King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH) in Madinah has launched a pioneering endoscopic nipple sparing mastectomy program with immediate breast reconstruction, enabling affected breast tissue to be removed through a small hidden incision under the armpit, with reconstruction performed during the same operation, helping reduce visible scarring and the emotional impact associated with breast loss.
The program has been integrated into clinical practice as a permanent treatment option for eligible patients, following a clinical implementation phase that began in December 2023, when the first successful endoscopic mastectomy was performed through a small incision under the armpit, preserving the skin, nipple, and blood supply before reconstructing the breast through the same surgical opening.
Since the program’s launch, 26 successful cases have been completed, showing encouraging clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction. Based on these results, KFSH has adopted the technique as a permanent option for eligible patients, whether for breast cancer treatment or preventive surgery in women with high risk genetic mutations that increase the likelihood of breast and ovarian cancer.
Following the results achieved, the service is now available to all patients receiving care at the KFSH in Madinah, with referrals accepted for eligible cases from across the Kingdom. This surgical approach combines effective treatment with the preservation of the breast’s natural appearance after reconstruction. Using a minimally invasive technique, it helps reduce pain and recovery time, keeps hospital stays to an average of no more than two days, and enables patients to return to their daily lives sooner while improving their overall treatment experience.
This program complements KFSH’s broader advanced surgical services and builds on an existing breast conservation initiative that has contributed to a significant reduction in full mastectomy rates in the region, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced, evidence-based specialty care that enhances quality of life for patients in Madinah and nearby regions.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Madinah has 400 beds and provides care across a range of subspecialties, including pediatric and adult oncology, ophthalmology, obstetrics, and gynecology. The hospital has also received 14 training accreditations across various medical and nursing specialties.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 12th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers for 2026 and recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East for 2026, according to Brand Finance. It was also listed by Newsweek among the World’s Best Hospitals, World’s Best Smart Hospitals and World’s Best Specialized Hospitals for 2026.
Source: Riyadh Daily