Emirati Mother Beats Rare Cancer with Robotic Surgery

Maya Al Hajri is a 59-year-old mother of five from the UAE who faced cancer twice in her life. Seven years ago, she beat breast cancer. But in July 2024, she was diagnosed with a new, rare cancer called "ampullary." This cancer affects the bile ducts and pancreas.

Maya’s condition caused jaundice, a yellowing of the skin, which led doctors to discover a tumor in the area where the bile ducts meet the pancreas. They recommended a risky surgery called the “Whipple procedure.” This surgery involves removing parts of the pancreas, stomach, gallbladder, small intestine, and lymph nodes.

The surgery was long – it lasted more than 8 hours – but Maya had the benefit of the latest medical technology. The doctors used robotic surgery, specifically the Da Vinci robotic system, which allows for very precise operations. With this technology, the surgeons could remove the cancerous tissue carefully without damaging nearby organs.

Dr. Ali Ayoub, the lead surgeon, explained that using the robot helped reduce blood loss and made the surgery safer. The robot also made it easier to reconnect the bile ducts and pancreas properly, which sped up Maya’s recovery. Thanks to the precision of robotic surgery, Maya returned to her normal life much sooner than expected.

Maya’s story is an example of how technology, skilled doctors, and a strong will to survive can help people win the battle against even the toughest cancers.