Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has successfully conducted the UAE’s first robotic cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), marking a major milestone in the country’s surgical and oncological capabilities.
The breakthrough procedure, performed on a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with a rare appendiceal tumour, involved the complex removal of multiple internal organs to prevent further spread of malignancy within the abdominal cavity.
Led by Dr. Yasir Akmal, Staff Physician at the hospital’s Digestive Disease Institute and a U.S. Fellowship-trained surgical oncologist, the surgery was executed by a multidisciplinary team using advanced robotic technology. The operation underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing stature as a global centre for cutting-edge medical innovation.
Appendiceal tumours are extremely rare, representing less than 1% of all malignancies and identified in only about 1.4% of patients undergoing an appendectomy. In this case, the patient initially presented with symptoms similar to acute appendicitis. However, during the surgical procedure to remove the appendix, the presence of gelatinous material in the abdominal cavity prompted further investigation. Subsequent pathology confirmed a low-grade mucinous neoplasm—an uncommon condition that, if left untreated, could lead to pseudomyxoma peritonei, commonly known as “jelly belly.”
Following the tumour resection, the patient received HIPEC treatment—an intraoperative technique where chemotherapy, heated to 42°C, is circulated within the abdominal cavity for 90 minutes to destroy any remaining microscopic cancer cells.
Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, noted:
“This achievement highlights our leadership in robotic and minimally invasive surgery. Using advanced technologies, we are redefining what is possible in complex cancer care and delivering transformative outcomes for our patients.”
Dr. Akmal added that the success of the surgery was made possible by a collaborative team approach and early, AI-supported diagnostic insights, which enabled precise intervention at a critical stage.
“The patient’s condition was identified at an advanced, yet treatable phase. Through multidisciplinary coordination and timely surgical response, we were able to achieve both curative and preventive outcomes,” he said.
This landmark procedure reinforces Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional pioneer in robotic-assisted surgical oncology, offering patients access to world-class treatment without the need to travel abroad.
