Lumbar discectomy is an operation on the lower back. It removes the part of a slipped disc (disc prolapse) that is pressing on a nerve. This pressure can cause pain, numbness or weakness in the leg (sciatica). The operation is often done through a small cut, using a microscope (microdiscectomy). A related operation, lumbar decompression, makes more space in a narrow spinal canal (spinal stenosis). Not every slipped disc needs surgery. The surgeon reviews your MRI and your symptoms, and talks with you about your options. Before the hospital sends a quote, the surgeon also asks about your other illnesses and medicines. The surgeon can explain the likely benefits and risks for you. The treating doctor decides whether surgery is right for you, and which operation.
- Typical hospital stay
- 2–5 days
- Total time in India
- 2 weeks
- Fit to fly
- Your surgeon decides when it is safe for you to fly home. Ask your surgeon how to lower the risk of blood clots on a long flight.
Indicative Costs at Partner Hospitals
Each range is supplied by the named hospital. Your actual quote depends on your medical reports and choices such as implants.
No hospital has confirmed a current range for this treatment. Ask us for written quotes.
A hospital quote usually includes the operation, your stay, and medicines and physiotherapy in hospital. It usually does not include flights, visa fees, a hotel after discharge, extra physiotherapy, extra nights, complications or extra tests. Ask the hospital to list both in writing.
Your Journey, Step by Step
- Before you travel, we send you a secure link for your lower back MRI and medical reports.
- Two or three accredited hospitals review your reports and send written quotes. You choose one.
- The hospital you choose sends a letter for your medical visa. You book flights and a place to stay.
- When you arrive, the hospital does tests and the surgeon examines your back and legs.
- You have the operation and usually stay in hospital for 2 to 5 days.
- After you leave hospital, you stay nearby for check-ups until the surgeon says you can travel.
- Before you fly, the surgeon checks you. You get a discharge summary, a medicines list and advice on lifting and exercise.
- At home, you follow your exercise plan and share your discharge summary with your local doctor.
Recovery, Step by Step
Ask the hospital what recovery support it offers, including physiotherapy and follow-up care after you leave.
Questions Families Ask About This Treatment
How Long Will I Stay in Hospital, and in India?
Plan for about 2 to 5 days in hospital. Plan to stay in India for about 2 weeks in total, for tests, surgery and check-ups. Your surgeon may advise a different plan for you.
Does Every Slipped Disc Need Surgery?
Not always. The surgeon reviews your MRI, examines you and asks about your symptoms. The surgeon then talks with you about all your options, including treatment without surgery. You can compare the views of surgeons at different hospitals.
Which Scans Does the Hospital Need, and How Recent?
The surgeon usually needs your lower back MRI report and images, and any X-rays or CT scans. Ask the hospital how recent your scans must be. If they are old, it may ask for new scans. We will send you a secure link, so please do not send reports on WhatsApp.
Why Might My Final Bill Be Different from the Quote?
A quote is based on your reports. The final bill can change after the surgeon examines you in India. The main reasons are a change to the operation plan, extra nights, extra tests or a complication. Ask the hospital to explain any change in writing before it charges you.
Will I Need Physiotherapy After I Go Home?
Your surgeon or physiotherapist may give you exercises to do at home. Before you leave, ask for a written exercise plan. Ask too when you can sit for long periods, lift, drive and go back to work.
How Long After Spine Surgery Can I Sit on a Long Flight?
Your surgeon decides when you are fit to fly. Ask your surgeon which seat suits you and how to lower the risk of blood clots. Carry your discharge summary in your hand luggage.
Can a Family Member Come with Me and Stay with Me?
Ask the hospital whether a family member can stay in your room, and whether their meals cost extra. Under Government of India e-Visa rules, up to 2 family members can get e-Medical Attendant visas with your e-Medical visa. Source: indianvisaonline.gov.in, checked on 15 September 2026.
What Should I Ask the Hospital About My Quote?
Ask these questions. Is the quote for a discectomy, a decompression or both? How many nights, and in what type of room? Are the surgeon and anaesthetist fees included? Is physiotherapy in hospital included? What happens to the cost if there is a complication? How long is the quote valid?
This page is general information, not medical advice. Whether a treatment is right for you is decided by the treating doctor after reviewing your reports.
Page reviewed: 15 September 2026