Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center Providing Novel Gastroenterology Treatments

Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center launched a new comprehensive gastroenterology program providing patients access to specialized care, leading-edge surgical techniques, and advanced gastroenterology treatments. Under the leadership of Lee F. Peng, M.D., PhD, chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC), the academic medical center’s gastroenterologists specialize in conditions affecting the entire digestive system and work closely with a multidisciplinary team.

Advanced gastroenterology refers to a range of minimally invasive surgical treatments, endoscopic resection, and ‘third space endoscopy,’ designed to address various conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. This includes the liver, esophageal, pancreatic and colorectal cancers, liver diseases, and hepatitis, among other conditions. In many cases, the advanced gastroenterology team works collaboratively with Hackensack Meridian Health’s extensive Department of Surgery team to provide treatments. Additionally, the surgical team’s specialists provide advanced minimally invasive procedures treating early stage cancers, severe GERD, difficulty swallowing, and hernia repair, among others.

Gastroenterologist Douglas Weinstein, M.D., director of GI Motility, JSUMC, in collaboration with surgeon Seth Kipnis, M.D., FACS, FASMBS, director of Bariatric and Robotic Surgery, JSUMC, have been successfully treating patients suffering from gastroparesis with the novel technology gastric electrical stimulator therapy, made by Enterra. Gastroparesis is a medical condition consisting of a partial paralysis of the stomach, resulting in food remaining in the stomach for an abnormally long time. It impacts many people of all ages and genders.

31-year-old Cara Morelli, of Manalapan, NJ, is one of the first people to receive gastric electrical stimulator implantation at JSUMC. “Last December, I thought I had a stomach virus. I couldn't eat any food without becoming nauseous. This lasted for more than a few days and I wasn’t eating. When I saw my mom she said ‘you look terrible, we’re going to the ED!’” said Cara. “Soon, I was unable to eat or drink anything at all without vomiting.” Cara was admitted to the academic medical center and was receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) therapy. It was the only way she was able to receive nutrition and water she needed to maintain her bodily function.

After trying many intravenous medications without any symptom improvement and confirming her bowels were not obstructed, Allied Digestive’s Monmouth Gastroenterology diagnosed her with gastroparesis and consulted Dr. Weinstein’s team for more advanced motility care. “Normally, the stomach contracts to move food down into the small intestine for continued digestion. The vagus nerve controls these contractions,” said Dr. Weinstein. “Gastroparesis may occur when the vagus nerve is damaged and the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not properly function. Food then moves slowly, or in Cara’s case, stops moving through the digestive tract.”

“Obviously, I did not want to remain on TPN. After several conversations with Drs. Weinstein and Kipnis, and a successful temporary stimulator endoscopic trial, I opted to receive the stimulator therapy. They put me at ease, the surgery went well, and before long my symptoms almost completely disappeared,” said Cara. “I can eat and drink again now. I’ve even enjoyed steak! I’m very happy that I was able to receive this advanced treatment close to home, and grateful for the wonderful care provided by my doctors and nurses.”

Electrical stimulation therapy uses a system of short pulses of electricity from an implanted device. Studies of patients receiving Enterra Therapy have shown decreases in GI symptoms, hospitalizations, the use of prokinetic medication (used to treat gastroparesis), and medical costs. “The therapy works by stimulating the vagus nerve and the built-in pacemaker cells of the stomach, which are responsible for gastrointestinal nerve and muscle, among other bodily functions,” said Dr. Weinstein.

JSUMC, Hackensack Meridian JFK University and Hackensack University medical centers are the only hospitals in New Jersey with multidisciplinary gastroparesis teams that offer a complete array of therapies such as temporary stimulation, permanent stimulation and pyloric therapies like GPOEM and pyloroplasty.

“I’m thrilled our gastroenterology and surgical teams are now providing these advanced and specialized services, like electrical stimulation therapy, to our community,” said Vito Buccellato, MPA, LNHA, president and chief hospital executive, JSUMC. “This is great news for Monmouth and Ocean county residents and anyone in need of these specialized treatments.”

Other symptoms of gastroparesis include heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), changes in blood sugar levels, lack of appetite, excessive weight loss/gain and abdominal pain, among others.

“This is another highly specialized program of distinction at Jersey Shore, joining its exceptional neuroscience and neurosurgical, comprehensive cardiovascular, and general surgical services for children and adults,” said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, president, Acute Hospital Division, Hackensack Meridian Health.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a Top 10 hospital in New Jersey for 13 consecutive years, including #5 in N.J., #1 in Obstetrics & Gynecology services in the state, and high-performing in 17 specialties, procedures/conditions, for 2025-26. To make an appointment with a gastroenterologist, call 732-897-2770. For information about services, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/gastroenterology-and-nutrition.