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
Sanar International Hospital
Gurugram, India
Sanar International Hospital is a multispeciality hospital based on Golf Course Road in Gurugram, a part of Delhi NCR. It was founded in 2018 and houses one of the most comprehensive and advanced surgical care specialties. This 150-bedded facility is committed to providing the best patient experiences and healthcare services is the core of the hospital’s mission. Staffed by a group of visionary and competent medical professionals who are well-versed in their fields and eminent for their empathy and understanding, Sanar International Hospital provides optimal care to its patients, making it a popular
Specialties in the Hospital such as Heart, Bone, and Joint neurosciences, Cancer, Kidney and Liver Transplant, and other successful procedures along with experienced medical professionals have made a mark for themselves among domestic patients and international patients who come to India to have the finest healthcare services. It follows strict international practices and believes that the centricity of the patient is essential for providing high-quality care through world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities. The technologies offered by the Hospital include Digital X-rays, MRI, CT, Ultrasound, transfusion medicine, pharmacy, laboratory services, 24 hrs emergency and ambulance services.
It offers more than 20 plus specialties such as General Medicine, Anesthesiology, Cardiac Sciences, Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Orthopedics, General Surgery & Surgical, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hepato Biliary Surgery, Pediatrics, Liver Transplantation, and Critical Care Medicine. The Hospital has a highly skilled medical staff of neuro-anesthetists, neurologists, specialized neurocritical care experts, neurosurgeons neuropsychologists, and neuropsychiatrists. There are specific centers for the treatment of epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, movement disorders, spinal problems, and headaches.
Quttainah Specialized Hospital
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
It is with this goal in mind that we at Quttainah Specialized Hospital provide a team of international standards and the highest level of expertise in aesthetics, plastic, and reconstructive treatment to ensure the delivery of the highest quality medical approach to appreciating and cultivating individual beauty needs. Our experts are here to handle it all.
Vinmec Central Park International Hospital
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- A modern multi-speciality hospital with 178 inpatient beds across seven floors and three basements.
- Equipped with advanced diagnostic imaging technologies including MRI, CT Scan, X-ray, Ultrasound, and Digital Mammography.
- The cardiology department features state-of-the-art facilities, including cardiovascular intervention suites and advanced echocardiography equipment.
- The Oncology centre offers comprehensive cancer diagnosis and treatment with access to modern radiotherapy and chemotherapy equipment.
- Sophisticated life-support systems and continuous patient monitoring technology support ICU and emergency units.
- Operating theatres are equipped with high-tech surgical instruments and infection control systems to ensure safety and precision.
- Neonatal and pediatric care units are equipped with specialised equipment to support the health of newborns and children.
- Gastroenterology and endoscopy services utilise high-definition endoscopic imaging for accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive procedures.
- Laboratory services certified to international standards offer fast and accurate testing, utilising advanced automation.
- Pharmacy services ensure the availability of a wide range of medications with stringent quality control.
- Integrated IT systems facilitate online patient registration, appointment scheduling, and real-time access to medical results.
- Pain management and anaesthesia departments utilise modern techniques to enhance patient comfort during procedures.
- Specialised centres for obstetrics, gynaecology, and general surgery deliver comprehensive care with expert medical teams.
- Focus on personalised treatment plans developed through collaboration with international medical experts and continuous training.
Apollo Hospital
Chennai, India
Apollo Hospital located in Chennai, India is accredited by JCI, NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Committed Centers of Excellence involving many major specialties, super specialties
- Assistance in trip planning and execution
- Insurance related assistance
- Visa facilitation
- International patient representatives for complete end to end travel and transfer processing for medical travellers
- Language translators availability
- Robust safety and infection protocols
- Personalised, Visa and Premium Health Checks available
- Health Library and accessing health records online
- Wide variety of procedures accomplished including complex and critical procedures
- Technologically advanced systems and procedures in place
- Research and academics base of healthcare delivery
Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals
Kolkata, India
Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals located in Kolkata, India is accredited by JCI, NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- International patient Center
- Focus on research and innovation
- Different amenities: Transport, Security, Travel Desk, Places of Worship, Telecommunication Service, Special Nurse, Food & Dietary Services
- Several kinds of rooms: General ward, Semi Private Rooms, Private Rooms, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Suite, Maharaja Suite, HDU, Gastro ICU, Emergency, Neonatal ICU, Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3
- Health Insurance coverage available
- Here is a comprehensive list of the various kinds of key medical procedures performed through the latest technology.
