Microdiscectomy Treatment in Turkey
About Microdiscectomy
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay:
0-1 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering microdiscectomy in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for microdiscectomy in Turkey include Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Florya, Medical Park Bahçelievler, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform microdiscectomy. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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.
Top hospitals for Microdiscectomy in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing microdiscectomy.
Instabul, Turkey
140 Doctors
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.