Surgical decompression Cost in Bangalore, India

Surgical decompression relieves pressure on nerves or the spinal cord by removing bone, disc or other tissue that is pressing on them; this page focuses on decompression in the lower back.

The NHS explains that lumbar decompression treats spinal stenosis causing leg pain on walking, sciatica from a slipped disc, cauda equina syndrome (a medical emergency), and fractures, tumours or infections pressing on nerves.

It describes laminectomy, removing small pieces of bone from the back of a vertebra, and discectomy, removing part of a disc. North Bristol NHS Trust describes microsurgical versions using a microscope.

The NHS notes the operation usually takes two to four hours, people often leave hospital after two to five days, and many return to work after four to six weeks.

Serious complications are uncommon, and include a spinal fluid leak, nerve damage and persistent pain.

Flying home: there is no fixed aviation figure for spinal surgery, so the surgeon decides once you can sit for the length of the flight and walk safely; an aisle seat makes moving easier.

The cost of surgical decompression in Bangalore typically ranges from $570 to $5,450 USD (about ₹54,100 to ₹5.17 lakh), depending on the hospital, room category and type of procedure.

What you pay depends mainly on your own case. If only one level of the spine is treated and no implants are needed, your bill is likely to be closer to $570 (about ₹54,100). It is likely to be nearer $5,450 (about ₹5.17 lakh) if several levels are treated, screws, cages or an artificial disc are used, or you stay longer.

When comparing Bangalore packages for surgical decompression, check whether each quote includes:

• Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
• Operating theatre or procedure room
• Spinal implants
• Physiotherapy
• Hospital stay and room category
• Medicines and consumables
• Follow-up visits before you fly home

Bangalore hospitals usually put together an estimate for surgical decompression from these elements:

• Pre-operative imaging: MRI or CT and fitness checks.
• Theatre time and neuro-monitoring: for the levels treated.
• Implants: screws, cages or artificial discs where used.
• Laminectomy or discectomy: the technique.
• Microsurgery: with a microscope.
• Number of levels: treated.
• Hospital stay: often two to five days.

Spine procedure costs depend on the levels treated, implants or devices and the hospital stay, so complex cases can cost more than the range above.

Spine surgery in Bengaluru is performed by orthopaedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons, and some units use navigation or neuro-monitoring for complex levels; ask which applies to your plan.

Accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), part of the Quality Council of India, is India's main hospital quality standard, and the NABH website shows whether a Bangalore hospital's accreditation is current.

Some Bengaluru hospitals also hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, an international standard, and JCI's public directory lets you confirm a hospital's status before you book.

If the hospital has an international patient desk, ask it about the hospital letter for your e-Medical visa, airport transfers, interpreters and accommodation close to the hospital.