Spine Surgery in Cancun, Mexico: Costs, Safety & Reviews
Save 85% in Cancun
Based on MTC's careful review, spine surgery in Cancun can help you save up to 85%. Below is everything you need to know about spinal surgery in Cancun, from minimal wait time to procedure quality.
Top Spine Surgeon in Cancun
How Much Does Spine Surgery Cost in Cancun?
The cost of spine surgery in Cancun is around 85% lower than in the US and Canada.
For example, in Cancun, ACDF starts from $12,500. The same procedure costs $50,000 in the US.
Back surgery prices in Cancun are generally inclusive of consultation, X-rays, the surgeon's fee, and follow-up support. Sometimes, airport or hotel pickup is also provided. Prices do not include Airfare and travel expenses.
We recommend contacting our advisors with medical records for a personalized quote.
| Surgery Type | Cancun | US |
|---|---|---|
| ACDF | $12,500 | $40,000 |
| TLIF | $20,750 | $185,000 |
| Microdiscectomy | $9,500 | $50,000 |
| Radiofrequency Ablation | $5,900 | $30,000 |
| Laminectomy | $9,500 | $90,000 |
*Share X-rays for an accurate quote
How Can I Pay for Spine Surgery in Cancun?
Paying for your surgery in Cancun is simple and straightforward. Here are some payment methods to choose from:
- Cash: USD and MXN are both commonly accepted.
- Credit Card: Foreign transaction fees of 5% usually apply. It's best to talk to your bank before you visit.
- PayPal: Some clinics accept PayPal, at a 3-4% charge.
- Bank Transfer: Fee varies from 2 and 5%, depends on your bank.
Best Spine Surgeon in Cancun
Based on MTC's review of experience and certifications, Dr. Raul Lopez Serna one of the best spine surgeons in Cancun.
He has his office in two General Health Council and JCI-certified hospitals.
Dr. Lopez uses advanced spine surgery techniques like MISS TLIF, vertebroplasty, and kyphoplasty. He supplements his experience with modern technology like 3D fluoroscopy and O-Arm.
Dr. Raul Lopez Serna( Dr. Raul Lopez Serna )
Dr. Raúl López Serna is a leading spine surgeon in Cancun. Mexico.
He has completed the AO Spine Latin America Masters Course in the USA, and a Cranial Neuroendoscopy course in Germany.
He is a member of various medical and scientific societies across Mexico, the US & Europe.
He has also authored books and articles published in international journals.
Education
Autonomous University, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Memberships
- AOSpine International
- European Pediatric Orthopedic Society
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Spine Surgery in Cancun Reviews
Read real-patient spinal surgery reviews in Cancun. Patients share their experience with the service, surgeon, and procedure.
epedrozas78Spine Surgery, Cancun
From the first consultation he gave me a lot of confidence, his treatment and detailed explanation of the diagnosis and treatment he gave me has been very good.
Jessica CalatayudSpine Surgery, Cancun
My mom had spine surgery with Dr. López, avoiding screws, and now she's pain-free! He's excellent, intelligent, and up-to-date!
Maggie RiveraSpine Surgery, Cancun
For a long time, I went to doctors for various conditions. They always told me it was stress or other things. I couldn't relieve my pain or find its source. Until I consulted Dr. Serna. He diagnosed me in 20 minutes, ordered tests, performed surgery, and I'm currently doing well. I couldn't be more relieved to have found a doctor who listens to me and cares about helping the patient. I am very grateful to him. I highly recommend him.
Spine Surgery in Cancun- Complete Itinerary
We know getting surgery in a different country can be stress-inducing. However, our medical tourism advisors prepare you fully for spine surgery in Cancun.
Here's a breakdown of the whole process from consultation to discharge.
Step 1: Contact Us
Let us know what spinal issues you have and your concerns. A dedicated medical tourism consultant will call or email you within 24 hours.
Step 2: Share Your Medical Records
Your consultant will share a medical questionnaire for you to fill out. They will also request that you share your medical records, like X-rays and MRIs.
These reports will be forwarded to your surgeon, who uses them to make your treatment plan. Your consultant will then share a cost estimate for the surgery.
Step 3: Planning Your Trip
Once you approve the treatment, we will share a travel itinerary from day 1 to the last day. Covering everything from what to expect pre and post-surgery to stay and payment options.
Step 4: Pre-Surgery
Upon your arrival in Cancun, the clinic will pick you up from the airport. This will be followed by a consultation.
Your surgeon might run pre-op tests and scans for accurate diagnosis with imaging tools like Fluoroscopy (2D, 3D) and CT (Hounsfield).
