Al-Noor Hospital in Mecca successfully performs a rare single-incision lung surgery
A remarkable medical achievement at Al Noor Specialist Hospital
In a move reflecting the great development in health services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Al-Noor Specialist Hospital in Makkah, a member of the Makkah Health Cluster, announced the success of a specialized medical team in performing a complex surgical operation to remove the upper left lobe of a young patient’s lung, using Uniportal VATS (Uniportal Thoracic Surgery) technology. This is an achievement recorded for the first time at the hospital and enhances its position as a leading center in advanced thoracic surgeries.
Background of the situation and its challenges
The patient was suffering from severe local complications resulting from a previous infection with tuberculosis (pulmonary TB). Despite completing drug therapy, the disease had left permanent lung damage, including fibrosis and abscesses, which directly affected lung function and her quality of life. After a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary medical team including laparoscopic surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and nurses, surgical intervention was deemed the most effective solution to alleviate the patient's suffering.
Minimally invasive thoracic surgery revolution
The VATS (Vertical Thoracic Surgery) technique represents a significant advancement compared to traditional surgery, which requires a large incision in the chest and separation of the ribs to access the lung, resulting in severe pain and a lengthy recovery period. This technique has evolved from using multiple small incisions to the Uniportal VATS technique, in which the camera and surgical instruments are inserted through a small incision of only a few centimeters. The patient's case presented a considerable challenge due to dense tissue adhesions resulting from previous infections; however, the surgical team's skill enabled them to successfully complete the procedure without the need for open surgery.
The importance and impact of achievement
The significance of this procedure lies in its numerous benefits for the patient. It significantly reduces post-operative pain, shortens hospital stays, accelerates recovery and return to normal life, and provides superior cosmetic results. The patient was discharged from the hospital in completely stable condition. Nationally, this achievement aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program, which aim to localize the latest treatment technologies and provide integrated and innovative healthcare that prioritizes patient safety and quality of life.
