Medcare Royal Hospital performs landmark organ-preserving colon tumor resection

UAE—Medcare Royal Hospital in Al Qusais has achieved a significant medical breakthrough by successfully removing a large colon tumor without surgery or external incisions.

The procedure allowed a Dubai patient to leave the hospital within days, with his organ completely intact, an outcome that would have been impossible with traditional surgical approaches.

The patient, J.N., had initially dismissed his persistent cramps and bloating as stress-related symptoms.

When he finally sought medical attention, scans revealed a tumour encasing three-quarters of his colon.

A surgeon recommended extensive open surgery with permanent removal of a significant portion of his bowel.

Rather than accept this life-altering outcome, he consulted Dr. Mohamed Abdelhafez, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Medcare Royal, who offered an alternative.

Advanced technology meets medical expertise

The tumour measured 9 x 6 centimetres, a size that typically mandates traditional open surgery and colectomy.

However, Dr Abdelhafez’s detailed endoscopic evaluation revealed that the lesion showed only superficial invasion, suggesting it could be removed without opening the abdomen.

This critical finding changed the patient’s trajectory entirely.

Dr. Abdelhafez employed Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), an advanced minimally invasive technique that removes large tumors from inside the colon.

Performed under general anaesthesia with complete physiological monitoring, the procedure involved carefully dissecting the tumour from the colon wall and extracting it in one piece.

The team then closed the resulting internal wound using endoscopic hand suturing, a technique performed entirely through the endoscope, without any external incisions.

Rapid recovery and positive outcomes

The patient experienced no post-procedural bleeding or perforation and returned home just two days later, compared to the one to two weeks typically required after major colon surgery.

“I couldn’t believe how quickly I felt normal again,” the patient reflected.

“I didn’t have the pain or long recovery they warned me about. I’m back to my regular life, and I’m grateful this approach was possible.”

Follow-up histopathology confirmed the tumor was removed completely with no invasive malignancy present. The patient has since resumed normal activities and requires only routine monitoring, with his next colonoscopy scheduled in 12 months.

Redefining treatment standards

Dr. Abdelhafez emphasized that this case demonstrates how therapeutic endoscopy has evolved.

Many patients deemed candidates for major colon surgery may actually benefit from organ-preserving procedures when evaluated by advanced endoscopists.

Modern techniques like ESD and endoscopic suturing enable effective treatment of large, early-stage tumors while eliminating the risks and long-term consequences associated with open surgery.

This approach represents a significant shift toward preserving patients’ quality of life without compromising treatment efficacy.