Uterine fibroid removal using minimally invasive technique in Riyadh

In a move reflecting the rapid development and qualitative leaps witnessed by the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Imam Abdulrahman Al Faisal Hospital, a member of the Riyadh Health Cluster 1, has achieved a unique medical milestone. A specialized medical team successfully performed the first minimally invasive surgical procedure using the "hidden incision" technique to remove a large solid uterine teratoma, representing a significant advancement in gynecological and obstetric surgery.

Details of the precise medical achievement

The medical team, led by national experts, successfully removed a tumor measuring approximately 15 centimeters through a minimally invasive surgical incision no more than 1.5 centimeters long. The procedure utilized a single-incision laparoscopic technique, a modern approach that significantly reduces the need for extensive surgical intervention and minimizes the side effects and complications typically associated with traditional open surgery.

Dr. Yazid Al-Yousef, head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the hospital, explained that the biggest challenge in this operation was extracting a solid tumor mass of this size through a very small opening without the need to widen the wound or use surgical fragmentation tools, which preserved the integrity of the surrounding tissues and confirmed the high skill of the surgical team.

The evolution of gynecological surgery: from surgical incision to hidden wound

Historically, uterine tumors of this size required open surgery (laparotomy) with large incisions in the abdominal wall, necessitating long recovery periods and leaving noticeable scars, as well as the risks of infection and adhesions. With medical advancements, traditional laparoscopic surgery using three to four incisions emerged, but the "hidden wound" or single-port laparoscopy technique represents the latest and most advanced generation.

This technique is primarily cosmetic, as the wound disappears inside the navel, in addition to significantly reducing post-operative pain and accelerating the patient's return to her normal life, which was achieved in this case, as the patient left the hospital in record time.

Strategic importance and its alignment with Vision 2030

This success is not merely a medical procedure; it carries significant strategic implications at both the local and regional levels. This achievement demonstrates the ability of Saudi medical professionals to localize the latest complex surgical techniques, thus reducing the need to refer patients to international or foreign centers for treatment.

This development is perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the programs under the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to facilitate access to healthcare services and improve their quality and efficiency. The success of Imam Abdulrahman Al Faisal Hospital in performing this surgery reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for medical tourism and specialized medical services in the region, and underscores the commitment of healthcare facilities to implementing the highest international safety and quality standards.