Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has performed a complex robotic preventive surgery on a 37-year-old woman with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a rare inherited condition associated with a near-100% lifetime risk of colorectal cancer if left untreated.
The patient had a strong family history of colon cancer and was diagnosed with FAP following specialist evaluation and colonoscopy. Despite experiencing mild symptoms, she underwent preventive surgery to reduce her cancer risk.
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Dr. Ali Al Jaberi, Staff Physician, Colorectal Surgery at the Digestive Disease Institute in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said, “With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, colon cancer is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ Surgical colon removal before cancer develops transforms a life-threatening diagnosis into a preventable one. The robotic approach is especially beneficial for young patients with FAP, helping them return to full, active lives with the best possible outcomes.”
The procedure, known as a total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, involved removing the colon and rectum and creating an internal pouch from the small intestine to restore bowel function. A temporary ileostomy was created to allow healing and was reversed three months later.
The robotic approach provided enhanced visualisation and surgical precision, helping preserve nerves and support recovery. The patient recovered well and returned to a nearly normal lifestyle with her family.
Dr. John H. Rodriguez, Institute Chief of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Digestive Disease Institute, said, “This is what healthcare should look like, where we move beyond treating disease to anticipating and preventing it. When we combine early insight with the precision of robotics, we don’t just change outcomes, we change the trajectory of a patient’s life. By enabling us to see risk before it becomes reality, innovation empowers us to act with precision, purpose, and compassion. This is the future we are advancing every day.”
The case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, genetic assessment and preventive treatment for people with a family history of colorectal cancer. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi continues to advance robotic surgery and preventive healthcare to improve patient outcomes.
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Reflecting on her experience, the patient said, “There are second chances in life, and our health is a trust we must protect. Having faith in God, in the medical team, and in the advancement of science matters greatly. If you have a relative diagnosed with colon cancer, it is important to get screened.”
