I’m Urvi Raj, medical journalist. Recently, I visited Synapse Spine Surgeons—a prominent spine-care network in Mumbai—seeking to understand why it is often cited among the Best Spine Surgeons in Mumbai. My mission: to talk to their leading doctors, explore the facility, and compare their approach with peers in India and abroad. What follows is a detailed, balanced view of what patients might expect when considering spine surgery here.
Synapse Spine: Qualifications, Experience & Clinic Setup
The team and credentials
Walking into Synapse Spine’s Vile Parle clinic, I was introduced first to Dr. Nandan Marathe, one of the co-founders and consultant spine surgeons. He described his training across India and abroad, including fellowships in minimally invasive spine surgery. (He features in a “Meet Dr. Nandan Marathe” video about his 12+ years in spine care)
Also present were Dr. Anuj Bhide and Dr. Ajit Mishra, both neurospine surgeons listed among the Synapse roster. These surgeons, I was told, carry out both degenerative and complex spinal surgeries, including disc interventions, fusion, and endoscopic spine procedures.
Their credentials include degrees in orthopaedics or neurosurgery, supplemented by advanced spine fellowships and training in minimally invasive spinal techniques.
Facilities and approach
Synapse Spine functions across several clinics in Mumbai—Vile Parle (their main centre) as well as branches in Bandra, Borivali, and Virar. Their infrastructure combines outpatient consultation rooms, advanced imaging (MRI/CT), procedural rooms, and access to operating theatres in partner hospitals.
I was taken through their operating support systems: sterile instrument processing, dedicated scrub zones, and high-definition surgical towers for minimally invasive and endoscopic spine approaches. In conversation, the team emphasized their philosophy: manage as many cases nonoperatively as possible, and reserve surgery for patients who truly need it.
The clinic also handles logistical support for outstation patients—coordinating testing, travel, and stay.
Similar Spine Surgeons
Dr. Arvind G. Kulkarni
One comparable name is Dr. Arvind Kulkarni, a spine surgeon known for minimally invasive and complex spine surgeries in India, his work draws patients nationally. His experience in advanced spinal fusions and deformity surgeries offers a useful point of reference in technique, patient outcomes, and costs.
Dr. Michael Wang
Internationally, surgeons like Dr. Michael Wang is known for combining robotic spine assistance, navigation systems, and enhanced recovery protocols. Their access to advanced instrumentation, multi-disciplinary teams, and extensive support services (rehab, pain management, imaging) represents what top global centers offer. Comparing such international practices with Synapse helps one appreciate differences in infrastructure, cost, and perioperative support—not necessarily differences in principle, but in scale and resource depth.
Pros and Cons of Spine Surgery
Advantages
- Targeted relief – Decompression or stabilization can relieve nerve compression, pain, and neurological symptoms.
- Minimally invasive options – Smaller incisions, less tissue trauma, faster recovery in selected cases (endoscopic, tubular approaches).
- Better anatomical correction – In cases of deformity or instability, surgical techniques can restore spinal alignment.
- Longer-term durability – Whereas conservative therapy may only manage symptoms, surgery (if successful) addresses structural issues.
- Improved quality of life – Many patients regain mobility, reduce analgesic dependence, and resume daily tasks.
Risks and limitations
- Not always curative – In degenerative disease, surgery may not halt progression.
- Surgical complications – Bleeding, infection, nerve injury, implant failure, nonunion in fusion.
- Conversion / unplanned extension – Sometimes a planned minimally invasive procedure must convert to more extensive surgery mid-procedure.
- Recovery demands – Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and compliance are crucial and challenging.
- Cost and resource dependence – Advanced instrumentation, implants, navigation systems entail higher costs and reliance on technology.
Approximate Cost Ranges:
- Basic decompression / discectomy surgeries in Mumbai often fall in the range of ₹1,40,000 to ₹1,80,000 per procedure.
- Spinal fusion surgeries may cost ₹2,45,000 to ₹5,00,000+, depending on the levels fused, implants, and hospital category.
- A broader estimate for general spine surgery is ₹1,50,000 to ₹5,00,000 in Mumbai.
- Some sources even cite a lower entry range (for simpler cases) near ₹33,000, though such figures may reflect outpatient or limited interventions.
Precautions & Aftercare Advice Shared by Surgeons
Preoperative precautions
- Comprehensive evaluation: full blood tests, imaging (MRI, CT, X-rays), cardiac and anesthetic assessment.
- Optimization of medical conditions: diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis should be under control.
- Smoking cessation: many surgeons insist on stopping nicotine to promote healing and reduce infection risk.
- Discontinuation of anticoagulants (if applicable) under guidance.
- Nutritional support, and bone health optimization (calcium, Vitamin D) especially when fusion is planned.
- Informed consent, including discussion of risks, “what if” scenarios, and plans for rehabilitation.
Postoperative / aftercare protocols
- Early mobilization: often encouraged within 24 hours (depending on surgery) to reduce complications such as DVT.
- Pain management: multimodal analgesia, avoiding excessive narcotics.
- Wound care: monitor incisions for infection, keep dressings clean, limit strain on surgical sites.
- Bracing: in fusion surgeries, wearing a spinal brace as directed to stabilize the operated segments.
- Physical therapy / rehabilitation: must begin gradually, under supervision, focusing on core stabilization, posture, flexibility.
- Avoid heavy lifting: restrictions on bending, twisting, strenuous activity for several weeks to months.
- Follow-up imaging and clinical reviews: to ensure proper fusion, hardware integrity, and alignment.
- Watch for warning signs: fever, sudden increase in pain or neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness, bladder/bowel changes).
International centres often layer on enhanced recovery protocols, prophylactic measures (DVT prevention), and multidisciplinary care with pain, rehab, and neurology teams—models that some Synapse surgeons said they aspire to replicate.
Observations & Balanced View
During my visit, I observed that Synapse Spine projects a clear commitment to blending modern techniques with patient-centric care. Dr. Marathe and colleagues spent considerable time explaining spinal anatomy, surgical rationale, risks, and postoperative course to prospective patients. The operating infrastructure was impressive, although one senses resource limits vis-à-vis large global spine centers with robotics or navigation systems.
Labeling them among the Best Spine Surgeons in Mumbai seems supported by their clinical depth, multi-clinic network, and skilled staff. Still, “best” is context-dependent: patients must weigh surgeon’s subspecialty (e.g. deformity, trauma, degenerative spine), case volumes, outcomes data, and their own expectations before deciding.
Final Thought
If you’re grappling with persistent back or neck pain and considering surgery, remember that the right surgeon—one with expertise, clear explanations, and a strong team—can make a difference. In Mumbai, Synapse Spine is certainly a name you should assess on merit, not just reputation. Ask to see past outcomes, meet the surgeon, understand the recovery plan, and compare with alternatives before committing.
+91 81698 45056 | +91 93726 71858 | +91 93211 24611
As a journalist, I can recognize and recommend their framework of care—but ultimately, your decision must rest on detailed inquiry, second opinions, and confidence that your spine is in safe hands.