MVD Surgery · Trigeminal Neuralgia · Hemifacial Spasm · Pune, India

Microvascular Decompression

(MVD Surgery)

The definitive surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, a combination of these, and related conditions — addressing the true root cause and offering the highest long-term success rates of any available treatment.

Written by a Neurosurgeon with 30+ years of dedicated MVD experience

Microvascular Decompression (MVD) Surgery | Expert Neurosurgery Guide
3,000+
MVD surgeries performed by Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh — among the highest volumes for this procedure in India
Root Cause
MVD is the only treatment that addresses the cause — not just the symptom
95%+
Hemifacial Spasm resolved after MVD at expert centres
90-95%
Patients experience significant pain relief after MVD surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia

What Is MVD Surgery? (Microvascular Decompression)

For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.

Microvascular decompression — MVD — is a precisely targeted surgical procedure at the base of the skull that relieves the compression of a cranial nerve by a blood vessel. Under an operating microscope, the offending vessel is identified and a small Teflon implant placed between it and the nerve — ending the abnormal electrical irritation causing the patient’s symptoms. The nerve is left completely intact.

Unlike every other treatment for trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm, MVD removes the cause. This is why it offers the highest long-term success rates of any available option.

Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh, neurosurgeon in Pune, India, has performed over 3,000 MVD surgeries — one of the highest personal volumes for this procedure in India. Patients travel from Mumbai, across India, and internationally specifically for this procedure.

The Core Principle

Every other treatment for trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm works by interrupting or suppressing the nerve's signals — with medications, injections, or ablative procedures. MVD is the only treatment that removes the cause of the problem: the vessel pressing on the nerve. This fundamental difference is why MVD offers the highest long-term success rates and the most complete, medication-free relief of any available option.

For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.

MVD surgery treats neurovascular compression syndromes — conditions caused by a blood vessel pressing against a cranial nerve at the brainstem. Compression of the trigeminal nerve (5th) causes trigeminal neuralgia. The facial nerve (7th) causes hemifacial spasm. The glossopharyngeal nerve (9th) causes glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh has performed over 3,000 MVD surgeries for all three conditions in Pune, India.

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)
Trigeminal Nerve (5th Cranial Nerve) · Most Common MVD Indication

Electric-shock or stabbing facial pain triggered by eating, talking, or a light touch — often described as the most severe pain known to medicine. Affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people, frequently misdiagnosed for months or years. Medications control pain initially but lose effectiveness over time. MVD is the only treatment that addresses the cause.

Hemifacial Spasm (HFS) — Facial Twitching & Involuntary Spasm
Facial Nerve (7th Cranial Nerve) · Second Most Common

Involuntary twitching or spasm on one side of the face — starting around the eye, progressively involving the cheek and mouth. Caused by a blood vessel compressing the facial nerve at the brainstem. Botox provides temporary relief requiring repeat injections every 3–4 months. MVD resolves the compression permanently — with resolution rates of 92–97% at experienced centres.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia — Throat & Ear Pain on Swallowing
Glossopharyngeal Nerve (9th Cranial Nerve) · Rare but Treatable

Severe stabbing pain in the throat, tonsil, tongue, or ear — triggered by swallowing or eating. Rare, and frequently misdiagnosed as dental pain or ear infection. In some patients, an elongated styloid process causes identical symptoms (Eagle syndrome). MVD surgery is the definitive treatment.

For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.

The nerve’s insulation — called myelin — is thinner at the point where it enters the brainstem than anywhere else. When a blood vessel presses against the nerve here and pulses with every heartbeat, it gradually wears that insulation away. Electrical signals begin to leak. In trigeminal neuralgia, they fire as pain. In hemifacial spasm, as involuntary contractions. In glossopharyngeal neuralgia, as pain deep in the throat and ear.

MVD works by placing a small Teflon implant between the vessel and the nerve. The pulsation stops. The signals normalise — often immediately.

What Does the MRI Show?

A high-resolution FIESTA or CISS MRI can show the blood vessel pressing against the nerve at the brainstem. This is the most important investigation before MVD surgery. Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh reviews every patient’s FIESTA MRI before recommending surgery.

For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.

The decision depends on four things: your symptoms, your MRI findings, your response to medication, and your general fitness for surgery. Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh and team assess each at consultation — after reviewing your tests and fitness reports — and will advise honestly.

