Media Release
Sharjah, Jan 23: Zulekha Hospital saved the life of 40-year-old Estreleita P as she complained of severe right side chest pain. Following an x-ray and a CT-scan of the chest at a different facility, a 10 cm chest wall tumor extending to the spine was revealed, and the patient was referred to Zulekha Hospital for further treatment.
The patient was required to undergo a guided core tissue biopsy for further confirmation of the tumor. Upon consensus from experts on the tumor board (an expert panel), the surgery was deduced as the best curative treatment.
The chest cavity—which houses the lungs, heart, and other vital body parts—is a bone-and-muscle cage framed by the sternum, spine, and ribs. Like any other part of the body, the walls of the chest cavity are susceptible to tumors.
A benign tumor based on its size, location, and rate of growth can create difficulties. A giant benign tumor can press against a lung and interfere with breathing. The majority of benign tumors, however, show no symptoms, do not seem to raise an alarm and very often remain undetected.
Dr Khaldoon Abo Dakka, specialist thoracic surgeon, assisted by Dr Ravi Dadlani Parasram, consultant neurosurgeon and Dr Hasan Al Shaiah- specialist cardiothoracic surgeon performed a five-hour surgery known as right thoracotomy for removal of right chest wall tumor involving fifth, sixth and the seventh rib with plastic reconstruction and partial D6 vertebral body surgical removal.
"The tumor involved three ribs and spread alongside the spine, which required the expertise of a dedicated team of thoracic surgeons and neurosurgeons to excise the tumor, minimizing the risk of recurrence, as such tumors have high tendency to recur invasively in place," explained Dr Abo Dakka.
Dr Hasan Al Shaiah added, "We were successful in doing plastic reconstruction to maintain the stability of chest wall post ribs resection avoiding lung herniation or paradoxical chest wall movement on respiration, which is a major concern in such cases."
Dr Ravi Dadlani Parasram consultant neurosurgeon said, "One of the major complications, (had the surgery not performed timely) could have led to the patient being subjected to paralysis in the lower part of the body."
"I was anxious before surgery and had concerns about side effects but the doctors’ at the Zulekha Hospital reassured and gave me the confidence that everything will be fine. Everything went smoothly and I am coming for regular follow-ups,” said the patient Estreleita.
Estreleita was discharged on the fifth day with no complications, no significant pain and no acquired chest wall deformity.
About Zulekha Healthcare Group www.zulekhahospitals.com
Zulekha Healthcare Group is a superbrand and among the forerunners in UAE healthcare. Today the Zulekha Healthcare Group includes two multidisciplinary hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah, as well as four UAE medical centres and three pharmacies providing specialised treatments in over 30 disciplines.
The group also has a multidisciplinary hospital Alexis in India. Zulekha Hospital has received extensive recognition for its commitment towards quality care and sustainable business practices and recently received the prestigious Dubai Quality Award for the second time in four years, underling a commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to patients and society.