Microdiscectomy

What the procedure is

Microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the portion of a herniated disc that is compressing a spinal nerve root, performed through a small incision using an operating microscope for magnification.

Why it is performed

It relieves nerve compression caused by a herniated disc, reducing leg pain (sciatica) and associated numbness or weakness.

Who may benefit

• Patients with persistent leg pain from a confirmed disc herniation despite 6–8 weeks of conservative treatment
• Patients with progressive neurological weakness
• Patients with cauda equina syndrome, which requires urgent surgery

When it may not be appropriate

• Back pain without significant leg symptoms
• Cases where imaging does not correlate with the clinical picture
• Patients who have not yet tried a reasonable course of conservative treatment, outside urgent scenarios

Alternatives

• Continued physiotherapy and activity modification
• Epidural steroid injection
• Endoscopic discectomy as a less invasive alternative in suitable cases

How it is performed

Through a small posterior incision, muscle is gently retracted rather than cut, a small window is created in the lamina, and the herniated disc fragment is removed under microscopic visualisation to decompress the nerve root.

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia  ·  Typical duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes  ·  Typical hospital stay: 1–2 nights

Recovery

Most patients walk the same or following day. Light activity resumes within 2 weeks; a graded return to physical work typically occurs over 4–6 weeks.

Physiotherapy

A structured physiotherapy programme begins within the first 1–2 weeks, focused on gentle mobility followed by core stabilisation.

Risks and complications

• Recurrent disc herniation
• Dural tear
• Nerve irritation
• Infection

Expected follow-up

A wound check at 2 weeks, with a further clinical review at 6 weeks to assess recovery and physiotherapy progress.

Indicative cost

Indicative cost: ₹1.5 – 3.0 lakh. This is not a quotation — see the full cost page for what's included and excluded.

What affects the cost

• Number of levels involved
• Whether it is a first-time or revision procedure
• Hospital and surgeon fees

Questions to ask

• Am I a suitable candidate for this specific procedure, or would an alternative be better for my case?
• What is your experience with this procedure?
• What does the quoted cost include and exclude?

Frequently asked questions