The Implantable Gastric Stimulator for Obesity : An Update of the European Experience in the LOSS (Laparoscopic Obesity Stimulation Survey) Study.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a gastric stimulation procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity.

Methods: All implantable gastric stimulator systems were implanted in a laparoscopic procedure. We focused on the results of the LOSS (Laparoscopic Obesity Stimulation Survey) study, which was a multicenter European survey of 16 hospitals. To date, 91 patients have undergone implantable gastric stimulator implantation in the LOSS study.

Results: The patient population was comprised of 62 (68%) women and 29 (32%) men. The mean age was 41 years, mean weight was 116kg, and mean body mass index was 41 kg/m(2). All surgical procedures were successfully completed. There were no deaths, and no severe peri- or postoperative complications. The mean excess weight loss (EWL) was 20% at 12 months after surgery and about 25% at 2 years after implantation. Baroscreen-selected patients achieved a 31.4% EWL, which was significantly different to the EWL of those patients who were not selected by this screening (15% EWL) [p < 0.01].

Conclusion: Gastric pacing is a promising, minimally invasive, safe, and effective surgical method that results in very little impairment of the patient. Patient selection for gastric stimulation therapy seems to be an important determinant of treatment outcome.