Learn about Untethering Cord 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 Untethering Cord and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Untethering Cord

Untethering cord surgery, also known as tethered cord release, is a specialized neurosurgical procedure performed to relieve abnormal tension on the spinal cord. This condition, called tethered cord syndrome, occurs when the spinal cord becomes attached to surrounding tissues, often due to scar tissue from previous surgery, a congenital defect like spina bifida, or a fatty mass (lipoma). The neurosurgeon makes an incision in the lower back, removes a small portion of bone (laminectomy) to access the spinal canal, and meticulously cuts the fibrous bands or lesions tethering the cord. This release allows the spinal cord to move freely within the spinal column, preventing further neurological damage, alleviating symptoms like back pain, leg weakness, and bladder/bowel dysfunction, and promoting improved function and quality of life.

Key Highlights

    Relieves abnormal tension on the spinal cord to prevent progressive neurological damage.Can alleviate chronic pain, weakness, numbness, and bladder or bowel control issues.Helps halt the progression of symptoms associated with tethered cord syndrome.Performed using advanced microsurgical techniques for precision and safety.Aims to improve mobility, function, and overall quality of life for the patient.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Tethered cord syndrome confirmed by MRI, with symptoms like back or leg pain that worsens with activity.
  • Progressive neurological deficits such as leg weakness, foot deformities, or changes in gait.
  • Bladder dysfunction (incontinence, frequent infections) or bowel control problems.
  • Scoliosis or other spinal curvature linked to a tethered cord.
  • History of spina bifida (myelomeningocele or occulta) where tethering is present.
  • Presence of a spinal lipoma or other lesion causing cord tethering.
  • Deterioration of neurological function in a previously stable patient with a known spinal condition.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging, typically a spinal MRI, to confirm diagnosis and plan surgery.
  • Pre-operative consultations with the neurosurgeon, anesthesiologist, and possibly other specialists.
  • Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the medical team.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
  • Informed consent process discussing the procedure, goals, risks, and alternatives.
  • Arranging for post-operative support and transportation for discharge.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infection at the surgical site or meningitis.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which may require additional treatment.
  • Bleeding or formation of a hematoma.
  • Injury to spinal nerves, potentially leading to worsened or new numbness, weakness, or pain.
  • Bladder, bowel, or sexual function complications.
  • Recurrence of tethering requiring future surgery.
  • Risks associated with general anesthesia.
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for monitoring neurological function, pain management, and wound care.
  • Activity restrictions: no heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for several weeks to protect the spine.
  • Incision care instructions to keep the area clean and dry, watching for signs of infection.
  • Pain is managed with prescribed medications, transitioning to over-the-counter options as healing progresses.
  • Gradual return to normal activities as approved by the neurosurgeon, often starting with short walks.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and neurological status, and to remove sutures/staples if needed.
  • Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen core and back muscles and improve mobility.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full healing may take several months

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering untethering cord 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 untethering cord compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 2,719 – USD 6,526 3-7 days ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full healing may take several months Know More
Turkey USD 20,131 – USD 48,315 3-7 days ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full healing may take several months Know More

Top hospitals for Untethering Cord in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing untethering cord.

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
  • Icon43 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors

Nanavati Max Hospital

  • IconMumbai, India
  • Icon187 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

At my age, you worry about...

At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.

Neurosurgeons for Untethering Cord

Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform untethering cord and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Karanjit Singh Narang
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Himanshu Arora
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

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Dr. Rahul Kumar
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

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Dr. Anirban Deep Banerjee
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rishabh Kedia
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tanmay Trivedi
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sohet Gogia
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Aditya Singhal
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Medanta Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arul Muthukumaraswamy
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Atul Vajpeyi
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Laxminarayan Tripathy
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sunandan Basu
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tejasvi Singh Randhawa
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Peeyush Tomar
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harsh Jain
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anurag Saxena
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Audumbar Netalkar
  • 41 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi, Marathi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amit Dhakoji
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shrey Kumar Shah
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Omkar Narayan Churi
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Available Tomorrow
February: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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