Gastric Electrical Stimulation
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Gastric Electrical Stimulation (Gastric Pacemaker)
Severe gastroparesis is a disabling condition. Diabetes remains a common cause for this disorder but many other diseases can lead to gastroparesis. Various medical measures are tried first but in spite of these, some patients have to be dependent upon supplementary enteric feeding usually through a jejunostomy tube. They continue to suffer from a feeling of fullness and nausea and oral intake is limited. A frequent change of feeding tube is required.
Recently, Enterra System developed by Medtronic has become available. It involves insertion of two electrodes in to the muscular wall of the stomach. They are connected to an electrical generator placed in a subcutaneous pocket in the abdominal wall. The generator setting can be changed through a remote device. The Enterra system is currently approved by FDA only on compassionate basis. Since April 2005, this procedure has been successfully performed at MeritCare. Learn more about the gastric electrical stimulation procedure in Valley Health Journal or call (701) 234-3400.
©2009 MeritCare Health System, P.O. Box MC, Fargo, ND 58122