Dubai, UAE — NMC Royal Hospital Dubai Investment Park (DIP) has performed the country’s first breast cancer surgery using the Sentimag system, a cutting-edge, radiation-free technology for sentinel lymph node mapping. The procedure marks a major advance in surgical innovation and patient safety in the UAE.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Without Radioactivity
Sentinel lymph node biopsy helps doctors check whether breast cancer has spread beyond the tumor. Traditionally, surgeons inject radioactive tracers and blue dye before surgery. These methods pose risks such as radiation exposure, allergic reactions, and strict timing requirements.
The Sentimag system replaces these tracers with Magtrace, a magnetic nanoparticle solution. Surgeons inject Magtrace before the operation. During surgery, a handheld magnetic probe detects the sentinel nodes. For non-palpable tumors, the system can also use a tiny magnetic marker called Magseed, removing the need for guidewires.
First Patient Case and Outcome
The first patient was a 47-year-old woman with a 26 mm invasive breast tumor. After review by a multidisciplinary tumor board, she underwent breast-conserving surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy with Sentimag.
Because her tumor was palpable, doctors used Magtrace alone. They made a small incision, located and removed the sentinel nodes without complications, and closed the wound quickly. The patient experienced minimal discomfort and was discharged just six hours later. At her one-week follow-up, she showed no signs of infection and was recovering well.
Expert Perspectives
“This technology makes breast cancer surgery safer, more convenient, and more patient-friendly,” said Dr. Afaf Al-Sahrawi, breast, thyroid, and parathyroid surgeon, who led the operation. “By eliminating radiation and blue dye, we reduce risk and simplify the procedure without losing accuracy.”
Shaista Meraj, consultant radiologist, added, “Sentimag provides a precise, radiation-free alternative. It expands access to sentinel node surgery, especially in departments without on-site radioisotopes. It’s a sustainable, patient-friendly solution for breast clinics.”
Commitment to Innovation and Patient Care
The introduction of the Sentimag system underscores NMC Royal Hospital DIP’s dedication to pioneering, patient-centric care. As one of the first hospitals in Dubai to offer this advanced, radiation-free approach, NMC Healthcare continues to deliver world-class, evidence-based treatments to patients across the UAE.
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