients may be able to go home the same day depending on how their bodies feel. You may be able to return to work within a week and resume light activities and driving around 2 weeks. We advise you to wait 4 to 6 weeks to participate in heavy lifting that will risk your healing wounds from opening up.