- Near-100% colorectal cancer risk eliminated with preventive colon removal surgery in a patient with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP).
- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performed a total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in this complex, preventative surgery.
- Patient returned to a near-normal lifestyle, reinforcing the importance of early diagnosis, informed decision-making, and advanced surgical care.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has performed a highly complex, fully robotic preventive colorectal surgery on a 37-year-old woman with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a rare inherited condition that carries a near-100% lifetime risk of developing colon cancer if left untreated.
The patient had a strong family history of colon cancer, having lost her father to the disease at an early age. She was diagnosed with FAP early last year, following specialist evaluation and colonoscopy. Despite experiencing only mild symptoms, her underlying cancer risk was absolute, and preventable with timely surgical intervention.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is caused by a germline mutation in the APC tumor suppressor gene, leading to the development of polyps in the colon over time. Without preventive surgery, these polyps almost always progress to colorectal cancer, highlighting the critical importance of proactive genetic testing, and early diagnosis, and intervention.
The procedure was performed entirely using robotic technology, enabling enhanced precision within the confined pelvic space. This approach improves visualization and nerve preservation, which are critical for maintaining urinary and bowel function, while also reducing postoperative pain and supporting faster recovery. The technical complexity of performing this operation robotically underscores the advanced surgical capabilities available at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Dr. John H. Rodriguez, Institute Chief of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Digestive Disease Institute, said, “This is what healthcare should look like, where we move beyond treating disease to anticipating and preventing it. When we combine early insight with the precision of robotics, we don’t just change outcomes, we change the trajectory of a patient’s life. By enabling us to see risk before it becomes reality, innovation empowers us to act with precision, purpose, and compassion. This is the future we are advancing every day.”
During the procedure, the patient underwent a total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, a surgery in which the entire colon and rectum are removed, and a new internal pouch is created from the small intestine to restore bowel function, without the need for a permanent external bag. To protect this newly formed connection and allow for proper healing, a temporary ileostomy was required for three months.
Dr. Ali Al Jaberi, Staff Physician, Colorectal Surgery at the Digestive Disease Institute in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said, “With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, colon cancer is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ Surgical colon removal before cancer develops transforms a life-threatening diagnosis into a preventable one. The robotic approach is especially beneficial for young patients with FAP, helping them return to full, active lives with the best possible outcomes.”
Reflecting on her experience, the patient said, “There are second chances in life, and our health is a trust we must protect. Having faith in God, in the medical team, and in the advancement of science matters greatly. If you have a relative diagnosed with colon cancer, it is important to get screened.”
After her first surgery, the patient underwent a second procedure later that year to reverse the temporary ileostomy. She recovered well and has since returned to a nearly normal lifestyle with her son and family.
By combining advanced robotic capabilities with compassionate, patient-centered care, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues to reinforce its position as a regional leader in preventive and precision-based surgical care.