Laparoscopic and endoscopic pyloroplasty for gastroparesis results in sustained symptom improvement

Gastroparesis is a chronic digestive disorder with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain resulting in a poor quality of life. Surgeons are increasingly asked to treat patients with gastroparesis as medical options have become limited due to safety concerns of many prokinetics. Surgical options include gastric stimulator implantation, sub-total gastrectomy, and pyloroplasty. We report our experience with minimally invasive pyloroplasty as sole surgical treatment for adult gastroparesis.

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 28 patients who underwent minimally invasive pyloroplasty alone as treatment for gastroparesis from Jan 2007 to Sept 2010. Pre- and postoperative symptom severity score (SSS), gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES), and medication use were reviewed.

A laparoscopic Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty was performed in 26 patients. A laparoscopic assisted, flexible trans-oral endoscopic circular stapled pyloroplasty was used in two patients. Prokinetic use was significantly reduced from 89% to 14% (p = <0.0001). The mean GES T1/2 decreased from 320 to 112 min (p = 0.001) and normalized in 71%. Significant improvements in the SSS were seen at 1 month for nausea (p = <0.0001), vomiting (p = <0.0001), bloating (p = 0.0023), abdominal pain (p = <0.0001), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms (p = 0.0143). Significant improvement persisted at 3 months for nausea (p = <0.0001), vomiting (p = <0.0001), bloating (p = 0.0004), abdominal pain (p = 0.0001) and GERD symptoms (p = 0.013). The average length of stay was 3.71 days. Overall, 83% of patients' indicated that they saw improvement at 1 month follow-up.

Minimally invasive pyloroplasty provides excellent outcomes for patients with gastroparesis and should be considered as a primary treatment along with diet and medications as it is effective and does not eliminate the option for additional surgical options in the future for refractory disease. With technological advancements, a totally endoscopic pyloroplasty may be a less invasive option.