Medical breakthrough in Mecca: Successful treatment of a complex umbilical hernia using horizontal traction technique
The medical staff at King Abdullah Medical City, an active member of the Makkah Health Cluster, recorded a remarkable medical achievement, the first of its kind in the Western Region, by successfully performing a precise and advanced surgical procedure to treat a complex umbilical hernia using the "horizontal traction" technique, which represents a qualitative leap in the path of urgent care and specialized surgeries within the Saudi healthcare system.
Case details and surgical intervention
This surgical intervention brought an end to the suffering of a patient who had been experiencing a severe primary umbilical hernia with significant abdominal space loss, a condition medically classified as highly complex and risky. Detailed examinations revealed that the hernia measured 8 centimeters in width, with a Tanaka score of 72.5% and a cross-sectional assessment classified as EHS M3W2. These findings rendered traditional surgical closure an unsafe and medically risky option, necessitating the search for innovative solutions.
Horizontal tensioning technology: the ideal solution
The specialized medical team employed the advanced "horizontal traction" technique, which provided an ideal solution by allowing for gradual and balanced lengthening of the anterior abdominal wall fascia. This technique helped to realign the midline of the tissues under stable physiological conditions and low pressure, significantly reducing the need for surgical closure. This method also enabled the team to avoid extensive tissue dissection, thus preserving proper blood supply and reducing the likelihood of increased intra-abdominal pressure, a serious complication in such surgeries.
The importance of the achievement and the status of the medical city
This success underscores King Abdullah Medical City's prestigious position as a leading center for specialized healthcare in the Kingdom. The city plays a pivotal role in providing medical services for complex cases, not only to the residents of Makkah but also to pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. The use of advanced techniques such as horizontal traction reflects the city's commitment to implementing the latest international standards in general and laparoscopic surgery, reducing the need for patient referrals to external centers and providing comprehensive healthcare within the region.
In line with the health transformation and Vision 2030
This achievement is not merely a success for an individual patient; it is central to the objectives of the healthcare transformation program stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The Vision aims to enhance the efficiency of medical services, improve quality of life, and localize advanced treatment technologies. The ability of national medical professionals to perform such complex surgeries strengthens national health security and solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leading destination for medicine and surgery in the Middle East.
Impressive results and a distinguished medical team
The technique proved its immediate clinical effectiveness, with the procedure being a complete success without any significant complications. The patient's respiratory functions remained stable, and no signs of abdominal hypertension were observed. The patient was discharged from the hospital after ten days of close monitoring, in good health and resuming his normal life. This achievement was accomplished by a highly skilled surgical team including Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Zahrani, Dr. Sayed Assem, and Dr. Magdi Al-Zahrani, who have added another success story to the record of Saudi medical expertise.
