Lumbar disc surgery in Istanbul. From £4,000.
Decompression for lumbar disc herniation at JCI-accredited hospitals. Send your MRI and the treating neurosurgeon decides whether surgery is suitable.
Lumbar disc surgery in Istanbul: what to expect
A herniated lumbar disc can press on a nerve root and cause sciatica: leg pain, numbness or weakness, often worse than the back pain. Microdiscectomy removes the part of the disc pressing on the nerve through a small incision, usually with an operating microscope. Some surgeons use an endoscopic technique through an even smaller access.
Most disc herniations improve without surgery, so surgery is normally considered when symptoms persist despite non-surgical treatment such as physiotherapy, medication or injections, or when there is progressive weakness. Whether you are a suitable candidate is a clinical decision for the treating neurosurgeon after reviewing your MRI and history.
No formal referral letter is needed to start. We ask for your MRI and clinical records, pass them to the neurosurgical team and come back with their view and an itemised quote. One UK private hospital publishes about £11,005 for lumbar discectomy, which is the comparison we show.
Who it is for
- An MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniation that matches your leg symptoms
- Persistent symptoms despite non-surgical treatment, or progressive nerve weakness, as judged by the neurosurgeon
- No signs of cauda equina syndrome, which is an emergency (see below)
- Good general health to undergo general anaesthesia
- Airport transfers in Istanbul
- Hotel accommodation near the hospital
- A professional interpreter at your appointments
- Coordination with the hospital from enquiry to discharge
- English-language discharge documentation, sent to your GP on request
How it works
Send your records
Share your MRI images and report, clinical letters and medication list. No formal referral letter is needed to start.
Neurosurgeon review
The treating neurosurgeon reviews your records and decides whether surgery is suitable. You receive an itemised quote within 48 hours of complete records.
Surgery in Istanbul
Surgery is under general anaesthesia. Many patients are walking the same or next day, and your surgeon sets the plan.
Recovery and follow-up
You recover in Istanbul, attend post-operative checks and receive English-language operative notes and a discharge summary, sent to your UK GP on request.
Your timeline
- Within 48 hoursItemised quote, once we have your complete records or photographs.
- Usually within 2 weeks of confirmingYour surgery date, subject to the surgeon and hospital availability.
- ArrivalAirport transfer, hotel, and your meeting with the surgeon before the procedure.
- 5–7 daysThe procedure and post-operative checks. The surgeon confirms when you are fit to fly.
- At homeFollow your surgeon's guidance on activity, work and exercise. English-language documents go to your GP on request.
Risks and things to consider
All surgery carries risk. Your surgeon will go through these with you and the consent form will list them in full. They include:
- Persistent or recurrent leg or back pain, including recurrence of the herniation at the same level, which may need further surgery
- Numbness, tingling or weakness that does not fully recover, and rarely worsening nerve injury
- Tear of the membrane around the nerves (dural tear) with spinal fluid leak
- Infection and bleeding, including bleeding around the nerves
- Risks of general anaesthesia and of blood clots, including after flying
- Cauda equina syndrome is a surgical emergency. If you develop new numbness between the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or rapidly worsening leg weakness, go to the nearest emergency department immediately, in the UK or abroad
Frequently asked questions
How much does lumbar disc surgery cost in Istanbul compared with the UK?
Lumbar disc surgery in Istanbul starts from £4,000. One UK private hospital publishes about £11,005 for a lumbar discectomy (collected October 2026), a saving of roughly 65%. This is a single published source, so use it as a guide. The price depends on the technique and the hospital stay, and your itemised quote states exactly what is included.
Do I need a referral?
No formal referral letter is needed to start. We ask for your MRI and existing clinical records instead. The treating neurosurgeon reviews them and decides whether surgery is suitable. A letter from your GP or specialist is helpful if you have one.
Will I definitely need surgery?
Not necessarily. Many herniated discs improve with non-surgical treatment. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms persist or nerve weakness progresses. The neurosurgeon will give you their view after reviewing your MRI.
How long is recovery and when can I fly home?
Most patients stay in Istanbul for 5–7 days, subject to surgeon clearance. Sitting for long periods is uncomfortable after disc surgery, so ask about flight timing, seat choice and moving regularly during the journey. Your surgeon will advise on activity, lifting and return to work.
What if I have a problem after I return?
Seek emergency care straight away for new numbness between the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or rapidly worsening leg weakness. For other concerns the treating hospital remains responsible for agreed follow-up and we help coordinate communication with them. We do not provide post-operative medical care. Ask before you commit whether revision surgery is covered and on what terms, and get the answer in writing.
Ready to find out what lumbar disc surgery costs for you?
Tell us what you are considering. Itemised quote within 48 hours. Hospital and surgeon confirmed in writing before you pay.
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Information for UK patients
What to know before you travel and after you return.
Flying home
Patients typically fly home 5–7 days after surgery, subject to surgeon clearance. Ask about seat choice, standing and walking regularly, and avoiding heavy lifting of your luggage. Ask your surgeon about compression stockings and moving regularly on the flight.
After you return
Operative notes, the discharge summary and any results are provided in English and forwarded to your UK GP on request. The treating hospital remains responsible for agreed follow-up. If you need urgent care at home, seek local medical help straight away. We can help coordinate communication with the hospital, but we do not provide post-operative medical care. Read what to do if something goes wrong.
Payment and cancellation
You pay no coordination fee. We are paid by the hospital you are treated at, and we tell you this upfront. Deposits, payment schedules and refund terms are set by the hospital and confirmed in writing in your quote before you pay anything. Cancellation terms are in your coordination agreement — see the brokerage agreement.
Travel insurance
Standard travel policies often exclude planned treatment and its complications, so check your cover and its exclusions before you travel. If you would like, we can introduce you to an FCA-authorised insurance provider offering medical-travel cover. We may receive a commission if you take out a policy. You are free to choose any provider, there is no obligation, and we do not give insurance advice.