IMED - Elche is an ISO-certified hospital in Alicante, Spain. It specializes in pediatric neurosurgery, neurology, and therapy. Patients from the US, Canada, and the UK choose it for reliable care.
IMED - Elche is an ISO-certified hospital in Alicante, Spain. It specializes in pediatric neurosurgery, neurology, and therapy. Patients from the US, Canada, and the UK choose it for reliable care.
IMED - Levante is an ISO-accredited medical center in Alicante, Spain. Its core strengths are pediatric neurosurgery, neurology, and therapy. Prices run 3 to 4 times lower than in US clinics.
IMED - Levante is an ISO-accredited medical center in Alicante, Spain. Its core strengths are pediatric neurosurgery, neurology, and therapy. Prices run 3 to 4 times lower than in US clinics.
The procedure involves removal a herniated disc to lessen spinal nerve pressure, easing pain, enabling body movement.
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"},"690":{"operation":{"name":"Removal of herniated disc with preoperative diagnostic","alias":"removal-of-herniated-disc","use_for_listing":true},"country_price":{"US":{"amount":25000,"max_amount":45000,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":0,"price_kind":"estimate","price_source":"parsed","scope":"country"},"TR":{"amount":3500,"max_amount":11000,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":9,"price_kind":"from_range","price_source":"tariff","scope":"country"},"TH":{"amount":13500,"max_amount":20000,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":1,"price_kind":"from_range","price_source":"tariff","scope":"country"},"AT":{"amount":9500,"max_amount":15500,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":0,"price_kind":"estimate","price_source":"parsed","scope":"country"},"ES":{"amount":27000,"max_amount":47000,"currency":"USD","clinic_count":1,"price_kind":"from_range","price_source":"tariff","scope":"country"}},"available_clinics":{"US":false,"TR":true,"TH":true,"AT":false,"ES":true},"description":"This operation involves diagnosing and extracting a protruded spinal disc, yielding pain relief and improved mobility.
"}}},"operationIndicators":{"details":{"anesthesia":"general","days_in_clinic":3,"days_in_country":7,"rehabilitation_days":4,"satisfied_percent":78,"treatment_duration_hours":2},"illness_kind_details":{"requests_processed":21657}},"responsibleDoctor":{"id":645,"alias":"ali-zirh","name":"Ali Zirh","photo":"doctor/6a5e1b08044b5","advisory_text":"","linkedin":"","specialities":[{"id":"nrs.001","name":"Neurosurgeon","illness_kind_id":2},{"id":"nrs.005","name":"Stereotactic and functional neurosurgeon","illness_kind_id":2}]},"direction":{"id":2,"name":"Neurosurgery","alias":"neurosurgery"},"illness_kind":{"id":2,"name":{"en":"Neurosurgery"}},"parsed_details":{"procedure_type":"surgery","fields":{"anesthesia":["general"],"back_to_work_days":{"min":14,"max":42,"unit":"days","qualifier":"After primary lumbar microdiscectomy; desk-based work earlier (about 2-4 weeks), physically demanding work later (6 weeks or more)."},"complication_rate_pct":{"min":5,"max":15,"unit":"percent","qualifier":"Any perioperative complication within 90 days after primary lumbar microdiscectomy; dural tear 1-5%, infection under 2%."},"contraindications":["Active infection at the surgical site or systemic infection","Unfitness for general anesthesia due to severe cardiopulmonary disease","Uncorrected bleeding disorder or inability to stop anticoagulation safely","Pregnancy (relative, especially first trimester) unless urgent","Back pain only, without radiculopathy or neurological deficit (relative)"],"days_in_clinic":{"min":0,"max":2,"unit":"nights","qualifier":"Primary single-level microdiscectomy; often same-day discharge or 1 night."},"diagnostic_duration_minutes":null,"diagnostic_preparation":null,"diagnostic_referral_needed":null,"diagnostic_result_time_hours":null,"exercise_resume_weeks":{"min":6,"max":12,"unit":"weeks","qualifier":"Gradual return to core strengthening and general exercise; heavy lifting and contact sports at the later end."},"final_result_months":{"min":3,"max":12,"unit":"months","qualifier":"Leg pain usually improves within weeks; nerve recovery and numbness or weakness may continue for months."},"fly_home_after_days":{"min":5,"max":10,"unit":"days","qualifier":"After single-level microdiscectomy; depends on surgeon clearance, wound check, pain control and thrombosis risk on long flights."},"follow_up_visits":[{"purpose":"wound_check","requirement":"routine","after":{"min":10,"max":14,"unit":"days","qualifier":"From surgery; includes suture or skin closure check."}},{"purpose":"assessment","requirement":"routine","after":{"min":42,"max":90,"unit":"days","qualifier":"From surgery; neurological and functional review, rehabilitation guidance."