Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has achieved a major milestone in women’s health by performing the UAE’s first robotic-assisted Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction on a breast cancer survivor who had previously undergone a mastectomy. The procedure combines advanced robotic technology with microsurgical expertise, offering patients a minimally invasive option for natural breast reconstruction.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women globally and is the leading cancer in the UAE. Many survivors opt for reconstructive surgery following mastectomy. Traditionally, DIEP flap surgery—the gold standard in breast reconstruction—uses a patient’s own abdominal tissue. While highly effective, conventional surgery often involves long incisions, risks of abdominal weakness or hernia, extended recovery periods, and postoperative pain. To minimize these drawbacks, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s team explored a robotic-assisted approach for patients who are ideal candidates.
The groundbreaking surgery was led by Dr. Raffi Gurunian, Dr. Ahmad Matalkah, and Dr. Mario Cherubino, supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists in plastic surgery, breast surgery, anesthesia, and nursing under the Robotic Surgery and Breast Reconstruction Programs. The team successfully harvested abdominal tissue through small incisions, preserving muscle and fascial integrity, before transferring it to reconstruct the breast and restore a natural shape. The robotic system’s three-dimensional visualization and wristed instruments allowed for precise dissection of abdominal blood vessels, reducing trauma to the abdominal wall and promoting faster recovery with less postoperative discomfort.
Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said, “This surgical milestone reflects the evolution of healthcare in the UAE. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we are combining world-class expertise with advanced technologies to deliver care that was once only available abroad. Performing the UAE’s first robotic-assisted DIEP flap breast reconstruction demonstrates our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Abu Dhabi.”
Dr. Raffi Gurunian, Section Head of Plastic Surgery, added, “Robotic-assisted reconstruction enhances surgical precision while minimizing many of the side effects associated with conventional DIEP flap surgery. This complex, high-precision surgery was completed without complications and represents the future of reconstructive surgery—providing patients with minimally invasive solutions that reduce pain, abdominal issues, and recovery time.”
By pioneering robotic-assisted breast reconstruction, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is setting a new benchmark for post-mastectomy recovery, offering breast cancer survivors renewed hope and redefining the possibilities of life after cancer.
