Wisconsin's Enterra Therapy Experience: A multi-institutional review of gastric electrical stimulation for medically refractory gastroparesis

Abstract

Gastric electrical stimulation is a treatment for symptoms of diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis refractory to medical management. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of gastric electrical stimulation in the state of Wisconsin during a more than 10-year period. Data were collected prospectively from patients undergoing implantation of the gastric electrical stimulation to initiate gastric electrical stimulation therapy at two Wisconsin institutions from 2005-2017. The Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index was administered during clinical encounters and over the phone preoperatively and postoperatively. A total of 119 patients received gastric electrical stimulation therapy (64 diabetic and 55 idiopathic). All devices were placed laparoscopically. Mean follow-up was 34.1 ± 27.2 months in diabetic and 44.7 ± 26.2 months in idiopathic patients. A total of 18 patients died during the study interval (15.1%). No mortalities were device-related. Diabetics had the greatest rate of mortality (25%; mean interval of 17 ± 3 months post implantation). GCSI scores improved, and prokinetic and narcotic medication use decreased significantly at ≥1 year. Satisfaction scores were high. Gastric electrical stimulation therapy led to the improvement of symptoms of gastroparesis and a better quality of life. Patients were able to decrease the use of prokinetic and narcotic medications and achieve long-term satisfaction. Diabetic patients who develop symptomatic gastroparesis have a high mortality rate over time.