Precision, Safety, and Innovation: A New Chapter in Spine Surgery at The Medical City

By The Medical City (TMC), Ortigas | September 05, 2023

On August 9th 2023, after a year of the acquisition of the O-arm Imaging and Stealthstation Navigation systems, TMC successfully completed its 25th procedure using the O-arm and StealthStation Navigation System.

Pasig City – In the relentless pursuit of seamless surgical advancements, The Medical City (TMC) made history on August 12, 2022, by acquiring the O-arm Imaging and StealthStation Navigation systems. This major leap marks a significant shift in the landscape of spine surgery in the country. The integration of the O-arm and StealthStation brings forth an avant-garde, minimally invasive surgical technique. This revolutionary navigation system provides real-time 3D intraoperative insights, equipping surgeons with meticulous precision during the procedure. Moreover, patients are positioned laterally, empowering the surgeon with unparalleled control, accuracy, and maneuverability, all while ensuring optimal visibility of the surgical site.

On August 9^th 2023, after a year of its acquisition, TMC successfully completed its 25th procedure using the O-arm and StealthStation Navigation System. The surgery was led by Dr. Larry Acuña, a renowned spine surgeon, and assisted by Dr. John Alfred Yap, Dr. Dexter Maverick Falcon, and anesthesiologists Dr. Michelle Luciano and Dr. Patricia Quintin.

This remarkable procedure bestowed transformative benefits to a 66-year-old male patient, battling the challenges of scoliosis. Faced with five years of escalating low back pain, caused by degenerative changes in his lumbar spine, his struggle encompassed spine instability, disc degeneration, and nerve impingement.

"This procedure extends renewed hope to patients grappling with spinal conditions that necessitate groundbreaking interventions. It offers a less invasive approach, hastening recovery and empowering patients to reclaim their normal lives." Acuña said.

The multifaceted advantages of the O-arm extend for both the surgical team and the patient resulting to minimal incisions and a swifter recovery period for patients. In addition, the reduction of radiation exposure coupled with the liberty for the medical team to exit the operating room, and eliminating the need for cumbersome lead protection, fosters a more secure environment. Furthermore, the system's 3D cameras illuminate intricate anatomical structures, minimizing disruption to normal anatomy—a pivotal consideration in intricate procedures that could potentially lead to revision surgeries.

TMC proudly stands as the pioneer among Philippine hospitals to embrace these transformative surgical imaging systems. This state-of-the-art arsenal empowers surgeons to visualize intricate anatomical nuances with extraordinary precision. The O-arm Imaging system provides real-time 3D insights into the surgical arena, complemented seamlessly by the StealthStation Navigation system's ability to meticulously track the positions of surgical instruments relative to the patient's anatomy. As a result, this facilitates heightened precision, diminished invasiveness, and a notable reduction in complications—ultimately translating to shorter recovery times.

Today, an array of surgical innovations caters to an extensive range of procedures, encompassing realms from prostate cancer surgery to gynecological interventions and cardiac procedures. The Medical City, radiating innovation, has single-handedly redefined the narrative of surgical excellence in spine procedures. In this trajectory, precision, safety, and patient well-being converge harmoniously, promising a future that marries cutting-edge medical science with unwavering compassion.

For more information, contact The Medical City Surgery Suite at 8988-1000 local 6274/6276.