- Arthroscopy
- Bone Marrow Transplant
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System
- Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)
- Hand Microsurgery
- Hip Arthroscopy
- Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Subvastus Total Knee Replacement
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- 128 Slice PET CT
- Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS)
- ECMO
- OCT Technique - Optical Coherence Tomography
- Single Port Endoscopic technique of Carpal Tunnel Release (ECTR)
Manipal Hospital, Yeshwantpur
Bangalore, India
Manipal Hospital, Yeshwantpur located in Bengaluru, India is accredited by NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Super-specialty healthcare facility
- Started operations in July 2008
- Video consultations with specialists
- Various health checkup packages available
- Technological applications in healthcare and healthcare delivery
- Many ancillar services available like
- ICU, NICU
- Physiotherapy
- Referral lab
- Teleradiology / telemedicine
- Pharmacy
- Imaging facilities
- Rehabilitation services, 24 hour emergency services, operating theatre, ambulatory and daycare, cafeteria, and many kinds of patient accomodation.
Fortis Hospital
Noida, India
Fortis Healthcare Limited is one of India’s prominent providers of integrated healthcare services, offering comprehensive medical care across multiple specialities. The company’s operations span hospitals, diagnostic centres, and day-care speciality facilities, ensuring a wide range of healthcare solutions under one umbrella. Fortis has established a strong presence across the country, managing 33 healthcare facilities, which include joint ventures and operational & management (O&M) setups, across 11 states.
The company’s hospital network comprises more than 5,700 operational beds, including O&M beds, catering to patients with varied healthcare needs. In addition to inpatient services, Fortis operates around 400 diagnostic laboratories, providing reliable and timely diagnostic support for accurate medical care. This extensive network enables Fortis to deliver high-quality healthcare services consistently and efficiently, from routine diagnostics to specialised treatments and complex procedures.
BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals
Bangalore, India
Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, is a leading healthcare centre in Bengaluru, committed to delivering compassionate, patient-focused care locally and globally. The hospital houses 15 specialised departments with over 30 medical and surgical specialities, supported by 450 beds, advanced emergency services, imaging, laboratory, and transfusion facilities.
It is renowned for pioneering initiatives such as South India’s first 5G-enabled ambulance and Karnataka’s largest Multi-Organ Transplant Program. Recognised among India’s top paediatric cranio-maxillofacial centres, it is also the first in Karnataka to receive the AHPI Award 2024 for “Excellence in Nursing Practices” consecutively.
Wockhardt Hospital, Umrao
Mumbai, India
Wockhardt Hospital, Umrao located in Thane, India is accredited by NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- A 14 story building houses this hospital and it has a 350 beds capacity.
- The hospital has a day care unit, dialysis unit, and digital documentation facility.
- Treatment packages are available at the hospital as are Diagnostic and therapeutic services.
- High end diagnostic services, 9 operation theatres and ICU facilities (24/7) are present.
- Nephrology, Urology, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Cardiology, and Neurology departments in the hospital are worth a mention.
- Minimal access surgery as well as Emergency & Trauma Surgery services are present in Wockhardt Umrao.
- Comprehensive health check up option is available at Wockhardt Umrao.
- It has all kinds of International patient care services including assistance for travel, transfer, accommodation and interpreters.
VPS Lakeshore Hospital
Kochi, India
VPS Lakeshore Hospital located in Kochi, India is accredited by NABH. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Advanced hi-tech healthcare facility
- Innovative diagnostic & therapeutic medical technologies
- Diagnostic endoscopy of nose, esophagoscopy, Laryngoscopy, Bronchoscopy
- Cardiac department- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Total Arterial Coronary Revascularization, Heart Valve Repairs and
- Replacements, Surgery for Heart Failure, Intracardiac Repair of Congenital Anomalies of the Heart, Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation
- Neurosurgery department: Keyhole Surgery for disc & other spine disorders, such as Spine Tumors, Navigation-guided, and Endoscopic Brain Tumor Surgery, Minimally invasive Brain Surgery, Advanced Head Injury Management with the ICP Monitoring
- State-of-the-art-hemodialysis Units
- Kidney Transplantation is done with Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy
- 24 hour rapid TAT team equipped with four specialists have increased survival and decreased patient morbidity
- Joint preservation techniques include autologous chondrocyte implantation
- Cutting edge operation theaters & world-class transplant ICUs
- Urology department: 3D Laparoscopy, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Ureteroscopy, RIRS, Endourology: PCNL
- Objective swallowing evaluation services such as functional endoscopic evaluation of Swallowing & Video Fluoroscopic Swallow
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.
