Lumbar decompression

Lower spine surgery

HCA UK has the facilities and expertise to carry out surgery on your lower spine using minimally invasive surgery.

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HCA UK Booking Line:

01745 881625

What is a lumbar decompression?

This is a type of spinal surgery used to treat ‘pinched’ nerves in the spine by removing a small portion of the bone covering the nerve root and sometimes some of the disc material as well. The surgery aims to alleviate symptoms such as pain and numbness. There are different types of surgery depending on your diagnosed condition.

Need to know

  • What happens during surgery? icon plus

    You'll be asleep during lumbar decompression surgery, which takes about 1-2 hours to perform. If surgery is recommended, you'll usually have at least one of the following procedures through a midline skin incision in the lower back.

    If surgery is recommended, you'll usually have at least one of the following procedures:


    • Laminectomy – where a section of bone is removed from the back of your vertebrae to relieve pressure on the affected nerve
    • Discectomy – where a section of the slipped disc is removed to relieve pressure on a nerve
    • Spinal fusion – where two or more vertebrae are fused together to stabilise and strengthen the spine.

    These procedures can be done in isolation or combination depending on the clinical judgement of your surgeon.

  • How to prepare icon plus

    Your consultant will explain to you how surgery is performed and you'll get the chance to ask any questions about the procedure. As you'll be given a general anaesthetic you should avoid eating and drinking at least 6 hours before your procedure.

  • After your lumbar decompression icon plus

    On average patients will spend 1-2 nights in hospital. You may need to lie flat for 3-4 hours post procedure due to the effects of the anaesthetic. After this time you should be able to sit up in bed. You may lie on your side if more comfortable. The following day you will be mobilised in the morning with the assistance of a physiotherapist or a nurse. You will be mobilised gently initially and this should be increased daily. Each day post surgery you will be encouraged to undertake more activities for yourself i.e. washing and dressing.

  • Is decompression surgery effective? icon plus

    There is good evidence that in appropriately selected patients decompression surgery is effective for pain relief and improved function.

The Cost Of Private Lumbar Decompression Surgery

Hospital stay and procedure

Prices from

£6,590 subject to the specifics of your treatment as recommended by your consultant.
Indicative consultant fees from £1,280

Expected length of stay

3 nights

Included

Before admission

  • Pre-assessment

During your hospital stay

  • Accommodation in a standard room as quoted above.
  • Routine admission tests
  • Patient meals are included but not transferable.
  • Nursing care and facilities
  • Theatre fees, drugs and dressings
  • Removal of stitches, dressing and plaster as required.
  • Take home medication 

Excluded

  • Any additional nights in hospital not described in the above.
  • Specialist nursing above and beyond required level of care.
  • Any post-operative treatments/consultations which may be required.
  • Any additional or more complex procedures not included in our initial agreement.
  • Any readmission due to complications will result in additional charges in line with our standard prices.
  • Personal costs including visitors’ meals and drinks as well as newspapers.
  • Any costs not specified as included.

Our spinal consultants

We're proud to work with leading spinal specialists, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.

Our locations for spinal surgery

From complex spinal surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional spinal care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

Request a spinal appointment

We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced spinal consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.

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020 7079 4344
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
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