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28 March 2024

High-risk neck, chest surgery in UAE

Published
By Staff

Tawam Hospital, in affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine and part of the SEHA healthcare system, announced a successful neck and chest surgery involving a major blood vessel to remove an advanced tumour.

Ahmed Darwish, a 46-year old male patient suffering from an enlarged portion of the neck due to a tumour was presented to Tawam Hospital. It was established that Ahmed underwent surgery in 2013 to remove the neck tumour. It was discovered later on that the tumour was not excised completely. The growth has then metastasised and spread through his chest. Upon closer investigation, Tawam surgeons found out that the tumour is right where the carotid artery - a major blood vessel in the neck and thus, carries a high mortality rate.

To assist in the delicate case, specialists in thoracic and vascular surgery were involved in the operation. A sternotomy was performed by the thoracic team to remove the metastasised lymph node from the mediastinum and control the major blood vessels. The vascular team assisted in dissecting the vessels as well as ensuring collateral circulation of the blood.

The high-risk and complicated surgery was led by Dr. Mohammad Al Felasi, Head of Otolaryngology and Neck Oncology Division at Tawam Hospital together with Dr. Ali Al Dameh, Consultant General, Thoracic & Visceral Oncology Surgeon, Minimally-Invasive Thoracic &  Surgical Oncology and Chief of Division of Surgical Oncology, Dr. Rashid Chahbazi, Vascular Surgeon and Dr. Wassem Aziz, Vascular and Base of Skull Surgeon. With careful planning and precision, the team managed to remove the tumour completely from the patient who is now recovering well.

Ahmed Darwish said: "My hopes were shattered when I found out that my thyroid cancer came back and has advanced to my chest. In addition to the discomfort and pain of my tumour, the fear of the worst thing to happen grew in me. I am grateful to my surgeons at Tawam Hospital for performing this delicate procedure, most of all, I am thankful that they did everything they can to make sure I'm alive."

"We are fortunate to have helped Ahmed. This is one of the complicated and intricate surgeries that our team has successfully performed. Thanks to the expertise of our thoracic and vascular surgeons, we have completed the procedure without morbidity. With the team's dedication and passion for care, we are able to save a life. The excellent team work coupled with meticulous planning and collaboration led to this success. More importantly, we want patients to know that help is here and that expertise is available at Tawam Hospital to perform risky and complicated oncology procedures. We also urge patient to be more observant of their bodies and see a doctor immediately if something does not feel normal," said Dr. Al Felasi.

Tawam Hospital provides comprehensive medical services and is committed to advancing medical care across all areas treatment. Our doctors are some of the best in the region and are updated in the latest and evidence-based treatment and practices in handling cancer cases.

Tawam Hospital is part of the SEHA Health System owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.