Recently, an Emirati patient benefited from two state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgeries to treat severe back pain at SSMC allowing him to return to normal life within 24 hours.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), one of the UAE’s largest hospitals for serious and complex care and a joint-venture partnership between Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and Mayo Clinic, used advanced surgical techniques that significantly reduce recovery times, even for complex spinal procedures, to treat a patient suffering from severe pain in his back.
Jasem Al Marzooqi had a sports injury that had caused damage to his lumbar spine. The injury led to severe lower back pain, back stiffness and muscle spasms associated with nerve root compression symptoms, such as leg pain, numbness and weakness. He was in such severe pain that he was brought to SSMC by ambulance and had to be anaesthetized, so he could lie still and flat for a diagnostic MRI.
Dr. Waseem Aziz, consultant neurosurgeon, performed a minimally invasive surgery, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), to remove a degenerative disc and relieve pressure on nerve roots in the lumbar spine. This is a unique technique as the procedure is usually performed as an open surgery, with extended recovery times. The surgery was successful, and Al Marzooqi was able to be discharged and go to work the next day to attend his promotion interview.
Three months later, Al Marzooqi faced an entirely different spinal issue, this time affecting his neck, where one of his cervical discs had prolapsed, causing pain in his neck and left arm. Following his positive experience, he returned to SSMC for his surgery.
Dr. Aziz said: “We performed another complicated spine surgery using another technique, called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), to remove a degenerative disc in the patient’s neck. In this procedure, an incision is made in the throat to reach and remove the disc and a graft is inserted to fuse together the bones above and below the disc.” Recent advances in technology have led to the availability of 3D printed titanium cages that optimize fusion rates and the restoration of the upper part of the spine.
Praising the care he received at SSMC, “J” said he felt lucky to access such advanced treatment. “It was bad luck to have not one but two major spine issues, but Dr. Aziz and the team were confident that I could have a good outcome and go back to my life. I was amazed that I was in and out so quickly, with the pain gone.”
Dr. Ateq Al Messabi, deputy chief medical office and consultant general surgeon at SSMC , said: “Many people have issues with their spine, particularly as they get older, and in some cases surgery is necessary to resolve the problem. Historically, people were wary of back surgery as recovery times could be lengthy. Now, however, with the use of cutting-edge techniques, patients can achieve excellent outcomes and return to their everyday lives in no time.
“As one of the UAE’s largest hospitals for serious and complex care, we are committed to delivering world-class medical care that caters to each patient’s complex and unique needs.”
About Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC):
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) is a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the UAE’s largest healthcare network, and Mayo Clinic, a non-profit global leader in medical care, education and research headquartered in the United States of America. Established in 2019, SSMC is the largest tertiary hospital in the UAE and serves to elevate the provision of healthcare services in the nation under the mandate of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
Supported by the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities available, SSMC offers care in 24 specialties. A team of locally and internationally trained physicians and allied health staff work seamlessly together, which promotes comprehensive interdisciplinary learning, allowing SSMC to become a leading hub for integrated patient-centric medical services in the region.
As the region’s leading tertiary facility, SSMC has 742 patient beds, 18 operating theatres and includes a hybrid operating room, 26 neonatal intensive care units and the UAE’s largest pathology lab.
About SEHA:
The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC–SEHA – is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The company owns and operates all the public hospitals and clinics of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
SEHA is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy.
SEHA is committed to continuous improvement of customer care to recognized international standards and providing the community with world-class healthcare. SEHA operates 13 hospitals with 3,385 beds, 70 ambulatory care, family care and urgent care centers and 2 blood banks. Its facilities accommodate 117,162 inpatients annually and conduct 43,262 surgeries, as well as treating more than five million outpatients. SEHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East with more than 18,000 doctors, nurses, ancillary care, and administrative personnel. Learn more at http://www.seha.ae.
About Mayo Clinic:
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news and Mayo Clinic Facts for more information about Mayo.
