By ELEANOR MAYNE

Last updated at 16:22 24 April 2007

It sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but doctors have made a remarkable medical breakthrough by using magnets outside the body to control surgical instruments inside it.







The experts say they were inspired to devise the revolutionary technique after seeing how teenagers use magnets inside their mouths to hold jewellery studs on their lips without piercings.

The method can significantly reduce the need for surgical incisions, meaning far less scarring and shorter recovery times.

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The technique involves putting tiny instruments and a camera into the body through a single incision or natural opening and then using magnets placed on the patient's skin to drag them to the right place.

Once in position, the instruments - which are still being developed - will be ordered by a radio signal to carry out whatever task the surgeons wants, such as cutting and cauterising.

They will, however, have to be kept at least an inch apart to avoid more than one being affected by the external magnets at any one time.

The system has been tested on animals with the removal of a kidney from a pig through a hole made in its navel.

Dr Jeffrey Cadeddu, professor of urology and radiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre in Dallas, explained: "Most surgical pain comes from cutting the skin and muscle, since that's where the nerves are. Even key-hole surgery can involve several incisions. If we can eliminate wounds we reduce the pain, which shortens recovery. Then there is the cosmetic issue - the fewer holes, the prettier it looks."

Other uses for the technique could include gall bladder surgery, appendix removal and gynaecological procedures. Human trials are planned for later this year.