Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performs UAE’s first robotic cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC, offering new hope for rare tumor patient

• The patient underwent removal of multiple organs to control the spread of the disease and ensure her swift recovery • Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of advancing complex care with robotics and AI, offering personalized and minimally invasive approaches.

In a medical milestone, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, has successfully performed the UAE’s first robotic cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to treat a rare appendiceal tumor, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination for innovative healthcare. The complex procedure, performed on Paola Rogers, a 48-year-old Colombian American patient, involved the removal of multiple internal organs to prevent the spread of the tumor in her abdomen.

This groundbreaking procedure, led by Dr. Yasir Akmal, Staff Physician in the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and an American Fellowship-trained surgical oncologist, marks a significant milestone in minimally invasive cancer treatment in the region. Appendiceal tumors account for less than 1% of malignancies worldwide and are found in approximately 1.4% of patients who undergo an appendectomy.

Paola initially presented symptoms resembling appendicitis, leading to the removal of her appendix. However, during the procedure, her surgeon discovered gelatinous deposits, a jelly-like substance, in the abdominal cavity. A subsequent pathology report confirmed the presence of a rare low-grade mucinous neoplasm, a tumor that, if untreated, could spread throughout the abdomen and result in a condition known as pseudomyxoma peritonei or “jelly belly."

Given the tumors advanced stage, a multi-disciplinary team, including Dr. Yasir Akmal, Dr. Faek El Jamali, Consultant Surgical Oncologist and Colorectal Surgeon in the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Anas Isawi, Associate Staff Physician, General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, recommended a robotic cytoreductive surgery, during which surgeons removed her omentum, ovaries, fallopian tubes, gallbladder, and a portion of her intestine. The use of robotic technology supports making smaller, more precise cuts, leading to less pain, smaller scars, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Emphasizing the power of robotics and AI, Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “We are pushing the boundaries of robotic surgery and are proud to have used such an advanced technology for a complex procedure like Paola’s. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a leader in surgical innovation, continuously refining minimally invasive techniques to improve outcomes and enhance quality of life. This first-of-its-kind robotic surgery sets a new benchmark for cancer care in the UAE and reaffirms our commitment to offering patients the most advanced treatments available.”

Following the tumor removal, HIPEC treatment (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) was administered— a technique where heated chemotherapy (42 degrees Celsius) is circulated within the abdominal cavity for 90 minutes to eliminate any residual cancer cells. Unlike traditional open surgery, which requires a 7–14-day hospital stay, Paola was discharged in just five days, highlighting the benefits of a minimally invasive approach.

Highlighting both the preventive and curative nature of the surgery, Dr. Akmal said: “Paola’s condition was diagnosed at an advanced but treatable stage, and thanks to the timely intervention of our multidisciplinary team, supported by specialized AI-driven diagnostic tools, we were able to navigate the process of eliminating the cancer cells in her body with precision. By pioneering robotic cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC in the UAE, we are expanding our ability to treat complex tumors using minimally invasive techniques. Eight months post-surgery, Paola is thriving - she has embraced a healthier lifestyle and is on a promising road to recovery.

“Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performs a high volume of complex surgeries for peritoneal surface malignancies, which are tumors that have spread or are at high risk of spreading to the peritoneal cavity. Our team has extensive experience managing these cases for various cancers, including those of the colon, appendix, stomach, and ovaries. In certain cases, we use minimally invasive approaches, such as laparoscopic or robotic techniques, which offer benefits like reduced pain, faster recovery and minimal scarring,” Dr. Akmal added.

Paola expressed her gratitude: “When I first arrived at the hospital in excruciating pain, I never imagined my condition would be anything more than appendicitis. The news was overwhelming, but from the moment I met the team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, I felt an immediate sense of trust. I placed myself entirely in their hands, knowing I was in the care of experts who truly had my best interests at heart. Dr. Yasir walked me through every step of the surgery, answering my fears with reassurance and giving me confidence that I was in the best possible care. From diagnosis to post-operative recovery, the attention and compassion I received never wavered. Today, I feel relieved, healthier, and stronger than ever. Going through this experience has taught me that nothing in life is more valuable than our health.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performed over 400 robotic surgeries in 2024 and remains at the forefront of advancing complex care in the UAE and beyond. The hospital continues to expand its minimally invasive surgical capabilities, enhancing recovery times, reducing pain, and improving patient experiences across the region.

To learn more about the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/institutes-and-specialties/digestive-disease

For more information or to book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223) visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Patient Portal App.