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Receiving an Enterra® System

Getting ready for your Enterra System

If you and your doctor have decided that Enterra Therapy is right for you, this page will give you an idea of what to expect before, during and after your implantation procedure.

Before surgery, your doctor will explain the implantation procedure in detail.

Before your procedure

Before surgery, your doctor will explain the implantation procedure in detail. Be sure to ask questions and share any concerns you or your loved ones may have.

Together, you and your doctor will discuss the best locations for incisions and placement of the Enterra System Neurostimulator and leads based on your medical history, individual anatomy, and personal preferences.

Your doctor will try to place your Enterra System in an area that’s comfortable and cosmetically acceptable to you.

During your procedure

Implanting the Enterra System typically takes from 1 to 2 hours under general anesthesia. 

Your doctor will choose one of two surgical techniques to implant the Enterra System, based on personal preference and your medical needs: 

  1. Laparotomy or “open approach,” in which surgery is performed through a small abdominal incision, or 
  2. Laparoscopy, in which special surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions

During surgery, the electrode at the tip of each lead is placed in the wall of your stomach muscles. The neurostimulator is placed in a pocket just beneath your skin, usually below the rib cage and above the belt line in the lower abdominal region. The leads are connected to the neurostimulator, and the pocket is sutured closed. 

There are risks related to the surgical procedure (including infection, discomfort, or bruising) as well as the therapy and devices. For more information, see Benefits & Risks

After your procedure

After you receive your Enterra System, your doctor will use the external clinician programmer to customise the level of stimulation that’s right for you. Programming is noninvasive and can be done in the hospital or in your doctor’s office. If you have another implanted medical device, your doctor will follow special programming considerations.

The information provided on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for your individual situation.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

The Enterra® Therapy System for gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is indicated for the treatment of chronic intractable (drug refractory) nausea and vomiting secondary to gastroparesis. This system has not been evaluated for pregnant women, for use in patients under the age of 18, or patients over the age of 70. Patients should always discuss potential risks and benefits with their clinician.