Gastric Stimulator

What is a gastric stimulator?

A gastric stimulator is a treatment option for nausea and a surgical treatment for gastroparesis.

If medications can’t control your nausea, Dr. Hughes can implant the Medtronic Enterra™ II gastric neurostimulator into your abdomen to treat your symptoms.

The stimulator delivers electrical pulses to your stomach nerves to increase their function. This helps you empty your stomach more efficiently to reduce nausea.

How does a gastric stimulator work?

The Enterra II gastric neurostimulator requires a minimally invasive surgical procedure to implant two electrodes into the lower third of your stomach.

Dr. Hughes connects the electrodes to a generator that he places under the skin in your abdominal wall near your navel. The generator produces the electrical currents needed to stimulate the nerves in your stomach to empty your stomach more efficiently. 

What can I expect during gastric stimulator surgery?

Using minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques, Dr. Hughes inserts the electrode leads into your stomach wall to restore function to the pacemaker and nerve cells that control your stomach. 

Fat covers the leads to prevent them from rubbing your abdomen and to prevent stray electricity from shocking your muscles.

During your procedure, Dr. Hughes also resects a portion of the stomach to count the number of pacemaker and nerve cells, so he can better determine which stimulator settings are right for you. He programs the stimulator to the lowest settings before closing your incisions.

How long does it take to see the results of a gastric stimulator?

After your surgery is complete, it will take up to a month to determine whether the lowest settings will control your symptoms. Dr. Hughes will see you one month after the operation to discuss your progress and adjust the stimulator if needed.

Adjustments are done with a programming device that lays on top of your skin with no surgery or pain involved. You will return for adjustments every 1-2 months until your symptoms are under control.

Risks of implantation surgery can include infection and the movement of the generator in your abdomen. You may also need a replacement surgery if the device fails or the leads move deeper into your stomach.

If gastric stimulation doesn’t work and you haven’t had a pyloroplasty, Dr. Hughes may recommend one. If you have both procedures without success, he can explore other medical therapies to help your body better respond to gastric stimulation.

To find out how gastric stimulation can work for you, call Vanguard Surgical LLC today.