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 treatment in published studies.
Dr Jaydev Panchawagh, neurosurgeon in Pune, India, has performed over 3,000 MVD surgeries since 2004.
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.
Conditions Treated by MVD Surgery
Trigeminal Neuralgia · Hemifacial Spasm · Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
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 since 2004 — including 2,000+ for trigeminal neuralgia and 850+ for hemifacial spasm.
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.
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.
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.
What Causes the Nerve Compression? Understanding Why MVD Surgery Works?
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.
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.
Am I a Candidate for MVD 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment Comparison: MVD vs Gamma Knife vs RFA
For educational purposes only. Treatment outcomes vary by diagnosis, patient selection, technique and follow-up duration. This information is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
Trigeminal neuralgia can be treated with medication, microvascular decompression (MVD), Gamma Knife radiosurgery or percutaneous procedures such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The appropriate option depends on the cause of the pain, MRI findings, general health and individual treatment goals.
Gamma Knife and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) relieve pain by intentionally affecting the trigeminal nerve to reduce pain signals. MVD treats the cause when vascular compression is responsible by moving the blood vessel away from the nerve. Each treatment suits different patients.
How Do MVD, Gamma Knife and RFA Compare?
| Treatment | How It Works | Potential Benefits | Important Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVD Surgery | Through a small opening in the skull, the surgeon separates a blood vessel compressing the trigeminal nerve, when vascular compression is identified. | Addresses the underlying vascular compression and aims to preserve the nerve rather than intentionally injure it. It can provide durable pain relief in appropriately selected patients. | Requires general anaesthesia and intracranial surgery. Risks may include hearing changes, cerebrospinal fluid leak, infection and other neurological complications. |
| Gamma Knife Radiosurgery | Focused radiation is directed at the trigeminal nerve to alter pain transmission. It does not require an open surgical incision. | Non-invasive treatment that may be considered for patients who prefer to avoid open surgery or for whom MVD is unsuitable. | Pain relief may take weeks or months to develop. Pain can recur, and facial numbness or other sensory changes may occur. |
| Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) | A needle is guided through the cheek to the trigeminal ganglion, where controlled heat creates a targeted lesion in pain-carrying nerve fibres. | A percutaneous procedure that does not require a craniotomy. It can provide relatively rapid pain relief and may be repeated in selected cases. | Facial numbness is a common treatment effect. Pain may recur, and complications can include troublesome sensory changes or, rarely, painful numbness. |
For a medically fit patient with classical trigeminal neuralgia and convincing evidence of vascular compression, MVD may be considered because it directly addresses the compression. Gamma Knife and RFA may be appropriate alternatives in other circumstances. No procedure is suitable for every patient, and each option has its own risks and potential benefits.
Compare the Treatment Options in More Detail
For a detailed discussion of trigeminal neuralgia treatment choices, including the differences between MVD, Gamma Knife and RFA, read our dedicated treatment guide.
See the full comparison of MVD, Gamma Knife and RFA →
Treatment outcome figures vary across published studies and depend on patient selection, treatment technique and follow-up. Discuss individual suitability and expected outcomes with a qualified neurosurgeon.
What Happens During MVD Surgery — Step by Step
For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.
MVD does not involve operating on the brain itself — no brain tissue is cut or removed. The surgeon works in the fluid space around the brainstem, easing the cerebellum gently aside to reach the nerve. The procedure accesses this space 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.
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Positioning — Patient placed on their side, head fixed in a three-pin frame. Monitoring electrodes placed before the procedure begins.
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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.
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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.
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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.
MVD Surgery Success Rates & Long-Term Outcomes
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
Hemifacial Spasm
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.
Will MVD Surgery Work for Me? A Note from Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh
For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.
Over twenty-two years of performing MVD surgery, I have seen this procedure relieve years of severe pain. Patients who have lived for years unable to eat, speak or be touched without triggering an attack can, in many cases, leave hospital free of that pain, 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.
To learn more, visit the Surgery and Education Videos section on this page.
