Cervical Microdiscectomy Abroad

Cervical Microdiscectomy Cost Package:
{The surgery cost covers all medical & logistics costs at the destination}
International Destinations: India, Jordan, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey

Cervical microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at removing herniating cervical inter-vertebral disc material, which causes compression of the overlying nerve root, resulting in symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling and muscular weakness. The procedure is called microdiscectomy, as the procedure involves the use of an operating microscope to enhance the precision of the surgery.

The procedure can be performed using two different approaches which include, from the front (i.e. the anterior approach) or from the back (i.e. the posterior approach). The procedure involves the removal of the entire inter-vertebral disc material or only the part of the ruptured disc material. In case, the entire disc is removed, a graft is placed in the inter-vertebral space, to prevent collapsing of the vertebra. The cervical spine surgery requires a well trained multi-specialty medical team to manage the case. This spinal surgery is available at leading medical care travel destinations across the world especially Jordan, Turkey, India, Mexico and South Korea. These are known for their high quality standards and low medical care costs.

When is cervical microdiscectmy done?

Similar to lumbar discectomy, the objective of a cervical discectomy, is to alleviate pain, numbness, tingling or muscular weakness, attributed to nerve compression, caused due to the herniation of inter-vertebral disc material. Further, a cervical spine fusion surgery may be required in conjunction with a cervical discectomy. The fusion surgery is done to eliminate motion at the vertebral juncture and maintain adequate inter-vertebral space. This serves a dual purpose of reducing pain attributed to the movement of the painful segment and minimizing the risk of future re-compression of spinal nerve root. The fusion surgery also helps maintain the spine in its position and not get deformed.

Cervical microdiscectomy: The procedure

As mentioned earlier, there are two approaches of conducting cervical microdiscectomy procedure. Both approaches have their own limitations and strengths and the selection of the procedure would depend upon the clinical condition of the patient, the medical profile and the preference of the operating surgeon.

1. Anterior Cervical Microdiscectomy:

The anterior approach is the more preferred approach for microdiscectomy of the cervical spine (below the C2 vertebra) as it provides a good access, and the pathway is relatively uncomplicated. This procedure is also known to lessen wound pain when compared to the posterior approach, due to lesser muscular dissection or division that is involved. The greatest limitation of this procedure is that it causes difficulty in swallowing and soreness in the throat due to the surgical manipulation in the region. The procedure involves the following steps,

• A two inch long incision is made on the right or left side of the neck and a thin vestigial muscle called the ‘Platysma Muscle” is cut. After this the surgeon clears the planes below to reach the spine, without cutting any muscle or fibrous tissue
• The surgeon will, with the help of imaging technology, verify the level of the spine by inserting a needle in the disc space. Once confirmed the surgeon will remove the inter-vertebral material.
• Subsequently dissection of osteophytes or disc material that is extruding out of the posterior part of the ligament is done with the help of an operating microscope or other magnifying and visualizing aids.
• A cervical fusion is essentially required after an anterior cervical discectomy. The procedure involves an insertion of a bone graft into the disc space to prevent it from collapsing. The fusion causes the two vertebras to function as one unit henceforth. In the past, a piece of bone was used as a graft, which had excellent fusion rates but resulted in significant amount of pain. Newer technology and use of synthetic graft material has been successful in eliminating post operative pain. A thin plate of titanium is commonly used to fix the graft in its position. This also allows early mobilization.

Some complications include,

• Recurrence or relapse is much more frequent in the anterior approach compared to the posterior approach.
• Rarely the procedure may result in an injury to the trachea or esophagus.
• Also not frequently the patient may suffer from hoarseness for a few months, due to the retraction of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This hoarseness is however temporary in nature.
• Failure of the bone graft to heal
• Persistent problem and pain during swallowing

2. Posterior Cervical Microdiscectomy:

The principal and greatest advantage of the posterior approach for conducting cervical microdiscectomy is, that the spine fusion procedure is not required after the removal of the disc. This makes the procedure simpler and reduces recover time and post operative complications. However the biggest disadvantage of this procedure is that since the spine fusion is not done; it fails to provide more space for the nerve root, leaving behind a thin chance (about 3% to 5%) of recurrence of disc herniation. The posterior cervical discectomy procedure involves the following steps,

• Incision is made along the posterior midline of the back of the neck and the para-spinal muscles are elevated to gain access to the spine
• After confirmation that the level of spine is correct using an imaging test, a high speed burr is used and some amount of facet joint is removed.
• The nerve root is moved and the disc material located below it is excised, under the guidance of an operating microscope, for better visualization.
• The complications associated with the procedure range from nerve root damage, dural leak, infection, bleeding and persistent pain after the procedure is conducted.

Post operative Care after Cervical Microdiscectomy:

• The success rates of both the approaches are very high and the relief from symptoms of pain and numbness is almost immediate.
• Moderate restrictions are recommended after the surgery, which include avoiding to lift heavy weight, and vigorous physical exercise especially for upper body muscles.
• However a rehabilitative program for a few weeks comprising of simple and self directed exercises, tend to hasten the recovery and regaining of normal functions.

Cervical Microdiscectomy in South Korea

South Korea has experienced a tremendous growth and enhancement in its medical technology and surgical capabilities in the past few years. This is attributed to the special focus of South Korean hospitals on attracting international patients for spinal and reconstructive surgeries from the United States, at a fraction of price as compared to the U.S hospitals.

Cervical Microdiscectomy in India

India has become increasingly viewed as one of the fastest growing and rapidly developing countries in the world. Its healthcare infrastructure is keeping pace with its overall growth and more and more hospitals have undergone international accreditations like ISO, JCI, JACHO, etc. However, medical care cost in Indian hospitals continues to be a fraction of medical expenses in the United States, which has attracted several medical tourists to India. Furtherore, unlike other international destinations, India has a large volume of English speaking population, making communication easy and effective for the foreign visitors.

Cervical Microdiscectomy in Mexico

According to the World Heath Organization (WHO), Mexican medical care infrastructure is ranked 61st in the world, way ahead of other competing international medical care destinations. Secondly, due to the availability of skilled medical team, Mexico is one of the most preferred destinations for U.S citizens when it comes to seeking low cost, high quality medical or surgical care.

Cervical Microdiscectomy in Jordan

Jordan has invested heavily upon its medical infrastructure and also has internationally acclaimed and experienced doctors. This has made Jordon one of the fastest growing medical tourism destinations in the Middle East region of Asia. Annually, thousands of medical tourists from the surrounding countries flock to Jordan to seek medical care. With its government aiming to develop the country into a best medical travel care destinations, hospitals across Jordan are providing high quality of care at half the cost in United States.

Cervical Microdiscectomy in Turkey

Turkey, already receives several hundred medical tourists from the European continent annually. This is attributed to its strong healthcare infrastructure, high quality policy, stringent government regulations and skilled and well trained medical professionals. With escalating costs of medical care in the United States, increasing number of US citizens are considering Turkey as a destination to seek medical care, at low costs.

Related links:

Spine Fusion Overseas
Peripheral Nerve Surgery 
Cervical Disc Replacement Abroad
Spinal Decompression Abroad
Artificial Spinal Disk Replacement Abroad

Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates affordable Cervical Microdiscectomy abroad at many international locations including Mexico, India & Spain. Fill out the free estimate request form for a free quote & more information.