Enterra Therapy for Gastroparesis in Reno, Nevada

Enterra Therapy is an implanted gastric stimulator that reduces the chronic nausea and vomiting of gastroparesis when medications and diet changes have not worked. Dr. Kent Sasse, a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon, performs the procedure laparoscopically at Nevada Surgical in Reno. Most patients go home the same day, and initial consultations are available by telemedicine for patients across Nevada and neighboring states.

Ask whether you are a candidate   or call (775) 299-4302

What gastroparesis is

Gastroparesis means the stomach empties too slowly without any physical blockage. The most common causes are diabetes and idiopathic (unknown) causes; it can also follow viral illness or surgery. Symptoms include persistent nausea, vomiting, bloating, feeling full after a few bites, upper abdominal pain, unpredictable blood sugars, and weight loss. Diagnosis is confirmed with a gastric emptying study and an upper endoscopy to rule out obstruction.

How Enterra Therapy works

Enterra delivers mild electrical pulses through two thin leads placed in the muscle wall of the stomach. The stimulation acts on the nerves that carry nausea signals rather than forcing the stomach to empty faster, which is why patients typically notice less nausea and vomiting even when emptying studies do not change much. The device is FDA-authorized under a Humanitarian Device Exemption for chronic, drug-refractory nausea and vomiting from diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis and has been implanted in more than 20,000 patients since 2000.

Who is a candidate

• Adults 18 to 70 with gastroparesis from diabetes or of unknown cause
• Nausea and vomiting that persist despite dietary changes and medications such as metoclopramide, domperidone, or antiemetics
• No mechanical obstruction on endoscopy
• Able to tolerate general anesthesia and laparoscopic surgery

Dr. Sasse reviews your records, gastric emptying study, endoscopy, and treatment history before recommending Enterra. Patients with gastroparesis after prior stomach surgery, or with other motility disorders, are evaluated individually.

The procedure

Implantation is a minimally invasive laparoscopic operation under general anesthesia, usually one to two hours. The leads are secured in the stomach wall and connected to a neurostimulator placed under the skin of the abdomen. Most patients go home the same day or after one night. The device is activated and programmed at a follow-up visit, and settings are adjusted in the office over the following months with a handheld programmer, without further surgery.

Recovery and results

Light activity resumes within days and normal activity in two to three weeks. Improvement in nausea and vomiting is often gradual over weeks to months as settings are optimized. Enterra does not cure gastroparesis, and results vary, but many patients report fewer vomiting episodes, fewer hospital visits, better nutrition, and more predictable blood sugar control. The therapy is adjustable and reversible: it can be turned off or removed if it is not helping.

Insurance and cost

Medicare and many commercial plans cover Enterra Therapy when medical necessity criteria are met. Prior authorization is required, and our team manages that process and tells you what your plan needs before anything is scheduled.

Why Nevada Surgical

Dr. Sasse has 25 years of surgical practice and more than 20,000 procedures, including extensive experience with gastric surgery and neuromodulation (Enterra for the stomach and sacral neuromodulation for bowel and bladder). He is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Nevada School of Medicine and collaborates with the University of Nevada, Reno gastric motility physiology laboratory, whose work on the stomach's pacemaker cells was published in the Journal of Physiology in 2026. Nevada Surgical is the only practice in northern Nevada offering surgeon-led evaluation for both gastric and sacral neuromodulation.

For referring physicians

We welcome referrals from gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, and primary care physicians. Please send the gastric emptying study, most recent endoscopy report, medication history, and recent labs to [REFERRAL FAX / EMAIL]. We will see referred patients within [X] weeks and report back after every visit.

Frequently asked questions

What is Enterra Therapy?

Enterra Therapy is a small implanted device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the stomach wall (gastric electrical stimulation). It is FDA-authorized under a Humanitarian Device Exemption to reduce chronic, drug-refractory nausea and vomiting caused by diabetic or idiopathic gastroparesis. It has been in use in the United States since 2000 and has been implanted in more than 20,000 patients.

Who is a candidate for Enterra Therapy?

Adults 18 to 70 with a confirmed diagnosis of gastroparesis from diabetes or of unknown (idiopathic) cause, whose nausea and vomiting have not responded adequately to diet changes and medications. Dr. Sasse reviews your gastric emptying study, endoscopy, and medication history to determine candidacy.

How is the Enterra device implanted?

Through a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure under general anesthesia. Two thin leads are placed in the muscle wall of the stomach and connected to a neurostimulator the size of a small pocket watch, placed under the skin of the abdomen. The procedure typically takes one to two hours and most patients go home the same day or after one night.

What is recovery like after Enterra surgery?

Most patients return to light activity within a few days and normal activity within two to three weeks. The device is turned on and programmed at a follow-up visit, and settings are adjusted non-invasively in the office over the following months. Symptom improvement is often gradual over weeks to months.

Does insurance or Medicare cover Enterra Therapy?

Medicare and many commercial plans cover Enterra Therapy when medical necessity criteria are met, though coverage varies by plan and prior authorization is required. Our team handles the authorization process and will tell you what your plan requires before scheduling.

Is Enterra Therapy reversible?

Yes. The device can be turned off or surgically removed if it is not helping, and stimulation settings can be changed at any time without surgery.

How long does the Enterra battery last?

Battery life depends on stimulation settings and is typically several years. When the battery is depleted, the neurostimulator is replaced in a short outpatient procedure without disturbing the stomach leads.

Does Enterra Therapy cure gastroparesis?

No. Enterra Therapy is intended to reduce nausea and vomiting; it does not reliably speed gastric emptying and is not a cure. Many patients experience meaningful reduction in nausea, vomiting, and hospital visits, but results vary from patient to patient.

Who performs Enterra Therapy in Nevada?

Dr. Kent Sasse at Nevada Surgical in Reno performs Enterra Therapy implantation laparoscopically. Dr. Sasse is a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon with 25 years of practice, a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, and collaborates on gastric motility research with the University of Nevada, Reno physiology laboratory.

I live outside Reno. Can I be treated at Nevada Surgical?

Yes. Initial consultations can be done by telemedicine, and our out-of-town patient coordinator helps arrange records review, travel, and follow-up. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is about ten minutes from our office.

Request a gastroparesis consultation   or call (775) 299-4302