Neurostimulation for the Treatment of Post-Operative Ileus

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of neurostimulation in the epidural space in the spine on the activity of the enteric nervous system (ENS). ElectroCore has successfully studied POI in an animal model and believes that temporary neurostimulation of the spine may be useful in re-starting the ENS in humans, resulting in the resumption of coherent GI motility in the gut and normal bowel function in a shorter period of time than currently occurs. Electrical pulses will be used to modulate the signals that may be preventing a return to normal GI activity. This device and procedure used in this study are similar to the system and procedure used to implant the temporary trial stimulator used evaluate the effectiveness of spine pain stimulation prior to implantation of the permanent device.