Who is Enterra Therapy suitable for?

Adults aged 18–70 with confirmed gastroparesis whose chronic nausea and vomiting have not responded to standard treatments. Suitability is determined through a specialist assessment.

Will I need an MRI again?

Some Enterra devices have MRI compatibility under specific conditions. Discuss MRI conditional models with your consultant if this is important to you.

The Therapy · UK Information

Enterra® Therapy explained.

Q: Will Enterra Therapy cure my gastroparesis?

It is not a cure but a treatment option that can significantly reduce nausea and vomiting and improve quality of life when other approaches have not worked.

Q: How long does the procedure take?

The implantation is typically a laparoscopic procedure under general anaesthetic. Hospital stays are short and recovery is comparatively quick.

Enterra Therapy is the first and only therapy approved in Europe specifically for chronic, medication-resistant nausea and vomiting associated with gastroparesis – delivered by a small implanted gastric stimulator.

On this page: how the therapy works, who it is for, what the implantation involves – and how to find out whether it could be right for you. Free, no-obligation enquiry at a UK partner clinic.

CE-marked in Europe Minimally invasive Adjustable & reversible 2 UK partner clinics

Sending an enquiry is free. Private consultation fees apply only if you decide to book an appointment with the consultant.

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What is it?

A minimally invasive, device-based treatment.

Enterra® Therapy is designed for patients whose gastroparesis symptoms persist despite dietary adjustments, medications and lifestyle changes. At its heart lies a small implantable stimulator, placed under the skin in the abdomen and connected to leads positioned on the stomach wall.

This device delivers gentle electrical impulses that modulate the stomach's neuromuscular activity, improving motility and reducing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The therapy was developed after recognition that when nerves controlling the stomach – in particular the vagus nerve – are damaged or underperforming, muscle contractions of the stomach become weak and uncoordinated.

By providing targeted stimulation, the Enterra system seeks to restore more normal gastric emptying, relieve discomfort and improve nutritional absorption.

Who is it for?

Suitability criteria

Enterra® Therapy is indicated in Europe for adults aged 18 to 70 years with chronic, medication-resistant nausea and vomiting associated with gastroparesis. Suitability is established through a multidisciplinary assessment.

✓Confirmed diagnosis of gastroparesis – typically via a gastric emptying scintigraphy or equivalent motility study.
✓Persistent symptoms – nausea, vomiting, bloating, early satiety or pain – that have not responded to dietary changes, pro-motility or anti-nausea medications and lifestyle interventions.
✓Medically stable and able to undergo a minor surgical procedure under general anaesthetic.
✓Significant impact on quality of life, e.g. frequent hospital admissions, poor nutrition, weight loss or dependence on enteral feeding.

Ideal candidates often include people with diabetic gastroparesis where nerve damage has been documented, post-surgical gastroparesis after stomach or vagus-nerve surgery, and idiopathic gastroparesis when symptoms are refractory.

How does it work?

Electrical modulation of stomach activity.

Once the device is implanted, leads are positioned on the gastric wall and the stimulator beneath the abdominal skin delivers programmed impulses at specific frequencies, durations and amplitudes. These impulses engage neural circuits and smooth muscle within the stomach, improving the coordination of contractions and accelerating gastric emptying.

When the stomach empties more effectively, symptoms such as persistent nausea, vomiting and early fullness often become milder, allowing improved meal consumption and better nutritional intake. At the same time the therapy can reduce the distension and discomfort caused by retained gastric food.

The treatment does not rely solely on the device. After implantation, patients attend regular follow-up to adjust stimulation parameters, review symptom diaries and work with dietitians to optimise meal patterns.

The journey

From assessment to recovery

A typical Enterra® Therapy pathway in four stages.

Assessment

Comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation: gastric emptying study, symptom scoring, nutritional status, surgical and anaesthetic review.

Implantation

A minimally invasive (usually laparoscopic) procedure under general anaesthetic. Hospital stays are short and recovery comparatively quick.

Programming

The device is activated and the stimulation parameters fine-tuned at follow-up appointments – tailored to your symptoms and response.

Long-term care

Ongoing dietitian support, symptom diaries and regular reviews. Some patients see rapid improvement; others gradually over months.

Outcomes & expectations

What to expect

Enterra® Therapy has shown beneficial outcomes in many patients, but it is important to set realistic expectations. Some people experience rapid improvement in symptoms; others gradually over months. A small proportion may require additional interventions (for example pyloroplasty or other surgical options) if stomach emptying remains severely impaired.

Success requires adherence: smaller meals, low-fat and low-fibre diets, avoidance of foods that delay gastric emptying and modest physical activity after meals (gentle walking) all support the therapy's effectiveness. For patients with diabetic gastroparesis, controlling blood glucose remains crucial, as poor glycaemic control undermines gastric motility.

The therapy is not a cure for gastroparesis. It is a sophisticated assistive technology that supports your stomach's natural function, complements medical and dietary care, and gives you a chance for more confident eating, fewer hospital visits and improved quality of life.

UK Partner Clinics

Where to start in the UK

Two specialist centres of excellence offering Enterra® Therapy. Pick whichever location is more convenient – or use the general enquiry above and we'll guide you.

Manchester

The Spire Manchester Hospital

Mr Paul Goldsmith, Consultant General Surgeon · specialising in upper-GI motility & gastroparesis.

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Kent

Nuffield Tunbridge Wells Hospital

Mr Nick Boyle, Consultant Surgeon · among the first to use Enterra® Therapy in the UK.

Visit clinic page

Frequently asked questions

About Enterra® Therapy

What is Enterra® Therapy?

Enterra Therapy is a minimally invasive, device-based treatment for chronic, medication-resistant nausea and vomiting associated with gastroparesis. A small stimulator is implanted in the abdomen and delivers electrical impulses to the stomach wall via two leads.

Who is it suitable for?

Adults aged 18–70 with confirmed gastroparesis (typically diabetic, post-surgical or idiopathic) whose chronic nausea and vomiting have not responded to standard dietary, lifestyle and medication treatments. Suitability is determined through a specialist assessment.

Will Enterra Therapy cure my gastroparesis?

No, it is not a cure – but it is a treatment option that can significantly reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting and improve quality of life when other approaches have not worked.

How long does the implant procedure take?

The implantation is typically a laparoscopic (key-hole) procedure under general anaesthetic. Hospital stays are short and recovery is comparatively quick. Your consultant will explain everything in detail before you decide.

How long until I see improvement?

Some patients notice changes within weeks; for many, improvement comes gradually over months as the stimulation parameters are optimised at follow-up.

Is the therapy reversible?

Yes. The device can be turned off, reprogrammed or surgically removed if needed, although removal is uncommon.

Will I be able to have an MRI scan?

Some Enterra devices have MRI compatibility under specific conditions. Please discuss MRI conditional models with your consultant if MRI access is important to you.

How is Enterra Therapy paid for in the UK?

Sending an enquiry and the first call-back from the clinic team are free of charge. If you decide to book an appointment to see the consultant, the usual private consultation fees apply. Treatment costs vary by individual circumstances and are discussed openly during your appointment — some patients are funded privately, others through specific NHS pathways. The clinic team will explain all options upfront so there are no surprises.