Frequently Asked Questions
Clear Answers to Common Spine Queries
Find transparent information on spine surgery costs in Pune, recovery expectations, techniques, and non-surgical alternatives.
What is the cost of fusion or fixation spine surgery?
Approximately ₹1.5 Lakhs to ₹2 Lakhs in Pune, depending on the number of spinal levels being stabilized, choice of implants (US-FDA approved titanium pedicle screws and PEEK cages), and hospital room category chosen. Most major health insurance policies and TPAs offer cashless coverage for this procedure.
What is the cost of micro discectomy surgery?
Approximately ₹1 Lakh to ₹1.5 Lakhs. Because microdiscectomy is performed through a minimally invasive 1-inch incision with day-1 or day-2 discharge, overall hospital expenses and recovery costs are kept minimal.
Is spine surgery covered under health insurance / Mediclaim?
Yes. Surgeries performed for disc prolapse, spinal stenosis, trauma, or spinal infections are recognized medical necessities and are covered by private and public health insurance companies, corporate policies, and TPAs.
Which is the best technique for spine surgery?
All modern techniques (microscopic, endoscopic, and tubular minimally invasive surgery) are equally good and produce successful results when chosen appropriately. Dr. Nitish Agrawal customizes the surgical technique based on your exact clinical presentation, canal diameter, and radiological findings.
Will spine surgery cause paralysis? Is it safe?
This is the single most common misconception. With high-magnification Carl Zeiss surgical operating microscopes, micro-bipolar instruments, and continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring, modern spine surgery is exceptionally safe. Complication rates under specialized spine surgeons are less than 0.5%.
What is the recovery time after spine surgery?
Patients are helped out of bed and walk with our physiotherapist from the next day of surgery for 5–10 minutes. Hospital stay is typically just 24 to 48 hours. Most patients return to desk jobs within 2 to 3 weeks, and total recovery back to active normal routine is 2 to 3 months.
When can I travel by two-wheeler or car after spine surgery?
Patients can travel as car passengers within a week of surgery. Two-wheeler riding and self-driving are typically resumed comfortably after 4 to 6 weeks once spinal muscles have regained tone.
Can a slipped disc heal without surgery?
Yes! Over 90% of slipped disc patients heal completely without surgery. With proper medication, guided core strengthening exercises, and precision fluoroscopic nerve root blocks, the extruded disc material naturally dehydrates and shrinks over time.
How does a Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB) work?
An SNRB is a 15-minute daycare procedure performed under local anesthesia and real-time C-arm X-ray guidance. A micro-needle delivers targeted anti-inflammatory medicine right to the swollen nerve root, providing rapid and lasting pain relief.
What are the red-flag spine symptoms that need urgent surgery?
Sudden difficulty passing urine, bowel incontinence, numbness in the groin area (saddle anesthesia), or rapidly worsening weakness in your feet (foot drop) are symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome. This requires immediate spine surgeon evaluation.
Still Have Questions About Your Spine Health?
Speak directly with Dr. Nitish Agrawal or book a consultation at our Shivajinagar clinic.