Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi pioneers robotic mastectomy for advanced breast cancer care

UAE— Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 network, has performed the first robotic mastectomy in the Cleveland Clinic’s global system, marking a significant milestone in breast cancer treatment in the UAE. 

This pioneering procedure offers breast cancer patients in the region a new, minimally invasive option that reduces surgical trauma and recovery time.

Traditionally, a mastectomy involves the surgical removal of breast tissue to treat breast cancer. This method often requires larger chest incisions, which can lead to visible scarring, loss of sensation, and longer recovery times. 

Robotic mastectomy, however, uses advanced robotic technology to make a small incision under the armpit. 

This technique preserves nerve function around the breast area, reduces the risk of visible scarring, and enables tissue removal and reconstruction in a single operation. 

In his remarks, Dr George Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, shared that the introduction of robotic mastectomy at their facility represents a transformative step in local breast cancer care. 

He noted that robotic surgery offers patients a minimally invasive option that reduces recovery time and enhances the overall quality of life for those undergoing the procedure. 

“Robotic technology has become a game-changer in surgical care, and we are proud to bring these advancements to our patients here in the UAE, providing them with the latest and most advanced treatments available today,”he added.

The procedure, led by Dr. Ahmad Matalkah of the Breast Surgery Program, utilized the Da Vinci single-port robotic system, which is designed to make the surgery less invasive and faster to recover. 

Dr. Matalkah explained that robotic mastectomy has been gaining popularity globally due to its precision and ability to minimize scarring. 

The option is now available for certain patients with breast cancer, as well as those opting for preventive mastectomy due to genetic risk factors. 

However, he cautioned that eligibility for the procedure depends on factors like tumor size, body type, and general health, and each case is carefully evaluated.

Robotic mastectomy not only helps reduce surgical complications, such as bleeding and skin damage, but also minimizes physical scarring, supporting quicker and more confident recoveries.

Dr. Tibor G Kovacs, another breast surgery specialist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, highlighted the physical and emotional benefits this technique offers, allowing patients to restore their breast shape through implant-based reconstruction. 

According to Dr. Kovacs, the combination of nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction, enabled by advanced robotic technology, allows patients to return to daily life faster with fewer side effects.

Given the technique’s newness globally, the robotic mastectomy program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi involved extensive training for the surgical team under leading experts. 

Dr. Matalkah stressed that although robotic mastectomy offers numerous benefits, it may not be suitable for all patients, and careful assessment is essential to determine if it aligns with individual patient needs.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.