Minimally invasive procedure supports faster recovery and avoids the need for temporary or permanent stoma in complex rectal cancer case
Abu Dhabi, UAE,October 2026 – SEHA, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, announced that SEHA Tawam Hospital has successfully performed advanced laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery for an 81-year-old patient with distal rectal cancer and multiple medical risk factors, including obesity, cardiac disease, and a pacemaker history.
Distal rectal cancer, which affects the lower part of the rectum, is among the more technically challenging cancers in gastrointestinal surgery due to the deep location of the tumour within the pelvis and the need to protect surrounding structures. In many complex cases, surgery may require the creation of a temporary or permanent stoma, an opening in the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body into a bag.
In this case, the patient underwent advanced laparoscopic colorectal surgery, where the tumour was removed through small incisions using minimally invasive techniques. Despite the patient’s age and medical complexity, the procedure was completed successfully without the need for a temporary or permanent stoma.
Following surgery, the patient recovered well, tolerated a normal diet, and was discharged after three days. The outcome reflects the value of careful procedure selection, detailed surgical planning, and coordinated care for elderly patients with complex cancer conditions.
Dr. Mahdi Al Taher, Consultant Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgeon at SEHA’s Tawam Hospital, said: “Distal rectal cancer can be one of the most technically demanding conditions in colorectal surgery, particularly in elderly patients with multiple medical risk factors. In this case, a minimally invasive approach allowed us to remove the tumour safely while avoiding the need for a temporary or permanent stoma, supporting the patient’s recovery and quality of life.”
Dr. Al Taher added, “Advanced laparoscopic surgery offers important benefits for patients, including smaller incisions, reduced surgical trauma, and faster recovery. This case reflects the importance of experienced colorectal teams, multidisciplinary coordination, and personalised decision-making when treating complex cancer cases.”
The case highlights SEHA’s continued commitment to providing specialised cancer care supported by advanced surgical expertise, anaesthesia, operating room nursing, and coordinated perioperative care. It also reinforces the role of SEHA’s Tawam Hospital in managing complex colorectal cancer cases and supporting patients through safe, evidence-based treatment pathways.
Through its colorectal surgery services, SEHA continues to strengthen access to specialised cancer care in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, helping patients receive advanced treatment closer to home.
About PureHealth:
PureHealth is the largest healthcare group in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 110+ hospitals, 316+ clinics, multiple diagnostic s, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments, and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare. The company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind. By advancing the science of longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world.
PureHealth’s network comprises:
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- SEHA – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE
- SEHA CLINICS – Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services
- Daman (The National Insurance Company) – The UAE’s leading health insurer
- The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE
- Rafed – The UAE’s largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation
- PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region
- One Health – A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers
- The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi’s first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment
- Ardent Health Services – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US
- Circle Health Group – The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK
- Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) – the largest private healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus
- PureCS – A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems
- Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) – The UAE’s largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care
About SEHA:
SEHA is an independent, public joint stock company created to develop the curative activities of the public healthcare system in Abu Dhabi. The company operates a big number of the public hospitals and clinics of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. SEHA is a PureHealth asset, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East.
SEHA is committed to continuously improving of customer care to recognised international standards and providing the community with world-class healthcare. SEHA operates 14 hospitals with over 2600 beds, 70 ambulatory care, family care, urgent care, 6 dialysis s, and 4 blood banks. Its facilities accommodate 132,000 inpatients annually, conduct 52,000 surgeries, and treat more than 6.7 million outpatients.
SEHA is one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the Middle East, with more than 20,000 doctors, nurses, ancillary care, and administrative personnel.
To find out more about SEHA’s specialised clinic or book an appointment, call 80050 or visit SEHA.ae. You can also book an appointment through the SEHA mobile app or WhatsApp 02 410 2200.
