Saint James Hospital broadcast a combined weight-loss procedure to international medical specialists attending the MedTech World conference in Valletta on Thursday, allowing them to follow the treatment as it was performed at the hospital in Sliema.

In a first for the hospital, the procedure on a female patient was transmitted live as part of MedTech World Europe 2026, which brought together healthcare professionals, researchers and medical technology experts in Malta.

Performed by Prof. Christina Stier, in collaboration with Dr Andrea Formiga, it combined two minimally invasive techniques designed to reduce the size of the stomach and stave off hunger.

Saint James Hospital CEO Jean Claude Muscat said: “This day marks a truly proud moment for us. Having the opportunity to showcase our hospital, and medical local and foreign specialists working on the international stage is an honour and a testament to the high standards of care and professionalism we strive for every day.”

“What makes this achievement particularly special is the incredible teamwork behind this; the doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals and support teams whose commitment, hard work and collaboration made this event such a success.”

Unlike conventional gastric sleeve surgery, which involves removing part of the stomach, the treatment was performed entirely through the mouth, without external incisions.

The first technique, known as Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), involves passing a flexible tube fitted with a camera through the mouth and into the stomach. Using specialised instruments, the doctor places internal stitches that fold the stomach inward, reducing its capacity by approximately 70 per cent, and helping patients feel full after eating smaller portions.

The second technique, Gastric Mucosal Ablation (GMA), uses controlled heat to treat part of the stomach lining, particularly the upper section responsible for producing hormones that regulate appetite.

The aim of combining the two techniques is to address the amount of food a patient can consume and the feeling of hunger, potentially offering an additional option for people struggling with obesity.

The combined treatment can also help patients with obesity-related conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnoea.

Mr Muscat added: “It is moments like these that remind us of what we can achieve together and reinforce our ambition to continue positioning Saint James Hospital at the forefront of healthcare excellence, both locally and internationally.”