Probable Benefits and Risks
Gastroparesis
If you have chronic nausea and vomiting from gastroparesis, and medication has not worked well enough, talk with a specialist about the probable benefits and risks of gastric electrical stimulation and whether this therapy may be right for you.
A clinical study (WAVESS – Worldwide Anti-Vomiting Electrical Stimulation Study1) using the Enterra™ neurostimulator for treating nausea and vomiting has shown that most, but not all, patients have some relief of their vomiting symptoms.
Reversible
Unlike other surgical options, therapy with gastric electrical stimulation is reversible. Using the external clinician programmer, therapy can be turned on and off at any time without surgery. The device can also be removed from the body.
Risks
Gastric electrical stimulation does not work for everyone.
Enterra™ Therapy requires surgery and has risks which may include infection, bleeding, bruising, and pain at the implant site.
Adverse events related to the Enterra™ system may include implant site pain, lead penetration, bowel obstruction or perforation, lead entanglement or erosion, irritation/inflammation over implant site and device mechanical or electrical problems. Any of these situations may require additional surgery or cause return of symptoms. For additional safety information, please refer to the Important Safety Information.
Reference
1
Abell T, McCallum R, Hocking M, et al. Gastric electrical stimulation for medically refractory gastroparesis. Gastroenterology. August 2003;125(2):421-428.
The Enterra™ Therapy system for gastric electrical stimulation is authorised for use in treatment of chronic intractable (drug refractory) nausea and vomiting secondary to gastroparesis of diabetic or idiopathic etiology. The effectiveness of this device for this use has not been demonstrated.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.