Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Achieves Milestone With First Robotic Cytoreductive Surgery Using HIPEC

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has achieved a significant medical milestone by conducting the UAE's first robotic cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This procedure was performed to treat a rare appendiceal tumour, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a hub for advanced healthcare. The complex operation involved removing several internal organs to prevent tumour spread in the patient's abdomen.

The patient, a 48-year-old woman, initially showed symptoms similar to appendicitis, leading to an appendectomy. During this surgery, her doctor found gelatinous deposits in her abdominal cavity. A pathology report later confirmed these were due to a rare low-grade mucinous neoplasm. If left untreated, this tumour could have spread throughout the abdomen, causing pseudomyxoma peritonei, also known as "jelly belly."

Dr. Yasir Akmal, a Staff Physician at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Digestive Disease Institute and an American Fellowship-trained surgical oncologist, led the procedure with a multidisciplinary team. Appendiceal tumours are extremely rare, accounting for less than 1 percent of malignancies globally and appearing in about 1.4 percent of patients undergoing an appendectomy.

Following the tumour removal, the patient underwent HIPEC treatment. This involves circulating heated chemotherapy at 42 degrees Celsius within the abdominal cavity for 90 minutes to eradicate any remaining cancer cells. Dr. Akmal highlighted that the patient's condition was diagnosed at an advanced but treatable stage. Thanks to timely intervention and AI-driven diagnostic tools, the team precisely eliminated cancer cells.

Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, stated: "We are pushing the boundaries of robotic surgery and are proud to have used such an advanced technology for a complex procedure like Paola’s. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a leader in surgical innovation, continuously refining minimally invasive techniques to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life."

This achievement underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to pioneering healthcare solutions and positions it as a global leader in medical advancements. The success of this surgery not only highlights the capabilities of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi but also sets a precedent for future complex procedures in the region.

With inputs from WAM