}}],"indications":["Lumbar/cervical herniation with radiculopathy despite 6+ weeks conservative care","Severe or progressive motor weakness from nerve root compression","Cauda equina syndrome (emergency)","Intractable radicular pain with concordant MRI findings"],"main_risks":["Recurrent disc herniation","Wound infection or discitis","Dural tear with cerebrospinal fluid leak","Nerve root injury, persistent numbness or weakness","Bleeding or hematoma","Persistent or recurrent back or leg pain","Anesthesia-related risks and venous thrombosis"],"pain":"Moderate incision-site and back pain for the first days to 2 weeks, controlled with oral analgesics; leg pain usually improves quickly after surgery.","preparation":["Recent MRI or CT confirming herniation level and side","Pre-operative medical assessment and blood tests","Fasting before general anesthesia as instructed","Review of medications with the surgical team","Stop smoking where possible","Arrange transport and help at home for the first days"],"recovery_timeline":[{"phase":"Day 0-3","description":"Mobilization the same or next day, wound care, pain control.","restrictions":["No heavy lifting","Avoid prolonged sitting and bending"]},{"phase":"Weeks 1-2","description":"Walking progressively increased; wound heals and sutures or skin closure are checked.","restrictions":["No lifting over a few kilograms","No driving while on strong analgesics"]},{"phase":"Weeks 2-6","description":"Return to light or desk work and gradual activity; start of core stabilization exercises.","restrictions":["Avoid heavy lifting and twisting"]},{"phase":"Weeks 6-12","description":"Progressive return to exercise and physical work.","restrictions":["Avoid high-impact and contact sports until cleared"]}],"rehabilitation_days":{"min":7,"max":21,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Light daily activities resume within 1–3 weeks; return to work, heavy lifting and sport come later."},"result_longevity":"Many patients have lasting relief of leg pain; recurrence at the same or adjacent level can occur in a minority, and long-term outcome depends on spine health and lifestyle.","revision_rate_pct":{"min":5,"max":10,"unit":"percent","qualifier":"Repeat surgery for recurrent herniation or persistent symptoms at the same level within 2-5 years."},"scars":"Small midline or paramedian incision, typically 2-4 cm for microdiscectomy, usually fading to a thin line.","sessions_or_stages":{"sessions":{"min":1,"max":1,"unit":"visits","qualifier":"Single operation."},"stages":[{"code":"surgery","label":"Discectomy removing the herniated fragment","after":{"min":0,"max":0,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Day of procedure."}}],"qualifier":"Standard single-level primary microdiscectomy in one session."},"success":{"metric":"Patients reporting good or excellent outcome for leg pain and function","value":80,"unit":"percent","horizon":"1–2 years","population":"Adults after primary lumbar discectomy for radiculopathy failing conservative care","evidence_status":"limited"},"techniques":[{"name":"Microdiscectomy","suits_whom":"Typical lumbar disc herniation with nerve root compression.","recovery":"Short stay or same day; return to light work in about 2-4 weeks."},{"name":"Endoscopic discectomy","suits_whom":"Selected lumbar herniations suitable for a minimally invasive approach.","recovery":"Often same day; slightly quicker early recovery."},{"name":"Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion","suits_whom":"Cervical herniation with radiculopathy or myelopathy.","recovery":"Usually 0-1 night; desk work in about 2-4 weeks."}],"treatment_conditions":["day_case","inpatient"],"treatment_duration_hours":{"min":1,"max":2,"unit":"hours","qualifier":"Single-level primary lumbar microdiscectomy, operating time."},"initial_assessment_documents":["Spine MRI report and images","Neurological examination or specialist report","Record of prior conservative treatment","List of blood thinners","Recent spine X-rays (if available)"],"travel_trips":{"min":1,"max":1,"one_trip_possible":true,"qualifier":"Single-session surgery; stay 5-10 days including 0-2 hospital nights; follow-up visits usually done at home."},"clinic_checks":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"C1","text":"Check that the surgeon explains how long nonsurgical treatment should be tried before surgery is considered","scope":"procedure","source":{"url":"https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases--conditions/herniated-disk-in-the-lower-back/","host":"orthoinfo.org","quote":"Your doctor will talk to you about how long you should try nonsurgical treatments before considering surgery.