Learn about Microdiscectomy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Microdiscectomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Microdiscectomy

A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery performed by a neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve root caused by a herniated disc. This precise procedure involves making a small incision in the back and using a surgical microscope or loupes for enhanced visualization. The surgeon carefully moves the muscles aside, removes a small portion of the lamina (bone), and then extracts the fragment of the herniated disc that is compressing the nerve. By decompressing the nerve, the surgery aims to alleviate debilitating symptoms like sciatica, leg pain, numbness, and weakness. It is considered a highly effective treatment for patients who do not find relief from conservative measures like physical therapy or epidural injections.

Key Highlights

    Minimally Invasive: Involves a small incision, leading to less tissue damage and scarring compared to traditional open surgery.Targeted Relief: Precisely removes only the herniated disc fragment compressing the nerve, preserving healthy disc material.High Success Rate: Over 90% of patients experience significant relief from leg pain (sciatica) after the procedure.listrongFaster Recovery:/strong Typically allows for a quicker return to daily activities and work compared to more extensive spinal surgeries./lilistrongReduced Hospital Stay:/strong Often performed as a same-day or short-stay procedure./li/ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Severe sciatica (radiating leg pain) that has not improved after 6-12 weeks of conservative treatment (rest, physical therapy, medications).
  • Significant neurological deficits, such as progressive leg weakness, foot drop, or loss of bowel/bladder control (cauda equina syndrome, a surgical emergency).
  • Persistent numbness or tingling in the leg or foot that limits function.
  • Confirmed disc herniation on an MRI scan that correlates with the patient's symptoms.
  • Recurrent episodes of disabling pain that significantly impact quality of life.

How to prepare

  • Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, ECG, and possibly a chest X-ray.
  • Discontinue certain medications (e.g., blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin) as advised by your surgeon, usually 1-2 weeks prior.
  • Stop smoking, as it can impair healing and increase surgical risks.
  • Arrange for help at home for the first few days after surgery for tasks like driving and cooking.
  • Follow pre-operative fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight before surgery).
  • Discuss all allergies and current medications with your surgical team.

Risks & possible complications

  • Common: Temporary soreness at the incision site, minor bleeding, or bruising.
  • Infection: Risk of superficial wound infection or, rarely, a deeper spinal infection (discitis).
  • Nerve Injury: Potential for nerve root damage, which could cause persistent numbness, weakness, or pain (rare).
  • Dural Tear (Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak): Accidental tear of the protective sac around the nerves, which may require repair and can cause headaches.
  • Recurrence: Small chance (5-10%) of the disc herniating again at the same level.
  • Anesthesia Risks: Reactions to anesthesia, blood clots, or other general surgical risks.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital Discharge: Most patients go home the same day or after a 1-night stay, once they can walk and manage pain.
  • Activity: Walking is encouraged immediately. Avoid bending, twisting, and lifting anything over 5-10 lbs for the first 4-6 weeks.
  • Wound Care: Keep the incision clean and dry. Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or drainage.
  • Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications as directed. Pain should gradually improve, with leg pain often relieved quickly.
  • Physical Therapy: A structured program is usually started after 2-6 weeks to strengthen core and back muscles.
  • Return to Work:
  • Sedentary jobs may be resumed in 2-4 weeks; jobs requiring heavy lifting may require 6-12 weeks.
  • Follow-up: Attend all scheduled post-operative appointments with your surgeon to monitor healing.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering microdiscectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for microdiscectomy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 150 Thousand – 350 Thousand 0-1 days ~ 4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery Know More
Turkey TRY 525 Thousand – 1.23 Million 0-1 days ~ 4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery Know More

Top hospitals for Microdiscectomy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing microdiscectomy.

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Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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5990+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
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10171+ Rating

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Robert Mehta, a 42-year-old construction foreman...

Robert Mehta, a 42-year-old construction foreman and father of two, had always been active. His back pain started six months ago as a dull ache after long days on site. It quickly escalated into sharp, electric shocks shooting down his right leg whenever he bent, lifted, or even coughed. He tried painkillers, physical therapy, and cortisone injections, but the sciatica became debilitating. He could no longer play with his kids or work. An MRI revealed a large herniated disc at L4-L5 compressing his nerve root. His spine surgeon, Dr. Chen, explained that a microdiscectomy could relieve the nerve pressure with a small incision and minimal muscle disruption. Robert was terrified of spine surgery but desperate for relief. The procedure itself was quick; he woke up with the searing leg pain gone, replaced by surgical soreness. Recovery required patience, he had to avoid bending and lifting for six weeks. With guided physical therapy, he gradually regained strength. Three months post-op, he was back coaching his son's soccer team, pain-free. Emotionally, he journeyed from the fear of permanent disability and letting his family down to immense gratitude and a renewed commitment to his core health.

Spine surgeons for Microdiscectomy

Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform microdiscectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Charanjit Singh Dhillon
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Priyamvadha K
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bharat Sarkar
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vidyadhara S
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohit Muttha
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1100
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. SK Rajan
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mukesh Haritwal
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Soni
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Balamurugan Thirugnanam
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kasinath Swain
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anutosh Singh
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akash Mishra
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Saikat Sarkar
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Subhadip Mandal
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hamza Shaikh
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rahul Chaudhari
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated