Successful rare gallbladder surgery for a morbidly obese patient in Riyadh
A remarkable medical achievement at Diriyah General Hospital
In a remarkable medical achievement, a specialized surgical team at Al-Diriyah General Hospital in Riyadh, a member of the Third Riyadh Health Cluster, successfully ended the long suffering of a 30-year-old patient by performing a complex laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This was not a traditional procedure, as the patient was severely obese, weighing 174 kilograms, which presented exceptional challenges for the medical team.
Medical context: Challenges of morbid obesity in surgery
Morbid obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 40 kg/m², is one of the biggest health challenges globally and in Saudi Arabia in particular. This condition is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, and it also increases the likelihood of developing gallstones. In this case, the patient's BMI was 72 kg/m², a figure that classifies her as extremely high-risk. Performing any surgical intervention on such patients is fraught with risks, whether related to anesthesia, difficulty accessing internal organs, or an increased likelihood of postoperative complications such as infections and blood clots.
Case details and precise surgical intervention
The patient arrived at the emergency department in critical condition, suffering from severe pain and life-threatening pancreatitis, in addition to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) resulting from bile duct obstruction caused by gallstones. Dr. Mohammed Al-Harbi, a consultant in bariatric surgery, explained that the severity of the case necessitated urgent and delicate surgical intervention. Thanks to the medical team's extensive experience, the decision was made to perform the procedure using laparoscopic surgery, which is considered the optimal option for minimizing risks. The operation was performed through four microscopic incisions, each no larger than one centimeter, demonstrating the team's exceptional skill in managing the anatomical complexities posed by excess weight.
The importance of achievement and its impact on healthcare
This success is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, it reinforces public confidence in the capabilities of medical staff and government hospitals, such as Diriyah General Hospital. Nationally, this achievement aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare services provided to citizens and residents. The ability to successfully perform such complex procedures reflects the significant advancements in the Kingdom's healthcare sector, in terms of the availability of cutting-edge technologies and the training of specialized medical personnel. Clinical results demonstrated an immediate improvement in the patient's condition; she regained her ability to eat normally the day after surgery and was discharged from the hospital in good health after her vital signs stabilized and her long-standing symptoms disappeared.
