Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performs UAE’s first robotic cytoreductive surgery to treat rare tumour

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has achieved a significant medical milestone by performing the UAE’s first robotic cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to treat a rare appendiceal tumour.

This accomplishment marks a new chapter in Abu Dhabi’s journey as a global centre for medical innovation and advanced healthcare. The procedure was performed on a 48-year-old female patient and involved the removal of several internal organs to prevent the spread of the tumour within the abdominal cavity.

The surgical team was led by Dr Yasser Akmal, consultant oncological surgeon at the hospital’s Digestive Disease Institute, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of leading consultants. The mucinous appendiceal tumour, a rare condition affecting fewer than 1 percent of oncology patients, was discovered incidentally during an appendectomy. Laboratory analysis revealed the presence of a gelatinous substance in the abdominal cavity, later confirmed as a low-grade mucinous neoplasm, necessitating a highly precise surgical intervention.

Due to the advanced nature of the tumour, the medical team opted for robotic cytoreductive surgery followed by HIPEC, which involved administering heated chemotherapy at 42°C for 90 minutes directly into the peritoneal cavity. This approach aimed to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.

The use of robotic technology significantly reduced the size of surgical incisions, minimised postoperative pain, and accelerated the patient’s recovery — allowing her to be discharged just five days post-surgery, compared to the typical two-week stay following traditional surgery.

Dr Georges Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, described the procedure as a pioneering step in the field of robotic surgery. He reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to expanding minimally invasive surgical innovation to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Dr Yasser Akmal added that the surgery exemplified a successful integration of advanced technology and rapid therapeutic intervention, highlighting the importance of early detection in saving lives and limiting cancer spread.