Lumbar Microdiscectomy in India
Lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgery used to relieve sciatica (leg pain) caused by a slipped or herniated disc in the lower back. When a disc fragment presses on a nearby nerve root, it can cause sharp shooting pain, numbness, or weakness. Microdiscectomy removes the small offending fragment through a tiny incision under a microscope so that the nerve has space to heal. If medicines, physiotherapy, and targeted injections have not helped, this procedure may be the next step.
Discover what this treats so that you can choose confidently
Microdiscectomy targets sciatica caused by a herniated lumbar disc compressing a nerve root. By removing only the loose fragment and freeing the nerve, it relieves leg pain, numbness, or weakness when conservative care hasn’t worked.
Patient moment N, 36, had six months of severe right-leg pain. MRI showed an L5–S1 herniation contacting the S1 nerve. She chose microdiscectomy in India, walked the same day, and returned to desk work in two weeks. “When the pressure lifted, the pain finally let go.”
Why people choose India when this procedure is needed
India offers high-volume spine centers, modern operating microscopes, endoscopic options, and standardized recovery pathways at transparent prices. Multidisciplinary teams—neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, anesthesiologists, and physiotherapists—coordinate care so that you move safely from decision to discharge.
Good questions to ask: Which hospital explains risks and safeguards clearly? Which team shares outcomes for cases like mine?
How the procedure works in simple steps
Think of the compressed nerve like a phone cable pinched in a doorway. Microdiscectomy opens the door just enough to free the cable—without rebuilding the whole frame.
- Before surgery — MRI confirms the level and side; pre-anesthesia checks review your heart, lungs, and medicines; you learn early walking and back-safe movements.
- During surgery — Under general anesthesia, a 2–3 cm incision is made. Using a microscope or endoscope, a tiny window is created in the ligament to reach the disc. Only the loose herniated fragment and free pieces are removed; the healthy disc is left alone. The wound is closed with absorbable stitches or skin glue.
- After surgery — You start walking the same day or next morning. Pain is managed with tablets; most do not need strong opioids for long. A short stay is common and a home exercise plan begins quickly.
Grounding questions: Does the MRI match where my pain travels? Have I had a well-supervised trial of non-surgical care long enough to make surgery sensible?
Who should consider this and when to wait
- Consider microdiscectomy when sciatica persists >6–8 weeks despite therapy, there’s significant or progressive weakness, pain remains disabling, and imaging shows a fragment compressing the matching nerve.
- Consider waiting/alternatives when symptoms are mild or improving, back pain (not leg pain) is the main problem without clear root compression, or medical issues need optimization.
Ask yourself: Which option offers the best chance of real relief with acceptable downtime? What support do I have for the first two weeks (meals, errands, transport)?
Benefits and risks that you should understand
Potential benefits
- Rapid relief of leg pain when nerve compression is the driver
- Small incision, minimal muscle disruption, quick mobilization
- Day-care or overnight stay for most people
Possible risks
- Wound infection, bleeding, or blood clots (uncommon)
- Dural tear (small spinal fluid leak) that usually heals with simple measures
- Recurrent herniation at the same level (minority risk)
- Persistent numbness/weakness if the nerve was severely irritated before surgery
- Very rare instability that might require later fusion
Balanced view: No surgery can promise a cure. Outcomes depend on correct diagnosis, smoking status, fitness, and following a graded recovery plan.
Recovery timeline so that planning feels easier
- Day 0–1 — Walk in the corridor with supervision; practice log-roll technique.
- Days 2–7 — Short frequent walks; avoid bending, lifting, twisting.
- Weeks 2–3 — Return to desk work if pain controlled and surgeon agrees.
- Weeks 4–6 — Start core & hamstring conditioning with a physiotherapist.
- Week 8+ — Gradual return to sport or heavier activity as advised.
Call now for: increasing leg weakness, fever, wound drainage, or sudden severe pain.
Cost overview without surprises
Prices in India vary with hospital category, surgeon seniority, approach (microscopic vs endoscopic), room class, length of stay, and whether this is first-time or revision surgery. Illustrative USD ranges for self-pay international patients:
| Scenario | Illustrative cost range (USD) | Typical hospital stay |
|---|---|---|
| Single-level microscopic lumbar microdiscectomy | 3200 – 4800 | 1 – 2 days |
| Endoscopic lumbar discectomy (transforaminal or interlaminar) | 3800 – 6200 | 1 – 2 days |
| Bilateral or large fragment extraction (same level) | 4500 – 6800 | 1 – 3 days |
| Revision microdiscectomy (same level, repeat surgery) | 4800 – 7500 | 2 – 3 days |
Simple math example
- Base package • Microscopic microdiscectomy: $3,600
- Room class upgrade: $300
- One extra inpatient day: $250
- Physiotherapy & brace (if advised): $180
- Estimated total: $4,330
Ask for a personalized quote listing inclusions (anesthesia, routine labs, medicines, surgeon & OR fees) and exclusions (take-home meds, extra nights, unplanned ICU).
How to compare hospitals and specialists with confidence
Choosing a center is like choosing a pilot for a precise landing—experience, instruments, and a plan for unexpected weather matter.
- Surgeon’s annual volume for lumbar discectomy and endoscopic options
- Use of microscope/endoscope and standardized infection prevention
- Early mobility protocols and physiotherapy support
- Clear escalation plan if findings differ from MRI
- Transparent packages with no surprise device charges
Which hospital explains recurrence risk and prevention clearly? Which team provides a written day-by-day recovery plan?
Questions people often ask before this treatment
Will surgery cure my back pain?
Microdiscectomy targets leg pain from nerve compression. Back ache may improve but isn’t the main goal.
How soon can I fly home?
Many travelers fly 5–7 days after surgery if the wound is dry and pain controlled. Confirm with your surgeon.
Do I need a brace?
Usually not. Some use a soft support briefly for comfort; core training is more important.
What about recurrence?
A small percentage have another herniation at the same level. Not smoking, good lifting mechanics, and core conditioning reduce risk.
Is endoscopic better than microscopic?
Both decompress the nerve through tiny incisions. Outcomes depend more on correct case selection and surgeon experience.
Video testimonials from real patients
You can watch short success stories from international patients who underwent lumbar microdiscectomy in India—early walking, return to work, and physiotherapy routines.
https://www.youtube.com/@TreatmentCost
Glossary in plain language
- Disc herniation — soft inner disc material pushes out and presses on a nerve
- Sciatica — leg pain along the sciatic nerve due to nerve root irritation
- Nerve root — the spinal nerve segment exiting the spine to the leg
- Dural tear — small leak of spinal fluid from the tissue covering the nerves
- Recurrence — repeat herniation after initial recovery
Important care note so that every reader stays safe
Follow movement precautions, keep the wound dry as instructed, and take medicines on schedule. Call urgently for fever, spreading redness, new or worsening leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe unrelenting pain.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Aryan Malhotra
MBBS, David Tvildiani Medical University, Georgia
Radiation Oncology Resident, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital
Registration number: 95565
Dr Malhotra reviews pages so statements remain accurate, balanced, and patient-friendly with clear safety guidance and definitions.
References
Disclaimer
This page is for education only. Decisions must be made with a licensed specialist who has examined you and reviewed your scans and overall health.