Heroic Eight-Hour Surgery in Abu Dhabi Saves 12-Year-Old’s Severed Arm

Collaborative medical effort at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City highlights UAE's cutting-edge paediatric trauma care.

In an extraordinary showcase of medical prowess and joint effort, a cohort of doctors at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in Abu Dhabi successfully executed a complex surgical operation to rescue the severely injured arm of a 12-year-old boy.

The young patient, who suffered a devastating open fracture from a quad bike accident in the desert, faced the prospect of losing his arm, which was effectively hanging by a sliver of skin and muscle.

The incident transpired in December 2023, with the boy being swiftly transported to SKMC via air ambulance shortly past midnight.

The medical team, spearheaded by Dr. Ken Kontio, Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, rallied to tackle the daunting task.

An open humerus fracture, causing a 15cm gaping wound on the upper arm, was the focal injury.

The severity of the situation escalated upon the discovery that the radial nerve was completely severed, and both the brachial artery and vein were critically damaged.

Demonstrating the efficacy of a multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Ottorino Del Foco, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, executed a bypass graft using a vein sourced from the boy's leg.

This delicate procedure was pivotal in re-establishing blood circulation to the arm, with signs of blood perfusion in the hand visible by 5 a.m. Subsequent to this vascular intervention, Dr. Hafiz Koyappathody, Consultant Plastic Reconstructive Surgeon, took the helm to repair the radial nerve, rectify muscle damage, and execute a forearm fasciotomy to mitigate pressure from swelling.

Concluding at 8:30 a.m., the marathon surgery was not merely a triumph over medical challenges but also a testament to the prowess of SKMC's medical personnel.

Dr. Kontio commented on the synergy: 'I am truly proud of the team effort involved in this complex surgery, in which a young boy’s arm was saved.

It embodies the collaborative, multidisciplinary approach of SEHA’s network, which has helped turn Abu Dhabi into one of the most advanced health care ecosystems in the region.'

The boy’s parents expressed profound gratitude for SKMC's dedication: 'We are immensely thankful to the doctors and staff at SKMC.

Their skill and dedication have enabled our son’s recovery, and he is now returning to normal life at school and at home.'

This successful surgery underscores PureHealth’s commitment through SEHA to advancing healthcare standards, situating the UAE as a formidable leader in global paediatric and trauma care.

Through substantial investments in medical expertise and cutting-edge technology, the network is committed to enhancing the quality of life across the Emirates, making significant strides towards a healthier nation.