UERM Medical Center performs country’s first endoscopic spine surgery for cancer in the base of the spine
for UERM Medical Center
MANILA, Philippines — University of the East Ramon Magsaysay (UERM) Medical Center an institution for medical education and healthcare delivery, performed the country’s first endoscopic sacral metastatic tumor surgery demonstrating its exceptional expertise in the field of Neurosurgery.
The cutting-edge procedure, performed by Neurosurgeon, Dr. Elmer Jose Meceda, successfully removed a 5 cm malignant tumor from the sacral bone of 68-year-old Ligaya Aglipay, a former Barangay Nutrition Scholar from Isabela.
Nanay Ligaya had been enduring excruciating pain in her buttocks and left leg since mid-2022. In 2023, the Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans showed a right sacral mass which was confirmed to be Papillary Thyroid Cancer a biopsy procedure. A total thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy was done for eight months.
“The initial diagnosis was sciatica. She then underwent three therapy sessions but were discontinued due to persisting pain,” the daughter of Aglipay shared. Anxiousness and hopelessness grew especially after being advised of only palliative recourse by several doctors until Dr. Roy Bergonia, UERM alumnus, referred them to Dr. Meceda.
From Isabela to Manila
Knowing its relatively high survival rate and the patient’s good overall status, Dr. Meceda discussed taking out the tumor endoscopically with the patient.
Choosing UERM Medical Center was a decision with its reputation for medical excellence, particularly under the guidance of Dr. Meceda, who also conducted the world’s first slipped disc surgery through the mouth in 2021 and the Philippines' first Cervical Endoscopic Spine Surgery (ESS) in 2019. This offered the family a glimmer of hope amidst their despair.
"Performing this pioneering surgery was not just about removing a tumor; it was about restoring hope and quality of life to our patient who is in severe pain. At UERM Medical Center, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of medical science while prioritizing the interest and safety of the patient to provide the best possible care, even in the face of the most complex challenges,” Dr. Meceda expressed.
Nanay Ligaya was admitted at UERM Medical Center a week after Typhoon Carina, and through resilience and commitment to patient care, the institution ensured that its facilities were fully operational for Nanay Ligaya’s crucial surgery.
The patient first received preoperative embolization in another institution to cut off blood supply and was operated three days after.
“Before operation ay matindi talaga ang sakit na nararamdaman ko sa likod. Namimilipit ako sa sakit at natatakot. Hindi na po ako masyadong gumagalaw. Maraming salamat po sa mga doktor ng UERM Medical Center lalo na po kay Dr. Meceda dahil nabawasan nang husto ang aking pananakit at naging maayos ang operasyon (Before the operation, the pain in my back was really intense. I was writhing in pain and scared. I don’t move as much as possible. Thank you very much first to the doctors of UERM Medical Center especially Dr. Meceda because my pain has immensely lessened and the surgery went well)," Nanay Ligaya expressed.
Benefits of the surgery
The advantages of this endoscopic spine surgery were manifold. Not only did it avoid the complications and risks associated with open surgery, but it also resulted in significantly reduced blood loss, a quicker recovery time and minimal scarring. Just a day after the five-hour procedure, Nanay Ligaya was able to move painlessly —a testament to the precision and efficacy of Dr. Meceda’s approach.
A month after the operation, Nanay Ligaya now experiences only occasional mild sharp pain in the back of her right leg. She has recently completed Radioactive Iodine (RAI) therapy and is currently awaiting the results of her whole-body scan.
This milestone underscores UERM Medical Center's healthcare excellence from its top-notch service and experienced medical professionals capable of handling complex cases, proving that even in the face of adversity, innovation and expertise can lead to life-changing outcomes.
For more information, please visit www.uerm.edu.ph
Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by UERM Medical Center. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