  1. 1

    Classical symptoms — Sudden electric pain triggered by touch or eating (TN); involuntary facial twitching (HFS); stabbing throat pain on swallowing (GPN). Atypical or constant pain predicts less favourable outcomes.

  2. 2

    MRI confirms compression — A FIESTA or CISS MRI showing neurovascular compression at the root entry zone is the strongest predictor of a good MVD outcome. If you have not had this MRI, it will be the first step.

  3. 3

    Medications have failed or become unacceptable — When carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine has stopped working, or side effects have become intolerable, MVD deserves serious consideration. The earlier it is considered — before ablative procedures — the better the outcome.

  4. 4

    Fitness for surgery — Good general health and fitness for general anaesthesia are required. Age alone is not a barrier — the overwhelming majority of MVD surgeons worldwide set no upper age limit. Fitness, not age, is what matters.

What If My MRI Is Negative?

A negative MRI doesn’t automatically rule out MVD, but it changes the risk-benefit calculation. A higher-resolution protocol may reveal compression that was missed. Dr. Panchawagh will advise on whether further investigation is warranted.

Previous Surgery or Ablative Procedures?

Patients who have had Gamma Knife, RFA, glycerol rhizotomy, balloon compression, alcohol injections, nerve block injections, or neurectomy can still be considered for MVD. Earlier is always better — but MVD remains available even after these procedures.

For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.

When medications fail, patients face a choice. The most common question asked at consultation: “Should I have MVD or Gamma Knife?” The evidence is clear about what each treatment does — and what it costs the patient to achieve that result.

Treatment How It Works Pain-Free at 5 Years Preserves Nerve?
MVD Surgery Removes the cause — separates the compressing vessel from the nerve. The only treatment that addresses the root cause without damaging the nerve. ~80% pain-free Yes — fully intact
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Deliberately damages the trigeminal nerve with focused radiation to suppress pain signals. ~50–60% pain-free Partial — facial numbness in 30–50%
Percutaneous Rhizotomy (balloon, glycerol, RF) Deliberately injures the nerve through a needle approach under the skull base. ~50–60% at 3–5 yrs No — numbness expected
Medication (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine) Suppresses nerve firing with drugs — does not treat the cause. Effective initially; wanes Yes — no nerve damage
Botox Injections (HFS) Temporarily paralyses facial muscles — wears off every 3–4 months. Temporary — must repeat Yes — but not curative
Why This Difference Matters: Cause vs Symptom

Ablative procedures damage the nerve to suppress pain — the facial numbness they cause is the mechanism, not a side effect. MVD and Gamma Knife both reduce pain in drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia — but MVD provides greater pain relief and less recurrence, and leaves the nerve intact. For suitable patients, that distinction changes everything. For hemifacial spasm, Gamma Knife is not appropriate — MVD is the only surgical option.

For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.

MVD is cranial surgery — not brain surgery. The brain itself is not touched. The procedure accesses the space around the brainstem through a small opening behind the ear, places a Teflon implant between the vessel and nerve, and closes. Most patients are walking the next day.

  1. 1

    Positioning — Patient placed on their side, head fixed in a three-pin frame. Monitoring electrodes placed before the procedure begins.

  2. 2

    Skin incision and craniotomy — A 3–4 inch incision behind the ear. A small skull opening — approximately the size of a 50-paise coin — to access the posterior fossa.

  3. 3

    Microsurgical exploration — Under the operating microscope, the nerve is identified at its root entry zone. The offending vessel — usually a tortuous artery — is found in contact with the nerve.

  4. 4

    Decompression — The vessel is carefully moved away and a Teflon pledget placed between vessel and nerve. The vessel is not cut or damaged — it is simply moved and held there.

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    Closure — Dura closed watertight, bone replaced, wound closed in layers. The scar sits behind the ear, hidden within the hairline.

Intraoperative Monitoring — How We Know the Surgery Is Working

For hemifacial spasm, electrodes may be placed to record the lateral spread response (LSR) — which disappears when the correct vessel is lifted off the facial nerve, confirming decompression. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) may also be used to monitor hearing.

Risks of MVD

Every patient deserves an honest discussion before consenting to surgery — held with Dr. Panchawagh and team, with the patient and family present. The most significant risks include hearing loss (under 2% at expert centres), facial weakness, CSF leak, and rare brainstem injury (under 0.5%). Mortality in elective MVD at high-volume centres is under 0.1%.