X-Ray and Fluoroscopy Images for Spine Surgery
Step 5: Surgery
You undergo surgery monitored by advanced technology like O-Arm and Intraoperative neuromonitoring to ensure your safety.[1]
Surgery is performed under Total Intravenous Anesthesia with FDA-approved medical devices like the Jamshidi needles, Fenestrated (Cemented) Screws, etc.
Intraoperative Monitoring
Step 6: Recovery
After your surgery, you will stay in the hospital for around 1-2 days, depending on your procedure. For example, ACDF usually requires patients to stay for up to 2.8 days.[2]
After approval from your spine surgeon, you can travel back home. Recovery from spine surgery may take 3 months to one year. [3]
Your surgeon will give you instructions for an uneventful healing and recovery. If you have any questions or complications after you reach home, you can reach out to your MTC consultant.
Popular Spine Surgery Procedures in Cancun
Below are some common surgeries performed by orthopedic and neurosurgeons in Cancun:
- Discectomy: removal of herniated and/or damaged disc to release pressure felt by a nerve
- Spinal fusion: fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine
- Laminectomy: removing a part of the vertebra to release pressure being placed on the spinal cord or nerve
- Artificial disc replacement: replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one to maintain mobility.
- Microdiscectomy: a less invasive discectomy with quicker recovery
- MISS: smaller incisions, less pain, faster healing for various spinal conditions.
Explore spine surgery procedures in detail to help you choose one. Still having a hard time? Contact our team to help decide the best procedure for you.
What makes Cancun stand out for spine surgery?
Cancun is one of the most popular cities in Mexico for medical tourism.[4] It has a lot to offer both in terms of procedure quality and as a tourist destination.
Below are some of the key factors that make it stand out:
- You can get treated by surgeons who are members of globally recognized associations like AANS, CNS, and EPOS.
- Surgeons are trained in prestigious hospitals in America and Europe like St. Thomas Hospital NHS in London.
- Use of advanced techniques like kyphoplasty and minimally invasive spine surgery in Cancun can help reduce recovery time.[5]
- Availability of modern medical devices for spine surgery like transpedicular screws, expandable interbody cages, and centric separators.
Surgeon Performing Spine Surgery in Cancun
- Cancun is ideal for combining treatment with a tropical vacation.
- Scenic beaches, resorts and nightlife bring the city to life.
- Travelling to Cancun from November to September, its off-peak season can help you save on travel and accommodation.[6] However note that the city is more prone to hurricanes then.
- There are several direct flights available from the US and Canada to Cancun.
Delfines Beach, Cancun
Affordable Spine Surgery in Cancun
Explore spine surgery in Tijuana as an alternative.
Travel to Cancun for spine surgery
How to Reach Cancun
Cancún International Airport (IATA: CUN) is one of Mexico's busiest international airports, easily accessible by direct flights from the US.
Below is a list of flight duration times from major US cities:
| City | Approx. Flight Time |
| Miami, FL | ~1h 50m |
| Houston, TX | ~2h 12m |
| Dallas, TX | ~2h 35m |
| Chicago, IL | ~3h 40m |
| New York, NY | ~4h |
Most spine surgery hospitals in Cancún are just less than 20 mins away from the airport. Clinics even offer free pickup from the airport.
Explore spine surgery in Mexico.
Is It Safe To Get Spine Surgery in Cancun?
Yes, spine surgery in Cancun can be completely safe with the right clinic and surgeon. Experienced surgeons offer care that matches the quality of treatment in the US and Canada.
All MTC-selected facilities strictly follow COFEPRIS standards. They use global standard medical devices and medications like PMMA cement, Teriparatide, and Romosozumab.
Hospitals are located in areas that are posh and secure and are JCI-certified. Many clinics also provide private transport from your hotel to the clinic.
Conclusion
Based on surgeon qualifications, affordability and patient reviews, MTC recommends Cancun as a top choice for spine surgery. Save up to 85% with minimal wait time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the equipment used for spine surgery in Cancun FDA-approved?
Yes, MTC partner clinics use equipment and medical devices that are FDA-approved or meet equivalent international standards. This ranges from devices like Jamshidi needles to FDA-approved techniques like Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion.
How does the quality of spine surgery in Cancun compare to the US and Canada?
MTC-selected surgeons are often trained in the US and in Europe. They use the exact materials used in spine surgeries performed in the US and Canada.
With over 10 years of experience, they are able to offer care that is comparable to US and Canadian quality at a lower price point.
Visit Cancun for low-cost surgery!
References
2. Journal of Neurosurgery: Up to 10-year surveillance comparison of survivability in single-level cervical disc replacement versus anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in New York
3. John Hopkins Medicine: Your Guide to Spine Surgery
4. CNN: Medical tourism to Mexico is on the rise, but it can come with risks
5. Wolters Kluwer: Quality-of-Life Outcomes With Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Based on Long-Term Analysis of 304 Consecutive Patients