Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
Cancer-affected parts of a patient’s lung were removed in a robotic surgery at an Abu Dhabi hospital, enabling faster recovery for the patient.
The milestone procedure was performed at Burjeel Medical City on Jean Erika, a 37-year-old patient with stage one lung cancer, marking the UAE’s first uniportal robotic lobectomy.
The minimally invasive surgery involved removing part of the lung through a single 3 cm incision using the da Vinci Xi robotic system, with all robotic arms operating through the same entry point.
Jean initially sought medical attention after experiencing a persistent dry cough for about three weeks that did not subside despite medication. A CT scan and biopsy confirmed carcinoma, following which her case was reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumour board that recommended surgery.
The procedure, led by Dr Taj Mohammed Fiyaz Chowdhry, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, lasted about four hours and was completed without complications, supported by a specialised medical team including anaesthesia and robotic surgery experts.
“It is a procedure where a part of the lung is removed through a single 3-centimetre
incision, with all three or four robotic arms going through the same incision,” said Dr Chowdhry, an expert in uniportal robotic thoracic surgery.
The minimally invasive approach contributed to quicker recovery, with the patient discharged within two days, compared to five to seven days typically required after conventional surgery. She returned to work within a month.
Jean said she was initially anxious about undergoing robotic surgery but felt reassured after doctors explained that it would involve smaller wounds and faster recovery.
“The entire team, including the anesthesiologist, met with me before the surgery and explained everything clearly. They made me feel comfortable and confident,” she said.
Jean, who works as a nurse at a dental centre in Abu Dhabi, said the procedure resulted in minimal pain and scarring, allowing her to resume normal life sooner.
“I realised how advanced UAE healthcare has become. As a nurse, I really appreciate how robotic surgery causes minimal scarring and less pain, and allows faster recovery, letting patients return to their normal lives sooner,” she added.
According to Dr Chowdhry, the approach is best suited for early-stage cancer patients without significant lymph node involvement and those who have not undergone prior chemotherapy or immunotherapy, as such conditions may make the procedure more technically challenging.
Speaking to Aletihad, Dr Chowdhry said the patient, who has been under surveillance since the operation was performed three months ago, has not shown any signs of cancer recurrence.
“These operations are usually performed during early-stage lung cancer, and I perform them once a month or once every two months. Not many surgeons in the world practise this kind of surgery because of the technicalities, and only a handful of centres worldwide are performing this procedure,” he said.
Addressing concerns about long-term impact, Dr Chowdhry said removal of part of the lung does not significantly impair function.
“Usually one lobectomy does not cause a lot of breathing problems, and the patient can go on with their normal life,” he said.
Dr Chowdhry was supported by Dr Nermeen Said Hassanin, Consultant Anaesthesia, and Renukesh, Robotic Surgery Nurse Specialist.
The hospital said the procedure reflects the strength of its robotic surgery programme and multidisciplinary approach, aimed at improving outcomes in early-stage cancer care. It added that the da Vinci Surgical System, available only in advanced medical centres, enables complex minimally invasive procedures through small incisions using highly precise instruments and 3D visualisation.
