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Written question asked by Lord Hay of Ballyore (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 February 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Thursday, 29 January 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Gastroparesis: Surgery

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government why patients in England who suffer from gastroparesis cannot receive gastric pacemaker surgery on the NHS.

Answer

NHS England does not routinely commission gastric pacemaker surgery, also known as gastro electrical stimulation, for the treatment of gastroparesis. This is because a detailed evidence review conducted in 2016 concluded that there was insufficient robust clinical evidence to demonstrate that the procedure is both clinically effective and cost‑effective for patients.

In 2021, NHS England reviewed the position relating to the surgical insertion of gastric electrical stimulators for the treatment of refractory gastroparesis. The Clinical Panel noted that whilst the evidence base presented was newer, it was still not a strong enough clinical evidence base to prompt a review of the existing policy position.

NHS England continues to keep the evidence base for specialised treatments under review, and any future commissioning decisions would be informed by new, high‑quality evidence demonstrating clear clinical and cost‑effectiveness.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL13739
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Surgery Gastroparesis
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk