Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026
08:17
Autonomous and Rechargeable Microneurostimulator Endoscopically Implantable into the Submucosa
Published on: September 27, 2018
8.8K
Gastric Electrical Stimulation Reduces Refractory Vomiting in a Randomized Crossover Trial
Philippe Ducrotte1, Benoit Coffin2, Bruno Bonaz3
1Rouen University Hospital-Inserm UMR 1073/Inserm CIC-CRB 1404, Rouen, France.
Gastroenterology
|October 25, 2019
Summary
Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) effectively reduced refractory vomiting in patients with or without diabetes. However, this treatment did not improve gastric emptying or quality of life in the study participants.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Devices
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Conflicting results exist regarding the efficacy of gastric electrical stimulation (GES) for refractory vomiting.
- Gastroparesis often co-occurs with refractory vomiting, complicating treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of GES in patients experiencing refractory vomiting, with or without gastroparesis.
- To assess the impact of GES on vomiting frequency, quality of life, gastric emptying, and diabetes control.
Main Methods:
- A large, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial involving 172 patients with chronic refractory vomiting.
- Patients received 4 months of active GES followed by 4 months of no stimulation, or vice versa.
- Primary endpoints included vomiting scores and quality of life (Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index); secondary endpoints covered digestive symptoms, nutritional status, gastric emptying, and diabetes control.
Main Results:
- Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) significantly reduced vomiting scores compared to the control (no stimulation) in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
- Vomiting scores improved with GES in patients with both delayed and normal gastric emptying.
- No significant acceleration of gastric emptying was observed during the active GES period compared to the inactive period.
Conclusions:
- Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is effective in reducing the frequency of refractory vomiting in patients with or without diabetes.
- GES did not demonstrate an ability to accelerate gastric emptying or improve the quality of life in the studied population.
- Further research may be needed to optimize GES parameters for improving gastric motility and overall patient well-being.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
502
Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed across the GI tract, vagal afferents, and key CNS regions including the central vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) Chemotherapy agents stimulate enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to release large amounts of substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide released by specific sensory nerves in response to many different stressors, including those in the GI mucosa affected by chemotherapy. SP binds and activates...
502
01:27Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
558
5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as dolasetron, granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), and palonosetron (Axoli), are crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea. These drugs selectively block 5-HT3 receptors in the visceral vagal and spinal afferent nerves, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and the vomiting center. They have a rapid onset of action and can be given as a single dose before chemotherapy. Ondansetron and granisetron, in particular,...
558
01:16Gastric Emptying
3.2K
Gastric emptying occurs when the stomach gradually releases chyme into the duodenum. When the stomach is distended, it triggers the release of gastrin, a hormone that promotes gastric acid secretion to aid in digestion. Additionally, stomach distension contributes to peristaltic waves that propel gastric contents toward the pyloric region. The gastroenteric reflex, on the other hand, primarily stimulates peristalsis in the intestines, facilitating the movement of contents further along the...
3.2K
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
638
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
638
01:22Pathophysiology of Vomiting
2.6K
Vomiting is a complex physiological response to expel harmful or irritating substances from the body. It's a defensive mechanism triggered by stimuli like poisons, microbial toxins, cytotoxic drugs, and mechanical abdominal distension. The process is centrally coordinated by the vomiting (or emetic) center located in the medulla of the brainstem. This area, rich in muscarinic M1, histamine H1, neurokinin 1 (NK1), and serotonin 5-HT3 receptors, coordinates the act of vomiting through...
2.6K
01:30Electroconvulsive Therapy
738
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or shock therapy, remains a critical biomedical intervention for severe, treatment-resistant depression. While its origins can be traced back to Hippocrates' observations that malaria-induced convulsions alleviated mental illness, modern ECT has evolved significantly from its earlier, more primitive applications. First introduced in 1938 by Ugo Cerletti and his colleagues, ECT involves inducing controlled seizures using electrical currents. In its early...
738