These figures underline why choosing a surgeon with substantial, dedicated MVD experience matters more in this procedure than in almost any other elective cranial surgery.

For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.

MVD has the most extensive long-term outcome data of any surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm — accumulated over five decades of global surgical practice. The evidence is consistent.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Immediate pain relief after surgery90–95%
Pain-free or minimal pain at 5 years~80%
Pain-free or minimal pain at 10 years~70–75%
Facial sensation fully preserved>95%

Hemifacial Spasm

Complete resolution of spasm92–97%
Resolution sustained at 10 years>90%
MVD vs Gamma Knife vs Rhizotomy — The Long-Term Difference

No other treatment for trigeminal neuralgia matches MVD’s 10-year outcomes. Gamma Knife achieves pain freedom in roughly 50–60% at 5 years — with facial numbness in 30–50%. Percutaneous rhizotomy provides good short-term relief but recurrence rates are significantly higher. MVD maintains outcomes in 70–75% at 10 years — and without nerve damage.

For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.

From Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh — Neurosurgeon, Pune, India | 3,000+ MVD Surgeries

Over thirty years of performing MVD surgery, I have seen this procedure restore lives. Patients who have lived for years in debilitating pain — unable to eat, speak, or be touched without triggering agony — walk out of hospital pain-free, often for the first time in a decade. That experience, repeated hundreds of times, gives me deep confidence in what MVD can achieve. But I also believe that every patient deserves honesty, not just enthusiasm.

Here is what I tell every patient before surgery: MVD is the most effective and durable treatment we have for classical trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. In the right patient, with a clear MRI showing neurovascular compression and a classic symptom pattern, it offers the best chance of long-lasting, medication-free relief of any option available today.

At the same time, no surgery carries a guarantee. A small number of patients experience incomplete relief, or pain that returns after an initial pain-free period — particularly beyond the five-year mark. The first operation gives the best chance of success; re-exploration is technically harder. This is why the decision about timing matters.

What I want you to take away is this: if you have classical symptoms, your MRI shows compression, and you are fit for surgery, MVD gives you the strongest possible foundation for a genuine, lasting recovery.

— Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh, MCh (Neurosurgery)  |  Neurosurgeon, Pune, India  |  3,000+ MVD Surgeries Performed

To learn more, visit the Watch: Surgery & Patient Stories section on this page.

For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.

Most patients are surprised by how manageable recovery after MVD surgery is — particularly given what they imagined “brain surgery” would involve.

In Hospital

Most patients spend 3–4 days in hospital. Headache and mild neck stiffness are the most common early symptoms, managed with standard medication. Most are sitting up, eating, and walking by day 2. International patients travelling to Pune are typically fit to fly home within 14–16 days.

Pain Relief After MVD for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Relief is often immediate — patients describe waking from anaesthesia with the electric pain already gone. Medications are tapered gradually over 6–8 weeks rather than stopped immediately.

Hemifacial Spasm: The Delayed Response

Spasm does not always resolve immediately after MVD surgery. Occasional eye twitching or fluttering during recovery is normal — it is the nerve repairing itself, not a sign that surgery has failed. Patience during this period, and close communication with Dr. Panchawagh’s team, is the most important thing a patient can do.

Return to Normal Life

Light activity and desk work within 2–3 weeks. Driving at 4–6 weeks. Full recovery typically takes 6–8 weeks.

Recurrence — What Happens If Pain Returns?

In a minority of patients, pain recurs — most commonly in the first 2 years or beyond the 5-year mark. Options include re-exploration MVD, Gamma Knife, or percutaneous procedures. Recurrence is not surgical failure — the original procedure will have provided years of relief, and the situation remains treatable.

For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.

  1. 1

    Does my MRI show clear neurovascular compression at the root entry zone? — A positive FIESTA or CISS MRI finding strongly supports a good outcome with MVD.

  2. 2

    Do I have classical (Type 1) trigeminal neuralgia, or atypical features? — MVD outcomes are significantly better for classical TN. This distinction matters enormously.

  3. 3

    How many MVD procedures do you perform each year? — Surgical volume directly predicts outcome. Surgeons performing 30–50 or more MVDs per year have measurably better results.

  4. 4

    What is your personal hearing preservation rate for MVD? — Ask for the surgeon’s own outcomes, not just published literature figures.

  5. 5

    Is intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring used? — For hemifacial spasm especially, LSR monitoring is a strong predictor of surgical success.

