Importance of endoscopy during permanent gastric stimulator placement.

Abstract

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is an accepted form of therapy for gastroparesis and is considered for compassionate therapy in patients with refractory nausea and vomiting.1 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved GES for treatment of drug-refractory idiopathic gastroparesis and diabetic gastroparesis because it has been shown to improve nausea and reduce vomiting frequency. It has also been used off label for related conditions.2,3 We present a case highlighting the methods and importance of performing endoscopy intraoperatively during placement of the permanent GES device and discuss possible adverse events that may arise.