A lumbar discectomy is a procedure where the surgeon removes the part of a lower back disc that’s irritating a nearby nerve. This nerve pressure often results in discomfort, tingling, or muscle weakness in the back or legs.
The procedure is done under general anaesthesia. A small incision is made in the back, and the surgeon gently moves soft tissues aside to reach the spine. The damaged or herniated section of the disc is then carefully taken out to ease nerve pressure.
This surgery is usually recommended when symptoms don’t improve with rest, medications, or physical therapy. It is effective in relieving leg pain (sciatica) and improving mobility.
Recovery is often quick, especially if a minimally invasive method is used. Most patients can start walking within a day and return to daily activities within a few weeks, depending on their progress.
- Persistent lower back pain
- Sharp, radiating leg pain (especially down one leg)
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot
- Difficulty standing, walking, or performing daily activities
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (a medical emergency)
- Physical and neurological examination
- Imaging studies, such asan MRI or CT scan, to confirm disc herniation and its location
- Review of current medications, especially blood thinners, which may need to be temporarily stopped
- Fasting for 6–8 hours before the procedure
- Pre-surgical evaluation by your primary physician or anesthesiologist
- Discuss allergies, surgical expectations, and potential risks with your surgeon
- A small incision is made in the lower back over the affected disc.
- Muscles and tissues are gently moved aside to expose the vertebra.
- The surgeon removes a portion of the herniated disc that is compressing the nerve. In some cases, a small portion of bone (lamina) may also be removed to access the disc.
- The incision is closed with sutures or surgical glue.
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury
- Spinal fluid leak
- Recurrent disc herniation
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Reaction to anaesthesia
- In rare cases, persistent or worsening symptoms
- Rapid and often significant relief from leg pain (sciatica)
- Improved mobility and physical activity
- Minimally invasive techniques lead to quicker recovery
- Short hospital stay and early return to everyday life
- Reduced need for long-term pain medications
- Prevention of permanent nerve damage
- Patients are usually up and walking the same day
- Mild back or leg discomfort is normal and managed with pain medication
- Light activities can resume within 1 to 2 weeks
- Avoid bending, twisting, or lifting for at least 4–6 weeks
- Physical therapy may be advised to strengthen back muscles and improve posture
- Most people return to work in 2–6 weeks, depending on job type
- Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor recovery and detect recurrence
Would you like some help? We are available.
Get Help
Medicana Avcilar
Istanbul, Turkey
Medicana Avcilar located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Closed area of 6.331 m2
- Capacity of 63 beds
- 19 beds in general intensive care unit
- 12 beds in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- 1 bed capacity in Intensive Care Unit
- Pharmacies on duty
- Parking lot of 100 vehicles
- The Hospital has 31 standard rooms and 3 suite rooms
- All rooms are equipped with basic needs of patients and their relatives in a spacious room; minibar, television, internet, emergency ropes in restroom, nurse call button, etc. are included in our service
Bayindir Healthcare Group
Ankara, Turkey
Bayindir Healthcare Group located in Ankara, Turkey is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Bayindir Healthcare Group comprises 3 hospitals, 6 Dental special clinics and 1 Medical Center.
- Sogutozu Hospital
- Icerenkoy Hospital
- Kavaklidere Hospital
- Levent Medical Center
- Fenerbahce Dental Clinic
- Besiktas Dental Clinic
- Icerenkoy Dental Clinic
- Is Tower Dental Clinic
- Sirinevler Dental Clinic
- Alsancak Dental Clinic
- The International Patient Center was set up in 2010. It is a resource for doctors and the available healthcare services, arranging for consultations and appointments. Also, it manages the travel, transfer, accommodation, visa and insurance resources and translation for international medical travellers.
- Networking with physicians from various countries to ensure knowledge and know how growth and implementation work towards the benefit of patients.
Medicana Sivas Hospital
Sivas, Turkey
Medicana Sivas Hospital located in Sivas, Turkey is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- 24/7 Emergency Department
- 28.000 m2 Closed Area
- Capacity of 219 beds
- 7 Operating rooms
- 49 intensive care beds
- 15 newborn intensive care beds
- 5 Cardiovascular intensive care beds
- 4 coronary intensive care beds
- 28 observation beds
- It has started to serve with a capacity of 15 beds in the newborn intensive care unit with the investment of physicians and devices it has made, recently
- Hospitality services include- Standard and Suite rooms, fully-equipped with TV, Air conditioning system at room level, hairdresser, dialysis services, cafeteria, Place of worship, etc.
