TaTME procedure explored first time in the Kingdom for colorectal surgeries.

In a groundbreaking surgery, a new laparoscopic technique was successfully performed at the Bahrain Defence Hospital to remove a colorectal tumor from a patient. Consultant general surgeon Dr Thamer Abbasi, supervised by Professor Luigi Boni, Chief of Surgery at the University of Milan, led the surgery which is considered to be a medical milestone for the Kingdom, which is an emerging hub of medical tourism. Speaking to Tribune, Dr Al Abbasi said, “The procedure is commonly called the TaTME Procedure. It can be considered a medical milestone. The most important challenge in cancer surgery is to remove all cancerous cells in the body.”

When asked about the number of colorectal cancer cases in Bahrain, he said, “The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Kingdom, based on the latest cancer registry cases in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, was 40/100,000 in men and 32/100,000 in women. Moreover, when compared to other Gulf countries, Bahrain has highest incidence rates for the disease. CRC is a disease mainly affecting middle-aged and elderly people with a majority being diagnosed after the age of 50 years.”

 He said the Kingdom needed more steps to tackle these rising number of cases. “We don’t have a national screening programme, and we can detect the disease at early stages by conducting colonoscopy on patients who are susceptible to the disease.” Dr Al Abbasi said the authorities should immediately implement such screening programmes.