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}},{"id":"C2","text":"Check the qualifications of the clinician who will be doing the procedure","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/medical-tourism","host":"wwwnc.cdc.gov","quote":"Check the qualifications of the clinician who will be doing the procedure","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}},{"id":"C3","text":"Make sure you understand the possible complications and side effects before agreeing to 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sign","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/treatment-abroad-checklist/","host":"nhs.uk","quote":"a hard sell, a lack of information, pressure to make a quick decision, no discussion of possible complications, no mention of aftercare.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}},{"id":"F3","text":"No mention of aftercare in the offer or consultation is a warning sign","scope":"treatment_abroad","source":{"url":"https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/treatment-abroad-checklist/","host":"nhs.uk","quote":"a hard sell, a lack of information, pressure to make a quick decision, no discussion of possible complications, no mention of aftercare.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-12","next_check_at":"2027-11-12","version":1},"warning_signs":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"W1","text":"Sudden numbness or muscle weakness","urgency":"contact_clinic","general":false,"source":{"url":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/discectomy","host":"my.clevelandclinic.org","quote":"Sudden numbness or muscle weakness.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}},{"id":"W2","text":"Difficulty peeing or pooping","urgency":"contact_clinic","general":false,"source":{"url":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/discectomy","host":"my.clevelandclinic.org","quote":"Difficulty peeing or pooping.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}},{"id":"W3","text":"Severe pain or worsening pain","urgency":"contact_clinic","general":true,"source":{"url":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/discectomy","host":"my.clevelandclinic.org","quote":"Severe pain or worsening pain.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-12","next_check_at":"2027-11-12","version":1},"take_home":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"T1","text":"Gives the home doctor the surgery and prescribed-medicine details","document":"discharge letter","source":{"url":"https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/recovering-lumbar-spine-decompression-or-discectomy/advice-help-your-recovery","host":"guysandstthomas.nhs.uk","quote":"Your GP gets a discharge letter from the hospital about your surgery and the medicines that we prescribed for you.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":403}},{"id":"T2","text":"Home doctor needs the dates for required blood tests and follow-up appointments","document":"written aftercare plan","source":{"url":"https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/about-us/individual-patient-commissioning/ipc-folder/advice-on-accessing-treatment-abroad","host":"sbuhb.nhs.wales","quote":"This should include any medication and doses, as well as any dates that blood tests and follow-up appointments must be carried out.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"T3","text":"Ask for copies of all prescriptions before you leave","document":"prescription copies","source":{"url":"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/699/travelling-abroad-for-treatment","host":"travelhealthpro.org.uk","quote":"Remember to ask for copies of all your treatment records, including prescriptions, scans and x-rays before you leave.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-11","http_status":200}},{"id":"T4","text":"Lets the home doctor compare new spine scans and avoid repeat tests","document":"spine mri or ct copies","source":{"url":"https://radiologyinfo.org/en/info/article-your-medical-images","host":"radiologyinfo.org","quote":"You may want copies of your medical images to bring with you to a doctor's appointment.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-13","http_status":200}}],"checked_at":"2026-11-12","next_check_at":"2027-11-12","version":1},"alternatives":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"A1","text":"You want pain relief from a herniated disc without surgery","name":"Epidural steroid injection","source":{"url":"https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22091-lumbar-epidural-steroid-injection","host":"my.clevelandclinic.org","quote":"Lumbar ESIs are most effective in providing pain relief from a herniated disk and spinal stenosis.","tier":"tier1_medical","fetched_at":"2026-11-12","http_status":200},"operation_id":null}],"checked_at":"2026-11-12","next_check_at":"2027-11-12","version":1},"technique_details":{"status":"ok","items":[{"id":"microdiscectomy","name":"Microdiscectomy","how_it_works":{"text":"Surgeon removes damaged disc tissue to relieve nerve pressure","source":{"url":"https://www.healthline.com/health/microdiscectomy","host":"healthline.com","quote":"With a 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