Enterra Therapy is a small, implanted device used to help manage symptoms of gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach does not empty food properly. When the stomach empties slowly, food can remain for too long and lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, early fullness, bloating, poor appetite, and weight loss.

The Enterra device is similar in size to a cardiac pacemaker and is placed under the skin of the abdomen. It sends mild electrical signals to the stomach through thin wires attached to the stomach wall. These signals help reduce symptoms of gastroparesis, especially nausea and vomiting. Enterra does not speed up stomach emptying; instead, it helps calm stomach activity and improve symptom control.

Who Enterra Therapy Is For

Enterra Therapy may be recommended for patients who:

  • Have severe nausea and vomiting due to gastroparesis
  • Have not improved with medication or dietary changes
  • Are not using opioid (narcotic) pain medications
  • Do not have abdominal pain as their main symptom

A temporary stimulation test may be used to help determine whether a patient is likely to benefit from the permanent device.

How the Device Is Placed

Enterra Therapy is placed during a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery under general anesthesia. Small electrodes are attached to the stomach muscle, and a battery-powered stimulator is placed under the skin of the abdomen. The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours, and most patients go home within 1–2 days.

The device settings can be adjusted during follow-up visits using an external programmer, without surgery or discomfort.

What Causes Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis can have several causes. It is commonly associated with diabetes but may also develop after stomach or intestinal surgery, viral infections, nerve disorders, or certain medications. In some cases, no clear cause is found; this is called idiopathic gastroparesis.

What Results Can Be Expected

Clinical studies show that about 3 out of 4 patients experience symptom improvement after Enterra Therapy. Nausea, early fullness, and loss of appetite often respond best.

Patients with diabetic gastroparesis may see greater improvement than those with other causes. Benefits may include fewer hospital visits, reduced medication use, improved nutrition, and better quality of life. Symptom improvement may take several weeks, and device adjustments may be needed over time.

Living With Enterra Therapy

The device works continuously and does not need to be turned on or off. The battery typically lasts several years and can be replaced with a minor procedure when needed.

Regular follow-up visits are required to monitor and adjust device settings. Patients should inform all healthcare providers that they have an implanted electrical stimulator, especially before MRI scans or other procedures. A device identification card should be carried at all times.

For questions or to learn more, please call 612-871-1145.