Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University has successfully completed its first awake spinal surgery, led by Josiah Orina, MD, associate professor of neurological surgery, and Kevin Blaine, MD, assistant professor of anesthesiology.
The outpatient procedure, a minimally invasive microdiscectomy, took two hours. The surgical team used local spine anesthesia, according to a Dec. 19 press release.
The procedure involved an incision of an inch-and-a-half. The surgeons used an operative microscope to precisely guide the procedure. Though it's a common procedure, this is the first time it has been done at OHSU with the patient awake and communicating.
The patient was a prime candidate for the procedure as she was young, healthy and active, according to the release. She's recovering at home and plans to be back to normal exercise soon.