With the launch of a new procedure, Tunbridge Wells Hospital has become one of only a few centres in the country offering three advanced treatment options for weight loss surgery.

The team at the hospital, part of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) successfully completed the first endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty on Thursday 3 July.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure which makes the size of the stomach smaller, and is done by passing an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) into your mouth and down to your stomach.

The surgeon uses a tiny suturing device to stitch together parts of the stomach, changing it into a sleeve shape and reducing its size.

This creates a sense of fullness and reduces the amount of food that can be eaten at one time.

The procedure is done under general anaesthetic, and is designed to be a day-case procedure, which can mean quicker recovery times for patients and could also help improve waiting times in the future.

After the procedure, patients receive support from specialist dietetic teams, as with any bariatric (weight loss) surgery, to help achieve long-term weight loss.

The development of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty adds to the range of specialist weight management treatments provided by the Trust, allowing care to be personalised more closely to each patient’s needs and preferences.

Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgeon, Mr Matyas Fehervari said: “With our first endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty now complete, our unit is proud to be one of the few bariatric centres in the UK offering all three advanced treatment options: laparoscopic, endoscopic and robotic. It’s a big step forward in delivering truly minimally-invasive, patient-focused care.

“This was very much a collaborative achievement — a shared effort between the bariatric surgeons and our wider multidisciplinary team. I’m especially proud to have been part of such a dedicated surgical group, where innovation and teamwork go hand in hand.”