Dubai’s American Hospital Dubai has successfully performed a rare and highly complex surgical procedure to remove and reconstruct a patient’s jaw affected by an uncommon tumour, marking an important milestone in advanced medical care in the UAE.
The operation involved treating an odontogenic myxoma, a rare benign tumour that forms in the jawbone and originates from tissues associated with tooth development.
According to clinical information published by the National Institutes of Health, odontogenic myxoma is an uncommon tumour that can grow aggressively within the jaw and often requires complex surgical management.
The procedure carried out in Dubai required highly specialised surgical expertise and advanced planning technology, making it one of the most sophisticated operations of its kind performed in the country.
Rare Tumour Detected After Routine Examination
The patient, a female who had previously undergone tumour treatment in the United Kingdom in 2000, was initially treated through tumour excision and tissue removal. Years later, during a routine dental check-up, panoramic radiographs revealed unusual changes in the jawbone.
Concerned about the findings, the patient sought further evaluation at American Hospital Dubai, where doctors conducted extensive diagnostic assessments including advanced imaging scans, clinical examinations, and a biopsy.
The tests confirmed the presence of a large recurrent tumour affecting the left mandible, the lower jawbone responsible for essential functions such as chewing, speaking, and facial structure support.
Complex Surgical Plan Developed
Due to the size and progression of the tumour, Dr. Hani Nachawati, Consultant Oral Surgeon and Implantologist at American Hospital Dubai, determined that the most effective treatment would require a hemimandibulectomy.
A hemimandibulectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion or half of the mandible, or lower jawbone.
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, such procedures are typically used to treat severe jaw tumours, infections, trauma, or congenital conditions.
In this particular case, surgeons performed a left hemimandibulectomy while preserving the mandibular condyle, a critical part of the jaw joint that connects the jawbone to the skull through the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
The preservation of this structure was essential for maintaining jaw movement and facial symmetry.
Advanced 3D Surgical Planning
To ensure maximum precision, the surgical team used 3D CAD/CAM planning technology, allowing doctors to create a detailed virtual surgical plan before entering the operating room.
Such digital surgical planning has become increasingly important in complex reconstructive procedures, enabling surgeons to simulate tumour removal and design the reconstruction process in advance.
According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, computer-assisted surgical planning significantly improves accuracy in maxillofacial reconstruction procedures.
Jaw Reconstruction Using Microvascular Surgery
After removing the affected section of the jaw, surgeons immediately reconstructed the bone using a fibular free flap, a sophisticated microvascular technique widely used in reconstructive surgery.
The fibular free flap involves transferring a segment of bone from the patient’s lower leg (fibula) to replace the removed jawbone. Blood vessels are then carefully reconnected under a microscope to restore blood circulation to the transplanted bone.
This technique helps restore both functional movement and facial structure, enabling patients to regain the ability to chew, speak, and maintain natural facial contours.
Multidisciplinary Surgical Collaboration
The demanding 12-hour surgery was carried out by a multidisciplinary team at American Hospital Dubai, combining expertise from multiple specialties.
The team included Dr. Hani Nachawati, along with ENT surgeon Dr. Roy, and plastic surgeons Dr. Tracia and Dr. Ali, supported by anesthesiology and intensive care specialists.
Such multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for complex head and neck surgeries, where surgeons must coordinate tumour removal, reconstruction, and patient recovery simultaneously.
Successful Recovery and Medical Innovation
Following the procedure, doctors reported that both the surgery and the post-operative recovery proceeded smoothly. The patient achieved strong functional outcomes along with a natural aesthetic appearance.
Medical experts note that procedures of this complexity highlight the growing capabilities of hospitals in the UAE to perform advanced surgical treatments that were once only available in major global medical centers.
American Hospital Dubai has built a strong reputation for treating complex diseases through advanced technology, specialised surgical teams, and multidisciplinary medical care.
The successful treatment of this rare tumour case demonstrates how cutting-edge surgical techniques, combined with detailed digital planning and collaboration among specialists, can significantly improve patient outcomes in complex medical conditions.
As healthcare innovation continues to advance, hospitals in the UAE are increasingly contributing to the development of world-class medical capabilities across the region.
Dwayne Paschke is a seasoned content strategist and AI automation specialist with over nine years of experience at the intersection of journalism and digital innovation. A versatile force in the media landscape, Dwayne has built a reputation as an expert content writer and investigative journalist, contributing high-impact pieces to various reputable news websites.
