07 April 2015
After months of difficulty breathing and swallowing, patient returns home symptom-free

Abu Dhabi - Imagine experiencing difficulty breathing and swallowing, while suffering constant bad breath, regurgitation, infection and sleepless nights. These are the symptoms of a rare condition called Zenker's Diverticulum, athroat disorder which a Dubai-based medical professional had endured for many weeks.

Zenker's Diverticulum is a rare type of 'hernia' of the esophagus where a pouch of flesh is formed at the back of the throat. It is extremely uncommon,having an incident rate of two cases per 100,000 in high risk countries such as Canada, America and Australia.

Despite numerous visits to ENT specialists and gastroenterologists, the patient continued to suffer. He was eventually advised to consult Dr. ProdulHazarika, ENT Specialist at NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi.

On meeting with the patient, Dr. Hazarikaperformed a barium swallow investigation, and diagnosed himwithZenker'sDiverticulum. Two days later, Dr. Hazarika performed a successful surgery to eliminate the pouch using a harmonic scalpel, an advanced surgical instrument known for its easy maneuverability which uses ultrasonic vibrations to cut and cauterize tissue simultaneously.

Discharged the next day, the patient was immediately back to his normal routine, and has been symptom-free ever since. Commenting on the outcome of the procedure, the patient said: "Just like that I was cured of this terrible condition that was causing a lot of misery in my life. Thanks to thedoctors' expertise I am now able tosleep in peace and enjoy my meals without facing constant troubles."

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About NMC Healthcare
NMC Health plc is the leading integrated healthcare provider with operations in the United Arab Emirates. NMC Healthcare commenced operations in 1975 and has grown to become the only private sector healthcare provider with a broad UAE presence. The Healthcare Division has twelve healthcare facilities and a chain of pharmacies across five cities and four emirates of the UAE. The group also operates a significant UAE wide distribution business supplying product lines across several key market segments including pharmaceutical, FMCG, food, scientific and medical equipment, veterinary as well as educational supplies.

In April 2012 NMC Health plc became the first healthcare company from the GCC and the first from Abu Dhabi to be listed on the premium segment of the London Stock Exchange, and is part of the prestigious FTSE 250 index.

For more information please contact:
Johan Janssen, DABO & CO
E-mail:johan.j@daboandco.com
Call: +971 55 643 6743

Bassel Barakat, DABO & CO
E-mail:bassel.b@daboandco.com
Call: +971 56 3535917

© Press Release 2015