Healthcare

American Hospital Dubai has successfully conducted a highly advanced and rare surgical procedure to remove and reconstruct a jaw tumour, marking a significant milestone in complex medical care in the UAE.

The surgery involved treating an Odontogenic Myxoma, a rare tumour that affects the jawbone and is treated only in a limited number of specialised hospitals in the country.

Diagnosis and Recurrence of a Rare Tumour

The female patient had initially undergone treatment in the UK in 2000, where the tumour was removed through excision and curettage.

Years later, routine dental examinations and panoramic X-rays revealed unusual changes in her jawbone. Seeking further evaluation, she visited American Hospital Dubai, where specialists conducted:

1. Comprehensive imaging

2. Clinical evaluation

3. Biopsy testing

The results confirmed the presence of a large recurrent tumour in the left mandible (lower jaw).

Highly Complex Jaw Surgery

The procedure was led by Dr Hani Nachawati, who recommended a hemimandibulectomy, a surgery that removes part of one side of the jaw.

In this case, surgeons performed a left hemimandibulectomy while preserving the mandibular condyle, a critical structure that connects the jaw to the skull through the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and plays an essential role in chewing, speaking and facial movement.

Because such procedures can affect speech, chewing and facial structure, surgeons must carefully plan reconstruction to restore both function and facial aesthetics.

Advanced 3D Surgical Planning

To ensure precision, the medical team used 3D CAD/CAM surgical planning technology, enabling them to create a virtual model of the surgery before the procedure.

After removing the tumour, surgeons immediately reconstructed the jaw using a microvascular fibula free flap, a technique that involves transferring bone from the lower leg to rebuild the jawbone.

This method restores:

1. Jaw structure

2. Facial contours

3. Ability to chew and speak

Multidisciplinary Surgical Team

The demanding 12-hour surgery required coordination among specialists from several medical disciplines.

The team included:

1. Dr Hani Nachawati

2. Dr Dev S. Roy

3. Dr Luciano Tracia

4. Dr Ali

They were supported by anaesthesia and intensive care teams to manage the highly complex operation.

Successful Outcome

The surgery and post-operative recovery progressed smoothly, with the patient achieving excellent functional and aesthetic results. She continues to recover well under medical supervision.

The case highlights American Hospital Dubai’s expertise in managing rare and complex medical conditions, as well as the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in advanced surgical care.

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