a medical team at the Oncology Center performs a rare fertility preservation surgery for cancer patients

For the first time in Egypt at Mansoura University, a medical team at the Oncology Center performs a rare fertility preservation surgery for cancer patients

In an unprecedented medical achievement in Egypt, a medical team at the Oncology Center at Mansoura University, led by Prof. Basil Rafki, Professor of Surgical Oncology and Member of the European Society of Gynecological Oncology, successfully performed the first-of-its-kind surgery in Egypt to preserve the fertility of cancer patients. The procedure utilizes a "temporary uterine lift" technique to protect the uterus from the effects of radiation therapy. After the recovery journey and tumor elimination, the uterus returns intact, as if it had never left its original location, giving these girls the opportunity to become mothers. Egypt thus joins the ranks of leading countries in fertility preservation for cancer patients, countries that began implementing this technique in 2018 in the United States and Brazil.

Porf. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, expressed his pride in this medical achievement, emphasizing that the success of this rare procedure is clear evidence of Mansoura University's leadership and excellence in the medical field locally, regionally, and globally. He extended his appreciation to the medical team involved in achieving this first-of-its-kind accomplishment in Egypt at Mansoura University, emphasizing that this success is a source of pride for the medical sector and all university staff. He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the staff of the university hospitals, headed by Prof. Ashraf Shoma, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Prof. Shaarawy Kamal, Executive Director of University Hospitals; Prof. Walid El-Nahhas, Director of the Oncology Center; Prof. Osama Hussein, Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology; and all faculty members and staff at the center for their efforts and tireless pursuit of providing distinguished medical services at the highest international standards. He emphasized the excellence of Mansoura University's faculty of medicine and their high ability to handle the most complex surgeries, which contributes to providing the best medical services to patients and achieving Egypt's Vision 2030 in the field of advanced healthcare and quality medical services. He added that the university spares no effort in supporting its medical staff and providing the latest technologies.

Prof. Walid El-Nahhas emphasized that this achievement falls within the framework of the center's strategy to implement the latest global oncology treatment protocols. He noted that the center always strives to provide innovative treatment alternatives that keep pace with the latest scientific developments and place the patient's best interests at the forefront of its priorities.

 Prof. Basil Rafky emphasized that the success of this surgery represents a new treatment option that gives cancer patients hope of preserving their fertility after treatment. He extended his thanks and appreciation to Prof. Cherif Khater, President of the University, for his continuous support and provision of the necessary resources and facilities to conduct medical research, seminars, and workshops. He also praised the efforts of the University's Graduate Studies and Research Sector, headed by Prof. Tarek Ghalwash.

The surgical team has successfully adopted this new technique for seven months, with three cases to date: two at Mansoura University and one at Assiut University. The first case involved a 17-year-old girl from Mansoura suffering from a soft tissue tumor in the pelvis (sarcoma). She underwent chemotherapy and then radiation, which necessitated a temporary uterus transplant until the end of her treatment. She is currently in good health and has a good chance of becoming pregnant. The second case involved a 24-year-old divorced woman from Mansoura suffering from the same condition. She was among those who agreed to undergo this technique to preserve her uterus. The third case involved a 20-year-old woman from Assiut who had never been married and was diagnosed with a rectal tumor. This necessitated a temporary uterus transplant until the end of her radiation therapy, as well as an egg preservation procedure to ensure future fertility.

The surgical team performed its operations at the Oncology Center, headed by Prof. Basil Rafqi, with the participation of a team of trainees from the European Society of Gynecological Oncology program, including Prof. Sahar Al-Basheer from Sudan, Dr. Amira Zeidan from Bahrain, and Dr. Amr Abu Zeina from Palestine, in addition to the anesthesia and nursing team. The surgeries were completely successful, opening the door to the generalization of this experience within Egyptian university hospitals and giving hope to dozens of patients in preserving their chances of childbearing without compromising the safety of the treatment process or affecting their chances of recovery.

The modern surgical technique has been presented at numerous international conferences, including the International Society of Gynecological Oncology in Ireland, the European Society of Gynecological Oncology in Rome, and specialized international conferences in Uzbekistan, Iraq, and Egypt.

 It's worth noting that Mansoura University Oncology Center is the first and largest university center specializing in oncology in the Nile Delta, and the second nationwide. With a capacity of 500 beds, it is equipped with the latest medical equipment. In 2021, it was accredited by the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGOC) as the first accredited training center affiliated with the association in the Middle East, Africa, and Arab countries. The center was honored by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in 2022, affirming its leadership and excellence in providing medical and scientific services following its accreditation by the ESGOC. The center also recently received accreditation from the General Authority for Accreditation and Healthcare Regulation (GAHAR), confirming its commitment to applying the highest international standards in healthcare for oncology patients.