Recovery After MVD Surgery — What to Expect
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.
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.
Questions to Ask Your MVD Surgeon Before Surgery
For educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Not a substitute for personal medical advice.
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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.
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Do I have classical (Type 1) trigeminal neuralgia, or atypical features? — MVD outcomes are significantly better for classical TN. This distinction matters enormously.
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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.
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What is your personal hearing preservation rate for MVD? — Ask for the surgeon’s own outcomes, not just published literature figures.
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Is intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring used? — For hemifacial spasm especially, LSR monitoring is a strong predictor of surgical success.
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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.
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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.
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How many MVD surgeries have you performed for my specific condition this year? — Annual volume is more meaningful than career total alone.
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.
MVD Surgery — Watch & Learn
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.
Watch the full playlist for your condition:
Frequently Asked Questions
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 since 2004.
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 explaining MVD surgery?Dr Jaydev Panchawagh's YouTube channel has playlists for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm and glossopharyngeal neuralgia, with operative and educational videos explaining MVD surgery.
Is MVD surgery brain surgery?MVD is an intracranial procedure, but it does not involve operating on the brain itself — no brain tissue is cut or removed. Through a small opening behind the ear, the surgeon works in the fluid space around the brainstem, easing the cerebellum gently aside to place a Teflon implant between the blood vessel and the nerve.
What is the cost of MVD surgery in India? It depends mainly on the hospital, the room category, your medical condition, and how long you stay. You should generally receive an estimate from the hospital after your consultation and MRI review. The final bill is made at the time of your discharge depending on your post-operative recovery.
Is MVD surgery covered by health insurance in India? Most health insurance policies in India cover MVD, because patients need it for medical reasons. Cashless treatment needs valid insurance, pre-authorisation using the consultation note, the MRI report and the hospital’s estimate. The Insurance Desk at the hospital will guide you with these.
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 since 2004 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.
Patients Across India Come to Pune for MVD
Since 2004, patients from across India have travelled to Pune for microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery — many having tried several medications and consulted multiple specialists for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm or glossopharyngeal neuralgia. In 2024 and 2025, Dr Jaydev Panchawagh performed 583 MVD surgeries — 331 for trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia and 252 for hemifacial spasm — on patients from 23 states and union territories. The map below shows where they came from.
Patients Across India Come to Pune
Bars scaled to case volume
Surgical volume · 2024–2025
States and union territories patients travelled from
Between 2024 and 2025, Dr. Jaydev Panchawagh performed 583 microvascular decompression (MVD) surgeries — 331 for trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia and 252 for hemifacial spasm — on patients who travelled to Pune from 23 states and union territories across India:
International Patients
Patients from several countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America have travelled to Pune for MVD surgery. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is used routinely.
Information for International Patients
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.
Travelling to Pune for MVD surgery
Pune has internationally accredited hospitals and modern neuroimaging facilities. MVD surgery here is carried out with continuous intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and a personalised, unhurried approach to patient care.
Surgery is performed in internationally accredited hospitals meeting global standards for patient safety, infection control, and care quality.
All consultations, consents, and follow-up communications are in English. Interpreter support is available for Arabic, French, Swahili, and other languages.
Your MRI and clinical history are reviewed remotely before you travel. A video consultation confirms suitability and answers all questions without leaving home.
We provide documentation to support your Indian medical visa application. India's e-medical visa is streamlined for international patients travelling for treatment.
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.
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
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Send your MRI and history — Share imaging and symptom history for an initial remote review by the surgeon.
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Video consultation — Confirm diagnosis, surgical suitability, and get all your questions answered before committing to travel.
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Travel to Pune — Direct flights from the Gulf and Southeast Asia; connecting via Mumbai (60 min) from Europe, North America, and Africa.
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Pre-operative evaluation (1–2 days) — In-person assessment, neuroimaging review, and anaesthesia clearance on arrival.
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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.
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Remote follow-up from home — Ongoing video review ensures recovery is on track. All documentation provided for your home physicians.
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.
