A Bushey hospital was thrust into the social media spotlight on Saturday morning, when staff tweeted an operation, step-by-step.

Lead consultant bariatric surgeon, Pratik Sufi, performed a gastric bypass operation as staff conducted the UK’s first live tweet from surgery.

Using the hashtag #liveatbushey, Twitter users logged on to follow the procedure which began at about 8.15am.

Each step was tweeted until the patient was transferred to the recovery room about two and a half hours later.

Spire Bushey Hospital’s tweeter was in the operating theatre next to Mr Sufi’s support staff and gave clinical insight and clarification as the procedure was conducted, ensuring Mr Sufi was able to concentrate solely on the operation.

The patient decided to take part in the live tweet as they believed it would provide an educational opportunity for the public and help people understand the details of the surgery. They fully consented to the procedure, but have chosen to remain anonymous.

The procedure went as planned and Mr Sufi said he is confident the patient will make a full and fast recovery.

He said: "At Spire Bushey Hospital we understand that weight loss surgery can be an enormous step for anyone who is considering it.

"Any surgery is serious and comes with associated risks however; I know more people are considering weight loss surgery having tried so many other routes to lose weight first.

"We hope that by engaging with people through social media we have provided a service that not only gives detailed information of what happens as it happens, but it has demonstrated the skill and support of the multidisciplinary team that is here to help our patients."

Staff from Spire Bushey Hospital said they are hoping to live tweet more medical procedures in the near future.