Turkey is one of the most prominent medical destinations in the world, especially in the field of spine surgery, due to its advanced technologies and distinguished medical expertise in the field of disc surgery, in addition to the low cost, as the lumbar disc surgery cost in Turkey is considered low compared to the United States and European countries, without any compromise in medical efficiency and services provided.
What is lumbar disc surgery?
Lumbar disc surgery or lumbar herniated disc surgery is a surgical procedure used to treat a herniated or ruptured disc between the vertebrae of the lumbar spine in the lower back. A lumbar herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus of the discs between the five lumbar vertebrae pushes through a tear in the fibrous ring of the disc, causing it to touch and press on neighboring nerves.
The slipped portion of the disc presses on neighboring nerves, causing lower back pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower limbs. The operation aims to remove the slipped portion of the disc to relieve pressure on the nerves and relieve pain. The operation is usually performed if conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, or medications do not work within several weeks.
Average lumbar disc surgery cost in Turkey
The average lumbar disc surgery cost in Turkey usually ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 USD, depending on the type of surgery (laparoscopic or open), hospital level, doctor’s experience, as well as length of stay and post-operative services.
Lumbar disc surgery cost comparison in Turkey, other countries, and other countries
The cost of lumbar disc surgery varies from country to country, and we have provided the following table showing the costs in different countries around the world.
| State | Average Cost of Lumbar Disc Surgery (USD) |
|---|---|
| Turkey | 3,000 – 7,000 |
| Germany | 12,000 – 25,000 |
| Britain | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Canada | 15,000 – 30,000 |
| United States of America | 15,000 – 50,000 |
What factors affect the cost of lumbar disc surgery in Turkey?
Type of surgery: The cost varies depending on the type of surgery used, as
- Open surgery: The most expensive, as it is effective in most cases, but the recovery period is long.
- Laparoscopic surgery: Medium cost with a short recovery period.
- Laser surgery: The least expensive, but not suitable for all cases.
Hospital level and location: Large and advanced hospitals in major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara may be more expensive due to the quality of services, the modern technologies they use, and the expertise of the medical staff.
The surgeon’s experience and specialty: Surgeons with long experience and a good reputation demand higher wages compared to beginners.
Length of hospital stay: The longer the hospital stay, the higher the total cost.
Additional tests and procedures: Such as medical tests, physical therapy, and medications associated with the procedure.
Post-operative services: These include rehabilitation sessions and medical follow-up, which may add to the final cost.
Average lumbar disc surgery prices in Turkey
We previously talked about how the lumbar disc surgery cost in Turkey varies according to the type of surgery, and the following table shows the average prices of various surgeries in Turkey
| Type of operation | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Laser surgery | 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Laparoscopic surgery | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Open surgery | 5,000 – 7,000 |
Why is disc surgery in Turkey an ideal option?
- Low cost: Lumbar disc surgery prices in Turkey are much lower compared to the US and Europe, without a decrease in the quality of care.
- Advanced medical expertise: Turkey has an elite group of spine surgeons who are highly experienced in the field of lumbar disc surgery.
- Modern technologies: Turkish hospitals rely on the latest surgical techniques such as laparoscopy and lasers, ensuring effective results and faster recovery.
- Internationally accredited medical centers: Many hospitals have international accreditations such as JCI, ensuring a high level of medical safety.
- Comprehensive services for international patients: Includes translation, accommodation, airport transportation, and post-operative medical follow-up.
How to choose the best lumbar disc surgery center in Turkey?
- The surgeon’s experience and specialty: Make sure the surgeon specializes in spine surgery and has a lot of experience in lumbar disc surgeries.
- Hospital reputation: Choose a well-known, internationally accredited medical center that is licensed by the Ministry of Health in Turkey, preferably with certifications such as JCI to ensure quality of care.
- Utilize modern technologies: Make sure you have access to advanced and modern techniques such as endoscopy or microsurgery, which minimize pain and recovery time.
- Reviews from previous patients: Review the experiences and opinions of patients who have undergone the procedure at the same center.
- Serving international patients: Choose a hospital that offers accompanying services such as translation, accommodation, transportation assistance, and post-operative follow-up.
- Cost transparency: Ask for a detailed cost breakdown before undergoing surgery.
In conclusion, it can be said that the lumbar disc surgery cost in Turkey is one of the most important factors that attract patients from around the world, as it combines an affordable price with high medical quality. With the availability of the latest surgical techniques, specialized medical staff, and comprehensive services for international patients, Turkey has become an ideal destination for this type of surgery. Choosing Turkey not only saves money, but also guarantees safe and effective medical outcomes in an advanced health environment.
Sources:
- Al Qaraghli, M. I., & De Jesus, O. (2025). Lumbar Disc Herniation. In StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from NCBI Bookshelf
- MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Herniated disk. Retrieved June 27, 2025, from
