OHSU team performs 1st awake spinal surgery

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. 

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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. 

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