  6. 6

    Given my age and fitness, is MVD the right choice? — In older or less fit patients, a less invasive ablative procedure may sometimes be preferred. This is a shared decision.

  7. 7

    What will the medication tapering plan be after surgery? — Stopping carbamazepine too quickly can cause withdrawal effects. A structured taper plan should be discussed before surgery.

  8. 8

    How many MVD surgeries have you performed for my specific condition this year? — Annual volume is more meaningful than career total alone.

A Second Opinion Is Not Just Acceptable — It Is Encouraged

Seeking a second opinion is entirely appropriate — and a good surgeon will encourage it. Given how rare these conditions are, and how specialised MVD surgery is, that opinion is most valuable when it comes from a surgeon with substantial dedicated experience in both the disease and the procedure — not a general neurologist or a surgeon for whom MVD is occasional.

Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh’s surgical education videos explain MVD surgery for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

How the Surgery Is Performed

MVD Surgery for Hemifacial Spasm — Operative Video

The facial nerve compressed by a vertebral artery loop at the brainstem — and its surgical release under the operating microscope, performed by Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh, Pune.

What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia — MVD Surgery Explained

Operative footage showing the Superior Cerebellar Artery compressing the trigeminal nerve at the brainstem — and how MVD surgery relieves the pressure causing electric-shock facial pain.

Patient Experiences

Trigeminal Neuralgia — A Patient’s Journey to Pain-Free Life After MVD Surgery

A doctor who underwent MVD surgery for trigeminal neuralgia shares how facial nerve pain that failed to respond to medications was resolved — performed by Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh in Pune, India.

Hemifacial Spasm — Patient Experience After MVD Surgery in Pune

A patient describes life before and after MVD surgery for hemifacial spasm — from uncontrollable facial twitching and eye spasm to complete resolution, treated by Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh at the MVD Centre, Pune.

Watch the full playlist for your condition:

The following questions and answers are for general guidance only. Individual outcomes vary. Please consult a qualified neurosurgeon for advice specific to your situation.

About MVD Surgery

What is MVD surgery used for?MVD surgery treats trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia — conditions caused by a blood vessel compressing a cranial nerve at the brainstem. It is the only treatment that addresses the root cause rather than suppressing or damaging the nerve.


Who performs MVD surgery in Pune, India?Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh, MCh (Neurosurgery), is a neurosurgeon in Pune, Maharashtra, specialising in MVD surgery. He has performed over 3,000 microvascular decompression surgeries — among the highest volumes for this procedure in India.


Is MVD surgery available in India?Yes. MVD surgery is performed at internationally accredited hospitals in Pune, India, under the care of Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh. International patients from 15+ countries have travelled to Pune specifically for this procedure.


Where can I see videos of MVD surgery and patient stories?Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh’s YouTube channel features dedicated playlists for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia — each including operative surgical videos and patient testimonials from those who have undergone MVD surgery at his practice in Pune, India.


Is MVD surgery brain surgery?No. MVD is cranial surgery — not brain surgery. The brain itself is not operated on or altered. The procedure accesses the space around the brainstem through a small opening behind the ear and places a Teflon implant between a blood vessel and a nerve. Nothing within the brain is touched.

Conditions — Trigeminal Neuralgia, Hemifacial Spasm & GPN

What does trigeminal neuralgia feel like?Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, electric-shock or stabbing facial pain lasting seconds, triggered by eating, talking, brushing teeth, or a light touch. It is considered one of the most severe pain conditions known to medicine and is frequently misdiagnosed in its early stages.


What is hemifacial spasm — is it the same as a facial tic?Hemifacial spasm is involuntary twitching or spasm of the muscles on one side of the face, caused by a blood vessel pressing on the facial nerve at the brainstem. It is not the same as a nervous facial tic. MVD surgery addresses the root cause permanently — unlike Botox, which requires repeat injections every 3–4 months.


Can hemifacial spasm be cured?MVD surgery resolves hemifacial spasm in 92–97% of patients at experienced centres — making it, for most patients, effectively curative. Botox injections provide only temporary relief. MVD addresses the root cause permanently.


What causes trigeminal neuralgia?In 80–90% of cases, a blood vessel — usually an artery — presses against the trigeminal nerve at the brainstem. Over time, the pulsating artery wears away the nerve’s insulation, causing abnormal electrical signals that fire as severe facial pain.


