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Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson

Hospital’s first patient reports fast recovery and relief from back pain

TUCSON, Ariz. (Sept. 8, 2025)Spine surgeons at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson are now offering an advanced surgical procedure that treats back pain with smaller incisions, resulting in less pain, shorter hospital stays and a faster return to a pain-free life.

Unlike traditional “open” spine surgery, which often requires a large incision and muscle dissection, endoscopic surgery involves a small incision through which the surgeon can insert a camera and specialized surgical instruments. This allows surgeons to treat the problem with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.

“Patients usually go home the same day, compared to one or more nights in the hospital with traditional surgery,” said Abduljabbar Alhammoud, MD, spine surgeon with Banner – University Medicine. “Most are back to normal activities within a few days, whereas open spine surgery recovery can take several months.”

In June, Eric Sebring became the first patient at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson to undergo the endoscopic spine procedure. Sebring had struggled with back pain for several years. In 2022, he underwent full spinal fusion surgery for a herniated disc that required a five-day hospital stay, spinal hardware, a walker and limited movement for a year.

“After my first surgery, I couldn't move or bend for quite a while because of the pain in my back,” said Sebring.

A few years later, he began experiencing pain in his back, right thigh and calf — a sign he recognized as another herniated disc. He decided to visit Dr. Alhammoud who recommended the procedure.

The benefits included reduced pain, greater mobility and independence, and a faster return to his job, which requires frequent travel. For Sebring, it was a no-brainer.

“I was out of the hospital within about five hours with zero pain. I could move and walk with no pain, which I didn't think was possible with back surgery."

Currently, Banner – University Medical Center Tucson is the only Banner facility in Arizona offering uniportal endoscopic spine surgery. Very few facilities in southern Arizona provide it — which makes this a unique offering for patients in the region.

“This is the innovative direction spine surgery is heading,” said Dr. Alhammoud. “Endoscopy is a major step toward safer, more efficient and more patient-friendly spine surgery.”

Endoscopic spine surgery is an option for patients with:

  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Pinched nerves in the lumbar, thoracic or cervical spine

Spine endoscopy can be performed using local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, making it a safer option for patients with heart or lung conditions.

About Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and South

Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South are part of Banner – University Medicine, a premier academic medical network. These institutions are academic medical centers for the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. Included on the two campuses are Diamond Children's Medical Center and many specialty clinics. The two academic medical centers are part of Arizona-based Banner Health, one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country. Banner Health is in six states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/universitytucson or bannerhealth.com/universitysouth.

Banner - University Medical Center Tucson Innovation Critical Care

For further information contact us at: [email protected]

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