Dubai: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has successfully performed the UAE's first robotic-assisted Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction on a breast cancer survivor who had previously undergone a mastectomy, marking a major milestone in women's health and reconstructive surgery.
According to Emirates News Agency, the procedure combines robotic technology with microsurgical expertise, reflecting Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's mission to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients through advanced surgical techniques. It also provides new hope to breast cancer survivors seeking natural and minimally invasive reconstruction options.
However, the procedure entails relatively long incisions into the muscle cover layer, with increased risk of abdominal weakness and hernia, alongside extended recovery time and postoperative pain. Using robotic technology, the team successfully harvested abdominal tissue through small incisions, preserving muscle and its fascial integrity. The tissue was then transferred to reconstruct the breast, restoring a natural shape using the patient's own tissue.
The robot's three-dimensional visualisation and wristed instruments enabled delicate dissection of abdominal blood vessels with greater accuracy and safety. This advanced approach minimised trauma to the abdominal wall and significantly aided the patient's quick recovery with reduced postoperative pain.
Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, stated that this surgical milestone reflects the advancements in healthcare within the UAE. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, they are combining expertise with advanced technologies to deliver a quality of care that was once available only abroad. The successful completion of the UAE's first robotic-assisted DIEP flap breast reconstruction demonstrates their commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical possibilities in Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Raffi Gurunian, Staff Physician, Integrated Surgical Institute and Section Head of Plastic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, noted that robotic-assisted reconstruction enhances accuracy and minimizes many of the side effects observed after conventional DIEP flap reconstructive surgery. He emphasized that the complex, high-precision surgery was completed without complications and represents the future of reconstructive surgery, offering patients minimally invasive solutions that reduce pain, abdominal issues, and recovery time.