Guide to Gastric Electrical Stimulation (GES)
Gastric Electrical Stimulation (GES) uses an electrical signal from an implanted device to stimulate the muscles of the stomach and move food into the small intestines more efficiently.
Key Facts
- Gastric Electrical Stimulation (GES) is used to treat gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach does not contract properly, delaying the emptying of its contents into the small intestine.
- The Enterra device is implanted into a pocket in your abdominal wall / subcutaneous tissues, and its leads directly into the stomach wall via minimally invasive surgery to help deliver the electrical signals to improve stomach motility and stimulate the movement of food from the stomach into your small intestine more effectively
- The Enterra device can be further adjusted or turned off without additional procedures using an external device.
- Future battery replacements for the device can be done through a much smaller procedure than the original implantation.
What is Gastric Stimulation?
Gastric Electrical Stimulation (GES) is a treatment that uses an electrical signal to encourage the stomach to empty its contents into the small intestine more effectively.
What is GES Used to Treat?
Gastric Electrical Stimulation (GES) is a treatment for gastroparesis, where the stomach delays emptying its contents into the small intestine. This delay in emptying can cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Feeling full
- Pain
- Weight loss
Who Choses GES?
Gastroparesis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management to improve symptoms. GES is a treatment option for people who have not responded to other therapies, such as medication or changes in diet.
How is the GES Device Implanted?
GES requires a minimally invasive procedure that is ambulatory (does not typically require in-hospital stay).
- A small neurostimulator device called the Enterra is implanted just under the skin in the abdomen.
- Two wires that run from the Enterra to the stomach send electrical pulses to continuously stimulate the smooth muscles of the stomach to improve its motility.
Once implanted, a doctor can adjust the Enterra device using an external controller to tailor the level of stimulation for improved symptom control.
How Does the Procedure Help to Treat Gastroparesis?
The electrical pulses delivered by the Enterra device can help the stomach empty more efficiently and reliably.
What Kind of Anesthesia is Used for GES Surgery?
The Enterra device is implanted under general anesthesia.
Am I a Candidate for GES?
If you've been diagnosed with gastroparesis associated with diabetes or other causes and have not had success controlling your symptoms with other strategies, you may be a candidate for GES.
How Do I Prepare for GES Surgery?
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to help make your procedure more successful. These may include discontinuing certain medications and adjusting your diet in the days before surgery.
What is Recovery Like After GES Surgery?
After your procedure, you may feel some local pain or discomfort at the incision site for a few weeks. Your doctor will help you manage any pain if it becomes severe. Your surgeon will also provide guidance for adjustment to your diet to help you manage any remaining symptoms. Your doctor will tell you when it's safe to return to normal daily activities.
After the procedure, you will meet regularly with your care team to monitor your response to the Enterra device and make any necessary adjustments to the level of stimulation.
How Much Will My Symptoms Improve?
Clinical studies have shown that GES with the Enterra device can significantly improve symptoms in a majority of patients with gastroparesis. While individual results can vary depending on the severity of symptoms, studies indicate that 70-90% of patients experience substantial relief, including a 50-75% reduction of symptoms.
Will I Feel the Electrical Stimulation?
Most people do not feel the stimulation. If you notice any long-lasting or uncomfortable stimulation in your abdominal area, contact your doctor to have the level of stimulation adjusted.
How Long Will the Benefits of GES Last?
The battery life of the Enterra device can last about 5-10 years, depending on the level of stimulation required. When the battery in the device wears out, you will need another procedure to replace the device.
Next Steps
If you'd like to learn more about having Gastric Electrical Stimulation surgery, our team at Columbia is here to help. Call us at (212) 305-3408 or complete our online appointment request form. We accept a number of insurance plans, and our team can help confirm your coverage.