Does an MRI show trigeminal neuralgia?Yes — a high-resolution FIESTA or CISS MRI can show the blood vessel pressing against the trigeminal nerve. Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh reviews every patient’s FIESTA MRI before recommending surgery.


Is trigeminal neuralgia treatable in India?Yes. Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh, neurosurgeon in Pune, Maharashtra, specialises in MVD surgery for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. He has performed over 3,000 MVD surgeries and sees patients from across India and internationally.

MVD vs Alternatives

Is MVD better than Gamma Knife for trigeminal neuralgia?For suitable candidates, MVD consistently outperforms Gamma Knife in long-term outcomes — with 74% favourable outcomes at 7 years vs 47% for Gamma Knife. MVD also causes significantly less facial numbness. The critical difference: MVD addresses the cause. Gamma Knife damages the nerve to suppress pain.


Does Gamma Knife cause facial numbness?Yes. Facial numbness develops in 30–50% of patients treated with Gamma Knife for trigeminal neuralgia. This is not a side effect — it is the intended mechanism. MVD preserves the nerve entirely.


Can Gamma Knife treat hemifacial spasm?No. Gamma Knife is not appropriate for hemifacial spasm. MVD surgery is the only effective treatment.


What are the treatment options for hemifacial spasm?Options include medications, Botox injections, and MVD surgery. Medications and Botox do not address the underlying cause. MVD surgery resolves the blood vessel compression permanently — with resolution rates of 92–97% at experienced centres. Facial exercises, acupuncture, and acupressure have no reliable evidence of meaningful relief.


Candidacy & Timing

Am I too old for MVD surgery?Age alone is not a barrier. The vast majority of MVD surgeons worldwide set no upper age limit. Fitness for general anaesthesia is what matters — not age.

When should I consider MVD surgery?When medications have stopped working, when side effects have become unacceptable, or when pain is severely affecting quality of life. The earlier MVD is considered — before ablative procedures that cause nerve damage — the better the likely outcome.


What does the MRI need to show?A high-resolution FIESTA or CISS MRI showing a blood vessel pressing against the nerve at the brainstem is the key finding. A positive MRI is one of the strongest predictors of a successful outcome.


Can I have MVD if I have had previous treatment?Yes. Patients who have had Gamma Knife, RFA, glycerol rhizotomy, balloon compression, alcohol injections, or nerve blocks can still be considered for MVD — though earlier is always better. Each case is discussed individually with Dr. Panchawagh and team, with the patient and family present.

The Surgery & Recovery

How long does MVD surgery take?MVD surgery typically takes 2–3 hours. Additional time is needed for preparation and recovery from anaesthesia. Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh performs MVD surgery at accredited hospitals in Pune, India.


How big is the scar after MVD surgery?The incision is approximately 3–4 inches, made behind the ear and concealed within the hairline. The skull opening is approximately the size of a 50-paise coin.


When will my trigeminal neuralgia pain go away after MVD?For many patients, relief is immediate — they wake from anaesthesia with the electric pain already gone. Medications are tapered gradually over 6–8 weeks rather than stopped immediately.


Why is my hemifacial spasm still there after MVD?Resolution is not always immediate. Occasional eye twitching or fluttering during recovery is normal — it is the nerve repairing itself. Contact Dr. Panchawagh’s team if you are concerned.


When can international patients fly home after MVD surgery?Most international patients travelling to Pune for MVD surgery are fit to fly home within 14–16 days. A remote video consultation with Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh replaces the in-person follow-up for patients who have returned home.


Outcomes & Choosing a Surgeon

What is the success rate of MVD surgery?MVD achieves significant pain relief in 90–95% of trigeminal neuralgia patients immediately after surgery. At 5 years, approximately 80% remain pain-free or significantly improved. For hemifacial spasm, resolution rates of 92–97% are consistently reported at experienced centres.


Will my trigeminal neuralgia come back after MVD?In most patients, MVD provides lasting relief. A minority experience recurrence — MVD offers significantly better durability than RFA, glycerol rhizotomy, or nerve block injections. If recurrence occurs, further options remain available.


Why is choosing an experienced MVD surgeon important?MVD surgery is performed in one of the most demanding anatomical locations in neurosurgery. Research consistently shows that surgical volume directly predicts outcome — surgeons who perform MVD regularly have measurably better pain relief rates, spasm-free rates, lower complication rates, and lower recurrence rates. Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh has performed over 3,000 MVD surgeries across 30 years of dedicated practice in Pune, India.


