Weight-Loss Procedure At Saint James Hospital Broadcast Live To International Specialists
Saint James Hospital broadcast a combined weight-loss procedure live to international medical specialists attending the MedTech World conference in Valletta on Thursday.
The procedure, performed on a female patient at the hospital in Sliema, was transmitted as part of MedTech World Europe 2026, which brought together healthcare professionals, researchers and medical technology experts.
Led by Prof. Christina Stier in collaboration with Dr Andrea Formiga, the procedure combined two minimally invasive techniques aimed at reducing stomach capacity and regulating appetite.
Unlike conventional gastric sleeve surgery, which involves removing part of the stomach, the combined treatment was carried out entirely through the mouth, without external incisions.
The first technique, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), uses specialised instruments to place internal stitches that fold the stomach inward, reducing its capacity by approximately 70%. This allows patients to feel full after eating smaller portions.
The second technique, Gastric Mucosal Ablation (GMA), uses controlled heat to treat part of the stomach lining responsible for producing hormones that regulate appetite.
Combining the two techniques aims to address both food intake and hunger, potentially offering another treatment option for people living with obesity.
The procedure may also benefit patients with obesity-related conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnoea.
Saint James Hospital CEO Jean Claude Muscat described the broadcast as a proud moment for the hospital, praising the doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals involved.
He said the event reflected the hospital's ambition to strengthen its position in healthcare both locally and internationally.
Credit: Saint James Hospital
