Doha,
Qatar: Sidra Medicine has successfully completed Qatar’s first sacral
neuromodulation implantation on an eight-year-old child with spina bifida. The
minimally invasive procedure offers a new long-term solution for children over
seven who suffer from severe bladder dysfunction and have not responded to
standard therapies.
The
patient was referred to Sidra Medicine’s multidisciplinary clinic after years
of recurrent infections and persistent incontinence. Following a review by
specialists in urology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation, the team opted for
the neurostimulator implant over more invasive reconstructive surgery. The
device acts similarly to a pacemaker, using a small battery-operated unit to
regulate the sacral nerves responsible for bladder control.
While previously available to adults in Qatar, this milestone marks the first time the procedure has been adapted for a pediatric patient in the country. The surgery was conducted in collaboration with Kuwaiti consultant urologist Dr. Tariq Al Shaiji. Following this success, Sidra Medicine has officially added sacral neuromodulation to its permanent list of pediatric surgical options.
