Landmark Endoscopic Procedure Restores Quality of Life for 80-Year-Old Patient at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai

Dubai, UAE – An 80-year-old woman who had been struggling to swallow for years can now eat comfortably again, thanks to a groundbreaking endoscopic procedure at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai. The patient, who was severely malnourished due to Zenker’s diverticulum, faced serious health risks as food frequently became stuck in her throat.

Dr. Filippos Georgopoulos, Consultant Gastroenterologist

Dr. Filippos Georgopoulos, Consultant Gastroenterologist, performed an emergency endoscopy to remove a large food bolus that had lodged in her esophagus. Given her fragile health condition—including severe ischemic cardiomyopathy and a dangerously low cardiac ejection fraction—traditional surgery was too risky.

Determined to improve her quality of life, she opted for the Z-POEM (Zenker’s Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) procedure, an advanced technique that eliminates the obstruction without open surgery. Dr. Gaurav Muktesh, Consultant Gastroenterologist, skillfully performed the procedure, using endoscopic techniques to divide the diverticulum’s septum.

Within 48 hours, the patient was back on her feet and able to eat without difficulty. A follow-up barium swallow confirmed that her esophagus was now functioning normally.

“This marks a significant milestone in advanced endoscopy for Dubai,” said Dr. Muktesh. “We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Amr Ali and our dedicated colleagues in thoracic surgery, GI surgery, and interventional radiology. This kind of teamwork and innovation allows us to provide life-changing treatments for our patients.”

This success story reflects Al Zahra Hospital Dubai’s ongoing commitment to pioneering medical advancements and ensuring the highest quality of patient care.

About Al Zahra Hospital Dubai

Al Zahra Hospital Dubai is one of the UAE’s leading private healthcare providers, offering world-class medical services through cutting-edge technology and internationally trained specialists. Accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the hospital provides a wide range of medical and surgical specialties, from advanced oncology and cardiology to minimally invasive procedures and robotic surgeries. With a strong focus on patient-centered care, Al Zahra Hospital Dubai continues to raise the bar for healthcare excellence in the region.