UERM Medical Center performs country’s first endoscopic spine surgery for cancer in the base of the spine

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. 

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,