Northwell’s Mather Hospital, announced it has successfully performed New York State’s first Magnetic Duodenal Ileostomy (MagDiTM) procedure on October 1, marking a significant advancement in minimally invasive bariatric and gastrointestinal surgery. This revolutionary technique, which uses magnets to create an intestinal connection without cutting, stitching, or stapling, was performed on a patient experiencing acid reflux and insufficient weight loss after a previous sleeve gastrectomy. Mather Hospital is also among the first in the Eastern United States to offer this cutting-edge treatment.
“The MagDiTM procedure represents a remarkable leap forward in surgical innovation,” said Arif Ahmad, MD, FACS, director of bariatric and robotic surgery, Mather Hospital. “By eliminating the need for incisions, sutures, or staples at the joint we’ve significantly advanced patient safety and comfort. The result is a minimally invasive approach that virtually removes the risk of bleeding or leakage ushering in a new era for gastrointestinal surgery.”
Unlike traditional approaches that require incisions, sutures, or staples, MagDiTM involves the patient swallowing a specialized magnetic capsule, which is then precisely guided and joined with another magnet inserted via an endoscope. These two powerful magnets gently compress the intestinal walls, allowing scar tissue to naturally form a secure and permanent connection over approximately three weeks.
“Our early use of MagDiTM is transforming care for patients who’ve previously had sleeve gastrectomy but continue to face issues like reflux or inadequate weight loss,” said Ashish Agarwala, DO, bariatric surgeon, Mather Hospital. “What makes this procedure so groundbreaking is how it uses the body’s own healing response to form the connection, rather than relying on traditional surgical techniques. This translates to a safer, more natural recovery process something we’re incredibly proud to offer to our patients.”
Globally, more than 350 MagDiTM procedures have been successfully performed. The procedure received FDA approval for use in the U.S. last year, having first been established in other countries. The primary measures of success for MagDi patients include significant weight loss achieved without complications, improved quality of life, and the promise of virtually zero bleeding, leaking, or infection at the joint. While the magnetic joint forms within 2-3 weeks, the full extent of weight loss and long-term benefits are typically assessed over a year.
The use of the magnet to create this anastomosis also avoids the need for more invasive procedures such as the SADI (single-anastomosis duodenoileostomy) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. In the future, the use of this technology will undoubtedly be expanded to a larger number of procedures spanning the entire spectrum of gastrointestinal surgery.
“Mather Hospital is dedicated to being at the forefront of surgical innovation, providing our community with the most advanced, least invasive treatment options available,” said Kevin McGeachy, president, Mather Hospital. “We are incredibly honored and privileged to be the first in New York State to introduce this FDA-approved technology. This achievement underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical care and delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
For more information on Mather’s bariatrics program click here.