‘Don’t Let Cancer Sneak Up on You,’ Says Colorectal Cancer Survivor

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi patient beats cancer with the help of robotic surgery and the hospital’s enhanced recovery program

​“When I was told that I have rectal cancer, I was terrified. I thought I would die. But I love life too much and was not ready to accept that fate,” said a 48-year-old patient of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, an integral part of Mubadala Health.

The Abu Dhabi-based real estate professional, who did not wish to be named, was successfully treated for rectal cancer and had a hysterectomy at the same time through robotic surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. She was discharged three days after the operation and was able to walk, drive and even resume her regular diet shortly after thanks to the hospital’s Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway that is provided to patients. The initiative helps patients bounce back after surgery more effectively by encouraging them to stay informed and participate in their care. 

“The care team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was so detailed in their explanation of what the disease was and what to expect during and after surgery that I was completely relaxed and ready. I knew that the only way to make a full recovery was to be proactive and stay positive,” she said. 

The patient decided to get a colonoscopy at another hospital in 2019 when she first began having irregular bowel movements and saw blood in her stool.

“My sister had recently found out that she had colon polyps. They were benign but I decided that it was best that I get a colonoscopy too. I’m so glad that I did not ignore it and took control of the situation.” 

She was given chemoradiotherapy treatment for six weeks after she was diagnosed with cancer that had grown into the outermost layers of the rectum and spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Following that, the patient decided to have her cancer surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in 2020.

Led by Dr. Shafik Sidani, a colorectal surgeon in the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a multidisciplinary team performed a combined hysterectomy and rectal resection. 

“The total mesorectal excision was done robotically, which ensured minimal invasiveness and maximum precision, and faster recovery for the patient. The colon was reconnected to the anus, and we added a temporary loop ileostomy (small intestine ostomy bag) to protect the connection and give it time to heal,” said Dr. Sidani. He explained that taking part in her own enhanced recovery care allowed the patient to be comfortable and well-informed pre- and post-operation and return to normal life quickly. 

“We start by educating patients, having them meet everyone involved in their care, preparing the body for surgery and setting their expectations,” said Dr. Sidani. “We also strongly encourage them to participate in their care so that they can get out of bed quickly and return to their normal activities of living. It makes their recovery journey easier.”

The patient has completed post-surgery chemotherapy, had her ileostomy bag reversed, and is now cancer-free.  

For more information or to book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 222 33, visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi app.