Doha, Qatar: Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has reached a major milestone in pediatric healthcare with its pioneering national pediatric tracheostomy program. Supporting over 150 patients annually, the program plays a crucial role in providing advanced care and life-changing treatments for children with complex airway conditions.
In a recent groundbreaking achievement, Sidra Medicine’s Otolaryngology (ENT) team successfully removed the tracheostomy tube of a 16-year-old patient. She had suffered from airway obstruction above her vocal cords. The patient, who had relied on a breathing tube inserted through her neck for years, had undergone multiple surgeries without success. However, Sidra’s team performed a first-of-its-kind procedure in Qatar. They combined epiglottoplasty and supraglottoplasty to clear the obstruction. This innovative approach enabled the patient to breathe naturally through her nose for the first time in years.
Dr. Taseer Feroze Din, an Attending Pediatric ENT Physician who led the procedure, emphasized the significance of the achievement: “This case highlights the strength of our airway surgical services and our commitment to innovation. Our multidisciplinary team manages numerous tracheostomy cases annually, ensuring safe and proactive patient care.”
Expressing her gratitude, the patient’s mother said, “After five unsuccessful surgeries in the UK, Sidra Medicine was the only place that could help her. We are deeply thankful to the doctors who provided exceptional care and support throughout this journey. Now, after 15 years, my daughter can finally breathe on her own.”
Dr. Faisal Abdelkader, Division Chief of Otolaryngology and Audiology, noted that Sidra Medicine has doubled the number of successful tracheostomy removals in the past year. They offer comprehensive care to both local and international patients from countries such as Kuwait, Jordan, India, and Sri Lanka. “We are proud to be recognized as a leading center for pediatric airway and tracheostomy care. Our program is being presented at international conferences in the USA, UAE, and Tanzania,” he said.
Beyond complex airway surgeries, Sidra Medicine’s ENT service offers a range of advanced treatments. These include complex sinus surgery, endoscopic ear surgery, pediatric sleep apnea treatment, anterior skull base leak repair, and thyroid surgery. Utilizing cutting-edge technology and a patient-centered approach, the institution continues to set new benchmarks in pediatric healthcare.
