King Abdullah Medical City successfully treats a complex umbilical hernia
A specialized medical team in obesity and abdominal wall surgery at King Abdullah Medical City, a member of the Makkah Health Cluster, recorded a qualitative medical achievement that is the first of its kind in the Western Region, after its success in performing a precise and advanced surgical operation to treat a complex umbilical hernia using the “horizontal tightening” technique, which reflects the rapid development in specialized health services in the Kingdom.
Case details and medical complications
This surgical intervention was undertaken to alleviate the suffering of a patient who presented with a large primary umbilical hernia accompanied by significant loss of abdominal space, a condition classified as high-risk and complex. Detailed examinations revealed a hernia width of 8 centimeters, a Tanaka index of 72.5%, and a cross-sectional assessment according to the European Society of Hernia (EHS M3W2) classification. These findings rendered traditional surgical closure an unsafe and risky procedure due to the potential for respiratory complications or a dangerous increase in intra-abdominal pressure.
Horizontal lifting technique: an innovative surgical solution
To overcome these challenges, the surgical team, led by consultants in general and bariatric surgery, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Zahrani, Dr. Sayed Assem, and Dr. Magdi Al-Zahrani, relied on the "Fascial Traction" technique. This advanced technique is distinguished by its ability to provide a gradual and balanced lengthening of the anterior abdominal wall fascia, allowing for the repositioning of the midline muscles under stable physiological conditions and with low pressure.
This mechanism has contributed to significantly reducing the tension of the surgical closure, avoiding the need for extensive laparotomy of the muscles that may weaken the abdominal wall in the future, in addition to its vital role in maintaining blood supply to the tissues and reducing the risk of developing abdominal compartment syndrome.
Immediate results and rapid recovery
The technique proved its high clinical efficacy and ease of application, demonstrating immediate results during the procedure in the form of improved initial hernia closure. The operation was a complete success with no significant complications, and the patient's respiratory function remained fully stable post-surgery. The patient was discharged from the hospital after ten days of close medical monitoring and has resumed his normal life and activities without pain or surgical complications.
The importance of achievement in the context of health transformation
This success, achieved within the Urgent Care track—one of the pillars of the new Saudi healthcare model—reinforces King Abdullah Medical City's position as a leading center for specialized and advanced care in the Kingdom. This accomplishment reflects the healthcare sector's commitment to keeping pace with the latest global technologies and localizing advanced medical expertise, aligning with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aim to facilitate access to healthcare services, enhance the quality and efficiency of care provided to citizens and residents, and reduce the need for medical referrals outside the region.
