Muscat: A specialized medical team at Khoula Hospital successfully performed a delicate surgical procedure to remove an aneurysm in the splenic artery using endoscopic surgery technology. The accomplishment was the first of its kind to be documented in the Middle East.
According to Oman News Agency, Dr. Ahmed Salim Al Aufi, Consultant Vascular and Accident Surgeon at Khoula Hospital, stated that the case involved a patient who visited the hospital with pain in the upper left side of the abdomen. The condition of the patient, a female, was diagnosed after an ultrasound scan, followed by a CT scan, which revealed a 2.8-centimeter aneurysm in the splenic artery. Dr. Ahmed Al Aufi noted that the size of the formation was considered dangerous, prompting immediate surgical intervention due to the potential risk of rupture, which is fatal in more than 80 percent of cases.
Dr. Ahmed Al Aufi emphasized that the decision to remove the aneurysm was life-saving, and the endoscopic surgery technique was preferred over traditional surgery. He explained that this technique offers advantages, including faster recovery, smaller wounds, and fewer complications related to the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. Moreover, the procedure reduces the hospitalization period, which was suitable for the patient, who is a breastfeeding infant caretaker.
The operation faced challenges due to the sensitive location of the aneurysm, near vital organs like the pancreas and stomach, and the presence of delicate arterial branches from the aneurysm site, increasing the likelihood of bleeding or rupture during surgery. However, the operation was successfully completed thanks to meticulous planning and high coordination among the medical teams.
Dr. Ahmed Al Aufi highlighted that such an operation eliminates the risk of fatal arterial rupture, improves the general health condition, and offers a chance for faster recovery compared to open surgery. He confirmed that this achievement reflects the advanced level attained by vascular surgery at Khoula Hospital and underscores the efficiency of the surgical team as well as the readiness of the anesthesia and surgical nursing teams.
When asked about the potential generalization of this technique in the future, Dr. Ahmed Al Aufi mentioned that aneurysms in abdominal arteries are rare, and a unified treatment approach cannot be applied to all cases. He noted that each case must be evaluated individually, and the most appropriate treatment plan should be developed based on its clinical data.