Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Introduces Magnet-Based Weight-Loss Procedure
<h3>Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Pioneers Magnet-Based Weight-Loss Technique</h3><p>Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has achieved another medical milestone by performing a cutting-edge magnet-based procedure designed to help patients who experience weight regain after bariatric surgery. This innovative approach, conducted in collaboration with GT Metabolic, represents a new chapter in tackling obesity—a condition that continues to affect millions globally.</p><p>The hospital’s Digestive Disease Institute successfully carried out the minimally invasive technique on patients who had previously undergone sleeve gastrectomy but later struggled with weight gain. The new method offers a safer, quicker, and less invasive alternative to traditional revision surgeries.</p><h3>Addressing the Challenge of Weight Regain</h3><p>For many patients, bariatric surgery is a life-changing solution that helps reduce obesity-related complications. However, some patients regain weight over time, creating new medical and emotional challenges. Traditional revision surgeries can be complex, risky, and involve long recovery periods.</p><p>The new magnetic anastomosis technique introduces a novel solution. Doctors place two rare earth magnets—one in the stomach and the other in the ileum (the last part of the small intestine). Over a period of two to four weeks, the magnets gradually move closer, creating a natural connection between the two organs. Once the connection is formed, the magnets are naturally expelled from the body.</p><p>Because the procedure avoids cutting, stapling, or suturing, patients face fewer risks of infection, bleeding, or complications. Most patients can return home the next day, experiencing minimal discomfort and faster recovery compared to traditional surgical interventions.</p><h3>Expert Insights from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi</h3><p>Dr Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of this development, saying:<br>“Weight regain after bariatric surgery is a serious challenge. This new procedure offers patients renewed hope and reflects our ongoing commitment to adopting technologies that improve long-term health outcomes.”</p><p>Dr John Rodriguez, Interim Chief of the Digestive Disease Institute, who led the procedure with support from Dr Carlos Abril and the surgical team, explained:<br>“Weight regain is not about willpower but about the chronic nature of obesity. Our responsibility as physicians is to provide safe, effective options that support patients for the long term. This technique delivers a targeted, minimally invasive solution.”</p><p>Dr Abril added:<br>“By using magnets, we can achieve a secure, natural connection without surgical cuts. It reduces risks, shortens recovery, and provides patients with a second chance to regain control of their health. It’s a step towards more personalized bariatric care.”</p><h3>A Decade of Innovation in the UAE</h3><p>This breakthrough comes as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi celebrates its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the hospital has positioned itself as a leader in advanced care, performing thousands of complex surgeries and procedures across specialties.</p><p>In 2024 alone, the Digestive Disease Institute carried out over 345 advanced bariatric surgeries, while the hospital overall managed more than 11,800 surgical and procedural cases. This reflects both the rising demand for specialized treatments and the hospital’s expertise in handling complex health conditions.</p><p>The hospital has also pioneered other medical firsts in the UAE, including robotic surgeries, advanced organ transplants, and minimally invasive procedures to treat neurological and cardiovascular conditions. This latest achievement further strengthens its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge medical care in the region.</p><h3>Looking Ahead: Tackling Obesity with Innovation</h3><p>Obesity remains one of the most pressing health challenges in the Middle East and worldwide. According to regional studies, obesity rates continue to climb, leading to higher risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and reduced life expectancy.</p><p>The magnet-based weight-loss procedure could become a key option for patients who have limited choices after initial bariatric surgery. By offering a safer, faster, and less invasive alternative, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is giving new hope to patients who previously faced few solutions.</p><p>The hospital’s leadership has made clear that this procedure is not just about weight loss but about improving overall quality of life. By reducing complications, shortening hospital stays, and empowering patients to maintain healthier lifestyles, the hospital is setting new standards for obesity management in the UAE and beyond.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The pioneering magnet-based weight-loss procedure at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi represents a transformative step in bariatric care. By combining innovation, patient-centered approaches, and advanced medical expertise, the hospital is addressing one of the most persistent challenges in obesity management—weight regain after surgery.</p><p>As this clinical trial progresses, the technique could pave the way for widespread adoption, offering patients across the region and the world a safer, more effective path to lasting health improvements.</p>