Percutaneous Electroneurostimulation of Dermatome T6 for Appetite Reduction and Weight Loss in Morbidly Obese Patients

Percutaneous Electroneurostimulation of Dermatome T6 for Appetite Reduction and Weight Loss in Morbidly Obese Patients

Based on the creation of a somato-autonomic reflex, the stimulation of sensory nerve terminals located in dermatome T6 may cause a reflex, whose efferent pathways end in vagal nerve branches stimulating the gastric wall, similarly to the gastric pacemaker.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of percutaneous electroneurostimulation (PENS) of T6 dermatome on appetite, weight loss and dietary compliance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients candidates to bariatric surgery
• BMI > 40 Kg/m2 or a BMI > 35 Kg/m2 with comorbidities associated to the obesity status
• Failure of dietary treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• untreated endocrine disease causing obesity
• serious psychiatric illness.