Procedure in Azerbaijan
Spine surgery in Azerbaijan
Microdiscectomy, decompression or stabilisation of the spine when conservative treatment has not helped enough.
Typical figures. The exact plan is confirmed by the treating doctor after the medical review.
Spine surgery in Azerbaijan is carried out at licensed clinics in Baku by neurosurgeons and spine surgeons. The most common operation is microdiscectomy, in which the part of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve is removed through a small incision. For spinal stenosis the surgeon may widen the spinal canal, and stabilisation with screws is used only when the spine is unstable.
In most people with a disc herniation the symptoms ease without surgery, so medicines, physiotherapy and sometimes injections usually come first. Surgery is discussed when leg or arm pain persists despite this treatment or when weakness appears. You send a recent MRI and reports, the surgeon gives a preliminary opinion and we prepare a written estimate. MedAzerbaijan is a coordinator, not a clinic, and organises transfers, accommodation and an interpreter.
Who it may suit
- People with a disc herniation confirmed on MRI and pain spreading to the leg or arm
- Those whose pain persists after several weeks of medicines, physiotherapy and other conservative treatment
- Patients with numbness or weakness in the leg or arm caused by nerve compression
- People with spinal stenosis that limits how far they can walk
- Patients whose general health allows surgery under anaesthesia, as confirmed by the doctors
How the procedure is organised
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1
Review of your MRI
You send a recent MRI of the spine and your medical reports. The surgeon assesses whether surgery is needed at all or whether conservative treatment should continue, and we prepare a written estimate.
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2
Consultation and tests in Baku
After arrival the surgeon checks your reflexes, strength and sensation and compares them with the MRI. After blood tests, an ECG and an anaesthetist assessment the plan is confirmed.
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3
Surgery day
Microdiscectomy and decompression are usually performed under general anaesthesia using a microscope or an endoscope. Stabilisation takes longer and needs a longer hospital stay.
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4
First days in hospital
Most patients stand up and walk on the day of surgery or the next day. The team controls pain, checks the wound and shows you how to move safely.
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5
Check before flying home
Before the flight the surgeon checks the wound and the nerve function and confirms that travelling is safe. You also receive advice on sitting and moving during the flight.
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6
Follow-up at home
You receive a discharge summary in Russian or English with recommendations on activity and physiotherapy. We pass your questions to the surgeon and can arrange remote follow-up consultations.
What the cost depends on
The cost of spine surgery is calculated individually. It depends on the type of operation, the number of spinal levels treated, whether implants are needed, the clinic and the length of the hospital stay. After the surgeon reviews your MRI, we send a written estimate before you travel, so you know in advance what is included.
- Type of operation and number of spinal levels
- Screws, cages or other implants, if needed
- The clinic and the surgical team
- Length of the hospital stay
- Additional imaging, tests and physiotherapy
Recovery and the trip home
- After microdiscectomy most patients walk on the first day and return to light daily activities within two to six weeks.
- Lifting heavy weights, long sitting and sudden bending are usually limited in the first weeks, as the surgeon advises.
- After stabilisation recovery takes longer, and the bones may need several months to fuse.
- Flying home is usually possible about a week after microdiscectomy and later after larger operations, and the surgeon decides.
Included in our coordination
- Personal coordinator
- Medical review
- Interpreter at the clinic
- Visa and invitation
- Airport and clinic transfers
- Accommodation
- Support for companions
- Follow-up at home
Documents for the medical review
Send whatever you already have. If something is missing, the doctor will tell you what else is needed.
- An MRI of the spine taken within the last few months
- X-rays of the spine, including flexion and extension views if available
- Reports from your neurologist or neurosurgeon
- A description of the conservative treatment you have already had
- A list of your current medicines and any allergies
- Information about chronic conditions and previous operations
Frequently asked questions
How much does microdiscectomy cost?
The cost depends on the type of operation, the number of levels, any implants and the hospital stay. After the surgeon reviews your MRI and reports, we send a written estimate before you travel, so you know in advance what is included.
Does every disc herniation need to be removed?
No. In many people the pain eases with time, medicines and physiotherapy. Surgery is usually discussed when pain persists despite conservative treatment, when weakness increases or when daily life is seriously affected. The surgeon decides after reviewing the MRI and examining you.
When should I seek help at home instead of travelling?
Sudden numbness in the groin area, problems controlling the bladder or bowel, or rapidly increasing weakness in the legs are an emergency. In this case please go to the nearest hospital at home without delay. Planned treatment can be discussed once your condition is stable.
How long does spine surgery in Baku take, including the trip?
After microdiscectomy most patients stay about one week to ten days, and after stabilisation about two to three weeks. This covers the consultation, surgery, the first rehabilitation and a check before the flight. The surgeon confirms when you can travel.
Does the doctor speak Russian?
Many doctors in Azerbaijan speak Russian. If needed, an interpreter joins your consultations and hospital stay. Before travelling you can also have an online consultation with the surgeon.
Related procedures
Send your reports and receive a treatment plan
Tell us about your condition. A coordinator will reply in your language, and the specialist will review your documents.