Advanced spine care is expanding in the Borderland, as a UMC-affiliated neurosurgeon continues to lead the way in a highly specialized procedure, known as Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF), that is rarely performed nationwide.
As KTSM recently highlighted, Dr. Jaime Gasco, a neurosurgeon with UMC Healthcare Partners’ Nexus Neurosciences, has now performed 300 Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF) procedures, a significant milestone in a technique practiced by only a limited number of surgeons across the country.
The OLIF procedure is a minimally invasive surgery designed for patients suffering from sciatica and severe lower back pain caused by spinal degeneration. Using an advanced endoscopic approach, the procedure avoids open exposure of the spine and significantly reduces surgical time.
“We’ve converted that to a 25-minute operation for a single level and about 40 minutes for a two-level operation, with patients able to go home the next day,” Gasco told KTSM. He also noted that the procedure requires “no drains and three small incisions.”
The minimally invasive nature of the surgery drastically reduces recovery times compared to traditional open spine procedures that previously lasted several hours. Patients interviewed by KTSM shared that they experienced minimal postoperative pain and shorter hospital stays than expected, with many discharged within one day.
In addition to the faster recovery, patients emphasized the importance of having access to advanced neurosurgical care close to home. As one patient shared with KTSM, “Knowing that there is a professional that’s able to do that here in our city is amazing.” Not only does the patient remain in El Paso, but their family does too, which brings less stress and more comfort and care at home.
Dr. Gasco trained in Spain to learn the OLIF technique and continues to perform the procedure at UMC Surgical Hospital, expanding access to specialized spine care for patients across the El Paso region.
Through continued innovation and expertise, UMC Healthcare Partners remains committed to delivering advanced surgical options that improve outcomes and enhance quality of life for the community.
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