- Car Parking with a capacity of 75 vehicles
- The hospital cafeteria provides both cafe and food service in the hospital
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
Delhi, India
Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, is a 250-bed tertiary care hospital awarded NABH accreditation, which provides advanced medical care in various specialities such as Cardiac Sciences, Orthopaedics, Neurology, Urology, Kidney Transplant, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology. The hospital provides quality, safe, integrated, and patient-centric medical care using modular OTs, ICUs, Cath Labs, CT, MRI and Dialysis units.
Manipal Hospital, Hebbal
Bangalore, India
Manipal Hospitals, a group of Manipal Education Medical Group, is India’s leading multi-speciality network, comprising over 650 beds. Dedicated to clinical excellence, patient-centric care and ethical practices, it provides sophisticated diagnostics, surgery and home care services to both domestic and international patients, while also improving access to affordable healthcare for underprivileged communities.
Clear Medi Hospital, Karkardooma
Delhi, India
Clear Medi Hospital, Karkardooma located in New Delhi, India is accredited by ISO. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- There are 12 Linear Accelerators in all hospitals of Clear Medi Hospital, Delhi, India and more in the development stage.
- Over 25 surgical and medical specialties across all Clear Medi Hospitals
- Care Medi is one of the biggest Oncology care organisations in India.
- Hospital management solutions provided to over 15 partner healthcare organisations managing more than 300 beds.
- The organisation consists of offerings such as clinical manpower management and equipment management.
- Advanced radiology and nuclear medicine centres
- Professionally managed international patient care
- Clear Medi Hospital, Delhi has a capacity of 100 beds.
- Clear Medi is a multispecialty hospital.
- It is a NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare providers) certified hospital.
- It has Oncology and Cardiac departments with an Intensive Care Unit.
- It also has fully equipped Operation Theatres.
- Clear Medi Hospital ensures coordination with patients and International Patient assistance
- It has an online Tumor Board with a number of Medical, Surgical and Radiation Oncologists.
Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children
Mumbai, India
Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children located in Mumbai, India is accredited by AAAHC. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- There are two parts of the hospital, one is focused on women's care and the other is focused on child care.
- Bai Jerbai Wadia hospital for Children
- 300 bed capacity
- 60 Pediatricians
- 10,000 in-patients (annual)
- 100,000 outpatients (annual)
- Biggest Neonatal ICU (West zone)
- Nowrosjee Wadia Maternity Hospital
- Obstetrics and Gynecological disciplines (several)
- 20 specialists
- 305 bed capacity
- It is also a referral centre for women who are rehabilitating as well as their families.
Herzliya Medical Center
Herzliya, Israel
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Herzliya Medical Center located in Herzliya, Israel has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- 350+ leading doctors in senior positions working with the Hospital
- Single & Double Standard Rooms
- VIP Suites and Decor rooms
- 20 Departments
- 19 Outpatient Clinics
- 12 Institutes
- 4 hospitalization Offices
- 7 Operating rooms
- 2 Pharmacies
- 12 VIP chambers
- IVF Centre
- Top specialties offered by the Hospital are- Hysterography, Eye Microsurgery, Ablation, Amniocentesis, Angiography, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Aorta Surgery, Arthroplasthy, Bone Marrow Biopsy, Brain Tumor Surgery, Breast Cancer, Breast Lift, etc.
Sheba Medical Center
Ramat Gan, Israel
Sheba Medical Center located in Tel-Hashomer, Israel is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Sheba Medical Center has a 1900 bed capacity.
- It also consists of as many as 120 departments and clinics.
- Sheba treats a large number of national and international patients from many Asian and European countries among others.
- International patient care services in Sheba are very strong, this also includes the travel, stay, transfer related coordination with translator services.
- The healthcare personnel working in Sheba Medical Center are fluent in English, documents are also available in this common denominator language.
- Rehabilitation services are available for long term recovery and return back to a normal life and activity. This could include conditions related to Orthopedics, Neurology, psychiatry, old age and injuries etc.
Acibadem Altunizade Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
Acibadem Altunizade Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- The indoor area of Acibadem Hastanesi - Altunizade, Istanbul, Turkey is one of the largest at 98,000 square meters.
- There are 550 beds and as many parking spots.
