OGBN P22 The safety and efficacy of the Gastric Electrical Stimulator (GES) for gastroparesis in pregnancy

Abstract

Abstract Background Gastroparesis, a severe illness, can considerably complicate pregnancies. A large proportion of patients suffering from gastroparesis are female and often of child bearing age. This study explored the Gastric Electrical Stimulator's (GES) safety during pregnancy and evaluated outcomes such as symptom control and Quality of Life (QoL). Methods We examined our gastroparesis patient database to identify pregnant women with in-situ GES. The key outcomes included GES safety and efficacy during pregnancy. Metrics such as QoL SF36 scores, nausea, vomiting, pain, satiety, bloating, hospital stay, admissions, and feeding support were evaluated pre- and post-operatively. Results Twelve women with in-situ GES became pregnant. Median age at surgery was 29 years (IQR: 26-31 years), with 58% having diabetes as their gastroparesis cause. A majority (67%) underwent robotic GES insertion. Post-operative improvement was seen across several metrics, including nausea score (from 4 to 1), vomiting score (from 4 to 0), pain score (from 4 to 1), satiety score (from 4 to 0), and bloating score (from 4 to 0). SF36 scores significantly increased from a median pre-operative score of 261 (IQR: 178-65) to 1,783 (IQR: 765-3,527, p<0.001). Also, 58% transitioned from assisted feeding to no feeding support. Conclusions For pregnant patients, GES implantation safely improved gastroparesis symptoms, enhanced QoL as per SF36 scores, and reduced feeding support reliance. More extensive research is required to confirm these findings and understand GES's implications in pregnancy-related gastroparesis.