Tawam Hospital, in association with Johns Hopkins Medicine and part of the SEHA healthcare system, announced a successful neck and chest surgery including a major blood vessel to remove an advanced tumour.

Ahmed Darwish, a 46-year old male patient struggling from an enlarged portion of the neck due to a tumour was presented to Tawam Hospital. It was established that Ahmed underwent surgery in 2013 to get rid of the neck tumour. It was discovered later on that the tumour was not excised totally. The growth has actually then metastasised and spread through his chest. Upon closer examination, Tawam surgeons found out that the tumour is right where the carotid artery-- a significant capillary in the neck and thus, brings a high mortality rate.

To aid in the fragile case, specialists in thoracic and vascular surgery were associated with the operation. A sternotomy was performed by the thoracic group to remove the metastasised lymph node from the mediastinum and manage the major blood vessels. The vascular group helped in dissecting the vessels in addition to guaranteeing security flow of the blood.

The high-risk and complicated surgery was led by Dr. Mohammad Al Felasi, Head of Otolaryngology and Neck Oncology Division at Tawam Hospital together with Dr. Ali Al Dameh, Consultant General, Thoracic & Visceral Oncology Surgeon, Minimally-Invasive Thoracic & Surgical Oncology and Chief of Division of Surgical Oncology, Dr. Rashid Chahbazi, Vascular Surgeon and Dr. Wassem Aziz, Vascular and Base of Skull Surgeon. With careful planning and precision, the team managed to remove the tumour completely from the patient who is now recovering well.

Ahmed Darwish said: "My hopes were ruined when I discovered that my thyroid cancer came back and has advanced to my chest. In addition to the pain and discomfort of my tumour, the worry of the worst thing to happen grew in me. I am grateful to my specialists at Tawam Hospital for performing this delicate treatment, most of all, I am happy that they did everything they can to make sure I'm alive.".

We are fortunate to have helped Ahmed. This is one of the complicated and detailed surgeries that our team has successfully performed. Thanks to the expertise of our thoracic and vascular surgeons, we have completed the treatment without morbidity. We desire patients to know that help is here and that proficiency is offered at Tawam Hospital to carry out dangerous and complex oncology treatments. We also urge patient to be more observant of their bodies and see a doctor immediately if something does not feel normal, said Dr. Al Felasi.

Tawam Hospital offers comprehensive medical services and is dedicated to advancing medical care throughout all areas treatment. Our medical professionals are a few of the best in the area and are upgraded in the most recent and evidence-based treatment and practices in managing cancer cases.

Tawam Hospital becomes part of the SEHA Health System owned and run by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) which is responsible for the curative activities of all the general public healthcare facilities and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.