Surgeons at Al Wakra Hospital (AWH), a member of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), have successfully performed a hernia repair surgical procedure using biological mesh, recognised globally as an advanced surgical technique in hernia treatment.
This is the first time the procedure has been performed in Qatar and is an essential step forward for AWH as it continues to adopt international best practices and the most advanced surgical techniques in hernia repair to offer the safest, most effective and most compassionate care to its patients.
The procedure was performed under the leadership of Dr Mohamed El Akkad, senior consultant, General Surgery at AWH, with Dr Nizar Bouchiba, specialist general surgery, as the first surgeon, and Dr Adbelrahman Elosta, specialist general surgery, as the assistant surgeon. According to the surgical team, the patient experienced an excellent post-operative period and has returned home without any complications.
Dr El Akkad said: “The application of biological mesh which is made from donated human skin is a major advancement in complex hernia repair. Unlike the synthetic meshes, the biological ones can be used in difficult cases, as was the case with our patient.”
He further noted: “The patient had already undergone a hernia repair two years ago in another country, but unfortunately developed signs of chronic infection as a reaction to the synthetic mesh. However, the surgical team at AWH opted for a biological mesh to achieve the best outcomes for the patient.
“There are a number of known advantages of this procedure including lower risk of transplant rejection, post-operative complications and infections when compared with the conventional synthetic non-absorbable mesh,” Dr El Akkad explained. In most cases, it also allows the patient to have normal movement after surgery.
AWH is poised to open a centre of excellence for hernia treatment, both with the introduction of state-of-the-art equipment and the ongoing education and training of highly-skilled surgeons. This accomplishment supports HMC’s ambition to maintain the highest standard of services to enhance the quality of care offered to patients.
Wilson Ross, acting chief executive officer of AWH, highlighted “Although the surgery performed is not a new procedure and is recognised around the world, it is the first time that this kind of mesh has been used in Qatar. With the latest facility the hernia surgical department of the hospital is granted the newest tool in this challenging surgery. Moreover, it marks a significant achievement for us as we move forward in our journey to become an accredited centre of excellence in hernia surgery.”