Dubai: A 26-year-old Arab woman recently underwent a highly complex surgical procedure at a Dubai hospital – believed to be the first of its kind in the country – to remove a large tumour from behind her eye.
Dr Yassir Abu Rayyah, Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, who led the surgical team, commented: "This was a very severe case and a very complex surgical procedure to remove the massive tumour and relieve the pressure on the optic nerve and the forward bulging of the eye.”
Prior to surgery, the tumour was causing the eye to bulge forward and was threatening her vision, by compressing the nerve at the back of the eye.
According to Dr Abu Rayyah, the benign tumour measured 2.2 X 2.1 X 1.2 centimetres and although it did not spread to other parts of the body, it continuously increased in size to compress the surrounding tissues.
A photograph of the tumour that was surgically removed from behind the patient’s eye.
The tumour was completely removed during the operation where a 'window' was cut through the bone at the outer side of the eye socket, a lateral orbitotomy, leaving the eye intact.
The patient was discharged the following day, with her vision fully restored.
“In fact, the bulge was the symptom that revealed the presence of the tumour and so it was an important part of the diagnosis. The pressure on the optic nerve was more dangerous and a threat to the vision of the patient,” said Dr Abu Rayyah.
“We believe this is the first time that this procedure has been carried out in the UAE and we are delighted with the patient's recovery and response," he added.
