Treatment Guide

Spine Surgery

India combines advanced minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques, navigation/microscopy, and experienced spine teams—delivering faster access and major cost savings for international patients, coordinated end-to-end by MediHeal International.

Spine Surgery
Spine Surgery hero

Quick Answer

Candidates include disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, deformity, and fractures not responding to conservative care. Options span decompressions, fusions (PLIF/TLIF/ALIF), endoscopic/minimally invasive approaches, and artificial disc replacement. India offers modern ORs and accredited centers with pricing up to 60–80% lower than US/UK—coordinated via MediHeal International.

Who Needs Spine Surgery

  • Persistent nerve compression/instability with imaging correlation (disc herniation, stenosis, spondylolisthesis, deformity, fractures).
  • Failed adequate trials of medication, injections, and physiotherapy.
  • Red-flag or progressive deficits (e.g., foot drop/cauda equina) requiring prompt surgical opinion.

Why Choose India

  • Modern ORs with navigation, microscope/endoscope systems, and neuromonitoring at accredited centers.
  • Experienced spine surgeons and fast scheduling at predictable package prices (often 60–80% lower than US/UK).
  • International desks streamline opinions, itemized quotes, visas, transfers, and rehab planning.

How MediHeal International Helps

  • Case triage to centers with strengths in endoscopic MIS, deformity correction, motion-preserving ADR, or complex fusion.
  • Transparent, itemized quotes (levels operated, implant brands, OT/ICU, physio, local transfers).
  • Logistics: visas, airport pickup, accommodation, interpreters, and coordinated rehab/tele-follow-ups.

Types of Spine Surgery

  • DecompressionDiscectomy, laminectomy/laminotomy, foraminotomy to relieve nerve/spinal cord pressure.
  • Stabilization/FusionInstrumented fusion (e.g., PLIF/TLIF/ALIF) for instability/deformity; longer recovery.
  • Motion-PreservingCervical/lumbar artificial disc replacement (ADR) in selected patients.
  • Minimally Invasive/EndoscopicSmaller incisions, less blood loss, potentially quicker recovery in suitable cases.

The Surgical Journey

  1. Pre-arrival

    • Share MRI/CT, X-rays, neuro exam notes, comorbidity list, and prior therapy history.
    • Receive written plan: procedure type/levels, implants, ICU expectations, itemized costs.
  2. Pre-op & Admission

    • Updated labs, ECG, anaesthesia clearance; DVT/infection risk assessment.
    • Consent, counselling on rehab milestones and return-to-travel timing.
  3. Surgery & Early Recovery

    • Procedure under GA; typical ICU observation for higher-risk or long cases.
    • Early mobilization with brace if prescribed; analgesia and wound checks.
  4. Rehabilitation & Follow-up

    • Step-down to ward; physio for gait, core, and posture training.
    • Fit-to-fly note and tele-follow-ups; escalation pathway for concerns.

Recovery Timeline

  1. Discectomy

    Light activities ~2–3 weeks; fuller activity ~6–8 weeks if healing well.

  2. Laminectomy/Decompression

    Partial function ~4–6 weeks; fuller recovery ~12 weeks.

  3. Fusion

    Basic function ~6–8 weeks; bony fusion/maturation takes months; activity limits longer.

Benefits to Expect

  • Pain relief, improved neurology and walking tolerance, and better stability/alignment.
  • MIS/endoscopic options may reduce blood loss, post-op pain, and hospital stay.
  • Coordinated travel care shortens waits and clarifies total costs.

Risks & Complications

General Risks

  • Infection, bleeding, DVT/PE, dural tear/CSF leak, nerve injury, FBSS (failed back surgery syndrome), hardware issues, non-union in fusion, anaesthesia risks.

Revision Risk

  • Choose accredited hospitals with experienced spine teams, navigation/endoscopy capability, and strong infection control.
  • Optimize comorbidities (diabetes/BP), stop smoking, manage weight; adhere to brace/physio and lifting restrictions.

Cost & Inclusions

Indicative Costs

  • Always request itemized quotes with implant brands, number of levels, neuro-monitoring, and rehab plan for fair comparisons.
* Final quote after clinical evaluation; varies by implant, technique (e.g., robotics), hospital accreditation, city, and length of stay.

Travel & Visa Essentials

  • Medical visa pathways cover spine procedures; documents include passport, medical records, hospital invitation, and funds proof.
  • Validity commonly spans treatment duration with multiple entries; e-Medical Visa available for select nationalities.

Preparing for Surgery

  • Stop smoking; control diabetes and blood pressure; review anticoagulants with your doctor.
  • Prehab: core strengthening, posture education; arrange home safety (toilet riser, no heavy lifting).
  • Bring imaging on CD, reports, meds list, and previous surgery notes.

Rehabilitation Focus

  • Graduated physio for gait, core, and flexibility; brace use as prescribed.
  • Ergonomics and spine hygiene training; avoid bending/twisting/lifting early.
  • Scheduled tele-follow-ups; repeat imaging only if clinically indicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the hospital stay?
Many decompressions are 1–3 days; fusions can be longer depending on complexity and recovery.
When can daily activities resume?
Often 2–6 weeks for decompressions; fusion restrictions extend for months while bone heals.
Is MIS/endoscopic surgery suitable for everyone?
Suitability depends on pathology and levels involved; imaging and surgeon expertise guide the decision.
What documents are needed for a visa?
Passport, photos, medical records, hospital invitation, funds proof, and return ticket; attendant visas are available.

Spine Surgery in India | MIS/Endoscopic, Costs, Recovery & Travel | MediHeal International · MediHeal International