A 48-year-old woman battling a rare appendiceal tumor has become the first patient in the UAE to undergo a pioneering robotic surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), performed at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. The complex life-saving procedure marks a new chapter in the country’s medical innovation efforts.
The case began with what seemed like a routine diagnosis of appendicitis. But during surgery, doctors discovered gelatinous masses in the woman’s abdomen, later identified as a low-grade mucinous neoplasm—a rare tumor that, left untreated, can spread and lead to the severe condition known as pseudomyxoma peritonei or “jelly belly.”
Led by Dr. Yasir Akmal, a surgical oncologist at the hospital’s Digestive Disease Institute, the multi-disciplinary team carried out a robotic cytoreductive surgery to remove affected organs, followed by HIPEC. This advanced method circulates heated chemotherapy inside the abdominal cavity at 42 degrees Celsius for 90 minutes to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasized the significance of the breakthrough, saying, “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.”
Dr. Akmal added that with the help of AI-powered diagnostic tools and a coordinated team effort, they were able to intervene just in time. The patient, though diagnosed at an advanced stage, responded well to the treatment and avoided further cancer spread.
The success of this procedure not only brings hope to patients with rare abdominal cancers but also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s standing as a center for world-class healthcare.