Is it appropriate to ask a surgeon how many MVD surgeries they have performed?Yes — and it is one of the most important questions a patient can ask. Asking this question is not rude. It is responsible.


Should I get a second opinion before MVD surgery?Yes. A good surgeon will encourage it. That second opinion is most valuable when it comes from a surgeon with substantial dedicated experience in both the disease and the procedure — not a general neurologist or a surgeon for whom MVD is occasional. Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh welcomes patients who have sought second opinions.

Over three decades, patients have travelled from every corner of India — having exhausted medications, tried multiple specialists, and lived for years with debilitating pain — to seek MVD surgery in Pune. The map below shows the states from which patients regularly make this journey. Distance is no barrier when the promise is a life free from pain.

States sending patients Pune — surgical destination

Hover or tap a state to identify it.

The reputation of this MVD programme extends well beyond India. Patients from across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America have made the journey to Pune — drawn by subspecialty surgical expertise, world-class neurophysiological monitoring, and outcomes that match the finest neurosurgical centres globally, at a fraction of the cost.

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Animated arcs show international patient origins converging on Pune, India.

We welcome patients from around the world and understand that travelling abroad for neurosurgery requires careful planning, clear communication, and complete confidence in your surgical team.

Why Pune for MVD Surgery?

Pune is one of India's foremost medical cities — home to internationally accredited hospitals, modern neuroimaging infrastructure, and a growing reputation as a destination for complex neurosurgery. Our MVD programme combines three decades of dedicated surgical experience, continuous intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, and a personalised, unhurried approach to patient care.

Accredited Facilities

Surgery is performed in internationally accredited hospitals meeting global standards for patient safety, infection control, and care quality.

English-Medium Care

All consultations, consents, and follow-up communications are in English. Interpreter support is available for Arabic, French, Swahili, and other languages.

Remote Pre-operative Evaluation

Your MRI and clinical history are reviewed remotely before you travel. A video consultation confirms suitability and answers all questions without leaving home.

Medical Visa Assistance

We provide documentation to support your Indian medical visa application. India's e-medical visa is streamlined for international patients travelling for treatment.

Accommodation & Transfers

Recommended hotels at all price points are close to the hospital. Airport transfers and local transport are arranged. Pune is 60 minutes from Mumbai international airport.

Post-discharge Remote Follow-up

Follow-up after returning home is by video consultation. All operative records and imaging are provided digitally. Your local neurologist is kept fully informed.

Typical Journey for an International Patient

  1. 1

    Send your MRI and history — Share imaging and symptom history for an initial remote review by the surgeon.

  2. 2

    Video consultation — Confirm diagnosis, surgical suitability, and get all your questions answered before committing to travel.

  3. 3

    Travel to Pune — Direct flights from the Gulf and Southeast Asia; connecting via Mumbai (60 min) from Europe, North America, and Africa.

  4. 4

    Pre-operative evaluation (1–2 days) — In-person assessment, neuroimaging review, and anaesthesia clearance on arrival.

  5. 5

    Surgery and hospital stay (3–5 days) — MVD performed with full monitoring. Most international patients are fit to fly home within 14–16 days of surgery.

  6. 6

    Remote follow-up from home — Ongoing video review ensures recovery is on track. All documentation provided for your home physicians.

Cost Transparency

A detailed all-inclusive cost estimate is provided before you commit to travel. India's medical costs are a fraction of equivalent procedures in Europe, North America, or the Gulf — without any compromise in surgical quality or monitoring standards. No hidden fees.

Countries We Have Welcomed

Patients have travelled from the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, and across Southeast Asia. Many arrived having been told their pain was untreatable. Many left Pune pain-free.


Medical Disclaimer: This page is intended for general patient education only and does not constitute medical advice. All clinical information, outcome figures, recovery timelines, and surgical descriptions reflect general patterns based on published evidence and surgical experience. Individual patients may respond differently based on their specific condition, symptom duration, age, general health, surgical findings, and other factors. Nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified neurosurgeon. Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh and team will provide advice specific to your individual situation at consultation.


About this resource: Written by Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh, MCh (Neurosurgery), neurosurgeon in Pune, India, with over 30 years of dedicated experience in microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and related conditions. Dr. Panchawagh has performed over 3,000 MVD surgeries — among the highest personal volumes for this procedure in India.

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Contact

+91 9011333841, +91 7720948948

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The information on this website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified neurosurgeon for guidance specific to your condition. Read full disclaimer →

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