A UAE hospital performed the first full-thickness endoscopic rectal tumour removal, sparing a patient from lifelong incontinence.
DUBAI: A 38-year-old Emirati man has been spared a lifetime of incontinence thanks to a groundbreaking medical procedure at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital. For years, the patient endured severe pain, rectal bleeding, and chronic constipation due to Solitary Rectal Ulcer Syndrome (SRUS). Traditionally, such a condition would have required invasive open surgery with a high risk of permanent loss of muscle control.
In a first for the UAE — and the world — Dr. Mohamed Abdelhafez, Head of the Gastroenterology and Advanced Endoscopy Department at Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital and Associate Professor at the Technical University of Munich, successfully performed a full-thickness endoscopic rectal tumour removal followed by advanced endoscopic hand suturing. Using microscopic precision and cutting-edge tools, Dr. Abdelhafez removed the ulcerated tumour located dangerously close to the anal sphincter and then closed the wound using the SutuArt suturing system.
The minimally invasive approach avoided open surgery entirely, ensured optimal healing, and preserved full continence. The patient was discharged pain-free the next day, with no bleeding or complications. Three weeks later, histopathology confirmed complete removal of the lesion with no signs of cancer.
“This was one of the most technically challenging cases in the world,” said Dr. Abdelhafez. “Our team combined advanced technology with expert skill to restore the patient’s health, dignity, and quality of life.”
This landmark achievement cements Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital’s status as one of the most advanced centres globally for complex minimally invasive gastrointestinal interventions, offering UAE patients access to care previously only available abroad.
