How Much Does Herniated Disc Surgery Cost?

What Is Herniated Disc Surgery?

Herniated disc surgery (also known as discectomy, microdiscectomy, or open discectomy) is the removal of herniated disc material pressing on a nerve and/or the spinal cord.  The surgery relieves intense, often debilitating pain and allows for normal functioning.  However, many doctors agree that this type of surgery is a last resort.  Studies show that approximately 10% of herniated disc patients don’t require surgery at all.  In most cases, they will recommend more conservative treatments such as epidural injections, anti-inflammatory medication, or exercise. Surgeons reserve discectomy operations for extreme cases where non-surgical treatments don’t work or normal function continues to decrease. 

Before the actual surgery, the doctor performs an MRI to better understand the nature and location of the herniated disc.  After administering anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision over the troubled area and carefully removes the protrusion while making sure not to affect the spinal cord or surrounding nerves.  Thereafter, he or she cleans out the area and stitches the patient back up.  

Herniated disc surgery recovery varies from patient to patient, but in most cases, the debilitating pain goes away within hours.  Patients are usually advised to stay in the hospital for close monitoring to ensure that internal bleeding and infections do not complicate the recovery.  In some cases, patients may even leave the hospital the same day, although the norm is to remain at least overnight.  Most, if not all, patients enter some degree of physical therapy and pain management.  The doctor might also recommend certain lifestyle changes to help speed up recovery (e.g. ergonomic furniture or different sleeping positions).  Depending on the health and age of the patient, he/she may need another herniated disc surgery, because the discs continue to deteriorate with age.

To compare the cost of herniated disc surgery by country, please consult our medical tourism pricing guide.