- 75 of the beds are in the intensive care unit.
- A hybrid operating room which has 3 diagnostic units at one location which is an amazing concept as at one time surgeries can be performed in 3 operating theatres.
- International patients are serviced well through a particular center for them where services related to therapy and diagnostics are done.
- Healthcare delivery in this part of the hospital can be availed in 16 different languages.
- Robotic Surgery and Cell Therapy Unit are representative of the high standards of technology present in the hospital.
Need Some Advice From Our Experts?
Request a Call Back Now!
Our team of healthcare experts would be happy to assist you
+99Process Involved for Lumbar Discectomy
- Initial Consultation: The doctor reviews symptoms, performs a physical examination, and may order imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to further assess the condition.
- Diagnosis and Surgical Planning: Once the disc issue is confirmed, the medical team decides if surgery is necessary and outlines the best approach.
- Preoperative Preparation: Basic blood work, anaesthesia assessment, and pre-surgery instructions are given to prepare the patient for the procedure.
- Surgical Procedure: The surgeon removes the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve through either open or minimally invasive techniques.
- Immediate Postoperative Care: The patient is monitored for several hours to ensure vital signs are stable and pain is effectively managed.
- Rehabilitation and Recovery: Light activity and physiotherapy begin within days to restore mobility and strength.
- Follow-up and Long-Term Care: Regular check-ups help track recovery progress and ensure the patient returns to normal activities safely and securely.
- Bulging or Herniated Disc: A portion of the spinal disc protrudes, putting pressure on nearby nerves and causing discomfort or weakness.
- Sciatic Nerve Pain: Pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg due to nerve compression, often associated with disc herniation or other issues.
- Nerve Root Compression: When spinal nerves in the lower back become irritated or squeezed, causing pain, tingling, or numbness.
- Disc Degeneration: Age-related disc wear can cause spinal instability or nerve irritation, which may require surgical relief.
- Slipped Disc: A displaced disc that presses on spinal nerves and does not improve with non-surgical treatments.
- Persistent Symptoms After Non-Surgical Care: When physiotherapy, medication, or rest fail to reduce symptoms, surgery may become necessary.
- Clinical Assessment and Imaging: The doctor examines the patient and confirms the disc issue using diagnostic tools such as MRI, CT scans, or X-rays.
- Preparation Before Surgery: Routine blood tests and anaesthesia evaluations are performed, and the patient receives instructions on fasting and medication management.
- Giving Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is asleep and doesn’t feel pain during the procedure.
- Making the Incision: A small incision is made in the lower back, and the surrounding muscles are gently moved aside to reach the spine.
- Removing the Disc Material: The surgeon carefully removes the portion of the disc that is compressing the nerve, helping to reduce pain and restore mobility.
- Closing the Wound: Once the procedure is complete, the area is cleaned and closed with stitches or staples. A dressing is applied to protect the site.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: The patient is monitored as they wake up from anaesthesia. Most people are encouraged to move around within a few hours.
- Craniotomy
- Laminectomy
- Microdiscectomy
- Fusion
- Laminotomy
- Foraminotomy
- Myelogram
- Electromyography
- Neurostimulation
- Arthrodesis
- Decompression
- Neuroplasty
- Rehydration
- Bracing
- Thermocoagulation
- Pain Relief: Relieves pressure on the spinal nerve, helping to reduce or eliminate leg and lower back pain.
- Improved Mobility: Patients often experience better movement and flexibility after recovery.
- Quick Recovery: Minimally invasive techniques allow a faster return to daily activities.
- Prevents Further Nerve Damage: Early intervention can prevent worsening symptoms, such as numbness or weakness.
- Outpatient Possibility: In many cases, patients can be discharged the same day or within 24 hours.
- Improved Quality of Life: Reduced pain and improved mobility lead to enhanced sleep, mood, and overall daily functioning.
- Minimally Invasive Options Available: Smaller incisions result in less scarring, a reduced risk of infection, and a smoother recovery process.
- Please complete the form to provide us with relevant information about your condition.
- Consult with Our Healthcare Expert: One of our qualified specialists will contact you for a consultation.
- Receive a Detailed Treatment Plan: After examining your situation, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan that includes expert opinions and a cost breakdown for various options.
- Select your preferred option: Choose the therapy option that best suits your needs.
- Seamless Organisation: We will manage all the details, including visas, flights, accommodations, and transfers, for a stress-free journey.
