Minimally Invasive Surgery Removes Giant Brain Tumor

After several incorrect diagnoses, doctors at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi discovered that Hisham has been living with a ‘giant’ brain tumor.

Hisham had been experiencing tiredness, headaches, unexplained weight loss and impaired vision for some time. He visited several doctors and received several incorrect diagnoses.

He was referred to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi where the team tested his vision thoroughly. The results showed a loss of Hisham’s peripheral vision, which can be an indication of pituitary dysfunction. An MRI was performed which revealed a ‘giant’ pituitary tumor.

Despite the rareness of Hisham’s tumor, the team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was confident of providing the best care as they had a lot of experience treating such complex cases. The tumor was thankfully benign but was in an extremely sensitive position within Hisham’s skull, close to his optic nerve. Without surgery, such large tumors can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life and may lead to blindness.

A multidisciplinary team undertook the intricate surgery, which, thanks to the advanced treatment options available at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, was performed in a minimally invasive way. An endoscope was inserted through the nose, meaning Hisham did not undergo traditional open brain surgery, and the tumor was removed.

The complex procedure was a complete success. Due to the expertise of the multidisciplinary team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Hisham’s pituitary function was returned to normal, and his vision was fully restored.