Neurosciences
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy
Removal of the herniated part of a lumbar disc that is pressing on a nerve, through a small incision using a microscope or endoscope.
- India average (estimate)
- $3,400Estimated package range: $2,550 – $4,200
- vs United Kingdom
- $9,000 – $14,000Saving in India: 53–82%
- vs United States
- $20,000 – $45,000Saving in India: 79–94%
- vs United Arab Emirates
- $10,000 – $18,000Saving in India: 58–86%
Estimated package ranges in USD. Typically excluded: implant upgrades, specialised drugs and extended ICU days.
Clinical overview
Conditions treated
- Lumbar disc herniation (slipped disc) with sciatica
- Leg pain, numbness or weakness from nerve root compression
- Recurrent disc herniation after earlier surgery (selected cases)
Who is a candidate?
- Leg pain that has not improved after 6–12 weeks of medicines, physiotherapy or injections
- MRI showing a disc fragment that matches the symptoms
- Progressive weakness or bladder symptoms (urgent assessment)
Surgical techniques
Minimally invasive
Microdiscectomy
Through a 2–3 cm incision with an operating microscope; the standard technique.
Minimally invasive
Full-endoscopic discectomy
Through an 8–10 mm port with an endoscope, for suitable disc herniations.
Traditional / open
Open discectomy
A larger exposure, reserved for complex or revision cases.
What a discectomy does
A herniated disc pushes against a spinal nerve root, causing pain that runs down the leg (sciatica). In a discectomy the neurosurgeon removes only the fragment pressing on the nerve, leaving the rest of the disc in place. Because no bone fusion is needed, recovery is quick.
When surgery makes sense
Most disc herniations improve with time and non-surgical care. Surgery is considered when leg pain persists despite treatment, or urgently when there is weakness or bladder involvement.
What to send for an estimate
Send a lumbar spine MRI from the last six months (DICOM images help), a description of your symptoms and their duration, and details of injections or physiotherapy so far.
Typical hospital stay & recovery
- Pre-op work-up
- 1 days
- Room
- 2 days
- Local stay before flying
- 5 days
Time in India: 7–10 days· Recovery: 2–6 weeks
Recovery timeline
Day 1
Neurosurgery consult, MRI review and anaesthesia check.
Surgery day
The operation takes about 1 hour; most patients walk the same evening.
Days 1–2 after
Discharge with a walking and posture plan.
Week 1
Wound check and clearance to fly.
Weeks 2–6
Return to desk work; heavier lifting after about six weeks.
Package inclusions & standard exclusions
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Neurosurgeon and anaesthesia fees | Fusion or implants if instability is found |
| Operating theatre, microscope or endoscope charges | Extended stay, ICU days or specialised drugs if complications arise |
| Hospital stay in the chosen room category | Post-discharge physiotherapy |
| Standard medicines and consumables | Hotel stay, flights and visa fees |
Cost comparison
| Country | Estimated package range (USD) | Saving in India |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2,550 – $4,200 | — |
| United States | $20,000 – $45,000 | 79–94% |
| United Kingdom | $9,000 – $14,000 | 53–82% |
| United Arab Emirates | $10,000 – $18,000 | 58–86% |
| Türkiye | $5,000 – $8,000 | 16–68% |
Indicative prices in USD for planning only. Your final quote depends on your medical reports and the treating hospital.
Disclaimer: India Care Bridge is an independent medical travel facilitation platform. Hospital names, facility overviews, and doctor credentials referenced on this website are for general informational, educational, and nominative identification purposes only. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. India Care Bridge is not the official website of any hospital listed and does not directly provide medical diagnoses. Treatment estimates are indicative and subject to in-person clinical evaluation.
Available hospital infrastructure
Facilities typically required for this procedure:
- Operating microscope and spinal endoscopy system
- Intra-operative fluoroscopy
- 3 Tesla MRI for diagnosis
- Neurosurgical ICU back-up
Hospitals profiled on this site with a relevant department
- Sarvesh Health City · Hisar, Haryana · NABHNeurosciences · Orthopaedics
Hospitals are named for identification only. Procedure availability, eligibility and final costs are confirmed by the hospital after reviewing your reports.
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Frequently asked questions
How soon can I walk after a microdiscectomy?
Most patients walk within hours of surgery and go home the next day.
Will the disc slip again?
Re-herniation occurs in a minority of patients. Core-strengthening exercises and lifting technique help reduce the risk.
Is endoscopic surgery better than microdiscectomy?
Both relieve nerve compression well for suitable discs. The neurosurgeon chooses based on the disc location and your MRI.
Last reviewed Nov 3, 2026.
Estimate your package
Tier 1: Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru. Tier 2: Hisar, Kochi, Jaipur and similar.
Package breakdown
- Surgeon & anaesthesia fees
- $1,100
- Theatre, implants & consumables
- $1,290
- Pre-surgery investigations
- $240
- Hospital stay · 2 days
- $190
- ICU · 0 days
- $0
- Airport pickup & drop
- $150
Estimated package (indicative)
$2,950
- You save about 91% vs. United States
- You save about 74% vs. United Kingdom
- You save about 79% vs. United Arab Emirates
- You save about 55% vs. Türkiye
Indicative prices in USD for planning only. Your final quote depends on your medical reports and the treating hospital.