In what is believed to
be a first in Abu Dhabi, Mafraq Hospital’s team of maxillofacial and head and
neck cancer surgeons recently operated on a 16 year old Emirati boy, Mohammed
Al Mazem, using 3D technology to remove a large destructive tumour and rebuild
the young man’s jaw.
The technology allowed
surgeons to use computer-modelling software to create a 3D virtual model of the
patient’s facial skeleton in order to aid them in reconstruction and navigation
during surgery. These 3D models are used as operative guides before, and
during, surgery to help surgeons plan, design and place free tissue transplants
and implants for reconstruction with a high degree of accuracy.
The skill of Mafraq
Hospital’s team, combined with the technology available, ensured that the
patient did not have to travel overseas for surgery and could be treated in Abu
Dhabi.
"Previously it
seems that the limiting factor for performing such cases in the UAE was
reconstruction but now, with this cutting edge technology, we can recreate
faces in Abu Dhabi allowing our patients to lead normal lives. Our most recent
case was only in the hospital for 9 days and is now home enjoying life,"
said Dr. John Devine, who led the reconstructive Maxillofacial team.
The Maxillofacial team
has performed ten major facial and head reconstructive reconstructive cases
with micro-vascular free tissue transfer since January 2015, all of which have
been successful. Most of the surgeries carried out relate to cancer of the
mouth, face and throat, but the same techniques have been used to treat victims
of bomb blasts who were brought to Abu Dhabi for specialist reconstructive
facial surgery.
"These surgeries
are extremely complex and, in order to ensure a high quality clinical practice,
we have built a team from many departments including nursing, critical care and
outpatient staff," Dr. Ali Al Suwaidi, Acting Chief Medical Officer,
Mafraq Hospital, added.
–End-
Image by: http://www.uaeinteract.com/
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