31/03/2026
CLMMRH Performs First UBE Spine Surgery
The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) proudly marks a significant milestone with the successful performance of its first Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic (UBE) Spine Surgery in Bacolod City.
The patient, a 72-year-old female, presented with severe bilateral radicular thigh pain and was diagnosed with lumbar radiculopathy secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis at the L3–L4 level.
The procedure involved a UBE decompression at L3–L4, led by Dr. Ma. Ella Muriel F. Valdevieso, Spine Consultant, with assistance from Dr. Natalie Aimee Dedel, in collaboration with Cebu-based UBE Spine Consultant Dr. Eric Astelo Belarmino, together with the surgical team. The operation included hemilaminotomy, over-the-top flavectomy, bilateral partial facetectomy, and discectomy, successfully achieving adequate nerve root decompression.
This milestone signals the introduction of a novel minimally invasive spine surgery technique at CLMMRH, expanding its capacity to deliver advanced, patient-centered care. UBE spine surgery is associated with favorable clinical outcomes, reduced complication rates, and shorter hospital stays.
Aligned with its Centennial theme, Sangatos, Padayon, this achievement reflects CLMMRH’s commitment to delivering compassionate care today while continuously strengthening its systems and capabilities for the future. It also reinforces the hospital’s role as the trusted apex hospital of the Negros Island Region, bringing renewed hope to Negrense patients in need of specialized spinal care.
Photo and text credit: Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology