The throbbing pain associated with kidney stones can be unbearable, leading to the placement of a stent in the ureter to assist the flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder. However, once the stone is dissolved via laser, the stent has to be extracted. Many people are baffled by the question in regard to the cost of kidney removal stent in India. Apparently, the majority of patients are worried about the expenses, as well as the risks related to this process.
In this blog, we are going to outline the financial burden kidney stone stent removal presents, what aspects determine the cost, and if it is covered by insurance. The following Cancer Treatment Centers will get you started on this treatment option, we will break down the process, post-operative care, and any potential issues that may arise.
What Is a Kidney Stone Stent?
Kidney stones are blocked tubes known as ureteral stents, which indicates that they are used to block the separation of the kidney stones to stay open. It includes:
- The kidney stones obstruct the ureter bypassing, hence allowing Urine circulation.
- Swollen or infected kidneys require urine blocks to bypass.
- During the postoperative period of the stone extracting Operation.
A kidney stone stent requires postoperative attention and usually is left for loss Days to weeks after which it is taken out.
How is a Kidney Stent removed?
Generally, kidney stent removal is a straightforward and quick procedure. Depending on the situation, it can be done in two ways:
Office Based Removal: Stents that have strings attached can be removed in the clinic by the doctor. The procedure is simple, usually completed in less than a minute, and does not require anesthetics.
Cystoscopic Removal: This may be necessary when there is no string visible. In this case, a cystoscope, which is a slender tube attached to a camera, is guided through the urinary tract to capture and pull out the stent. This may require some anesthetic to the region.
Costs of Kidney Stone Stent Removal In India
Because of factors such as the city, the hospital, the procedure type, and the patient’s insurance, there is variation in the price of stent removal for kidney stones.
1. Insurance Not Included
The price range is between ₹5,000 and ₹40,000 but if you pay without insurance it is always complicated. Here’s a rough estimate:
- For an office-based removal: ₹ 5,000 – 12,000
- For a Cystoscopic removal: ₹ 15,000 – 30,000
- For a Hospital-based removal (if complications arise): ₹ 30,000 – 40,000
2. Insurance Included
Medically needed stent removals are generally covered by health insurance. Although, some services are still payable like:
- Copayments (typically 500 – 2000)
- Deductibles (depending on the plan anywhere from 5000 – 20000)
- Coinsurance (10 to 30 percent)
3. Considerable Influencers:
Several factors influence the costs of a removal procedure like:-
a) Cost Influencing Factors:
The cheapest option to remove a kidney stone is to go to a doctor’s office. On the other hand, the additional facility costs at the hospital makes it more expensive.
Outpatient surgical centers fall somewhere in the middle.
b) Procedure Type:
Cystoscopy and anesthesia assisted stent removal cost more than regular stent removals.
c) Location:
Healthcare within different cities varies a lot. Smaller towns tend to offer healthcare cheaper than metro cities like Delhi, Bangalore and, Mumbai where prices are higher.
d) Extra Tests or Treatment
When doctors request imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds prior to surgery, the rates may go up.
Moreover, any prescribed pain relief products coupled with treatment may cost significantly higher.
Are Stents Affected By Insurance Policies?
In most cases, kidney stone stent removal is eligible for coverage under India’s health insurance system if there is a medical necessity. That said, degree of coverage may differ:
- Private health insurance: Most or all of the cost for the procedure is covered after the deductible.
- Government health schemes (Ayushman Bharat, ESI, CGHS, etc. – some hospitals may offer procedures at no extra cost): Some procedures may offer free measures.
- Employer-provided health insurance: Stent removal is usually a covered procedure where minimal payment is expected.
Check with your insurer about coverage and payment to avoid surprises.
Is Stent Removal A Painful Procedure?
Patients undergoing the procedure generally report a mild form of pain similar to one that felt like a sting. The intensity of pain felt may vary depending on:
– Duration for which the stent was left in
– Whether the ureter was inflamed
– Infection – if any
If you have any fears regarding amount of pain endured, within reason, your doctor may prescribe mild medications after dose review.
First aid after removing a kideny stent
Most people recover within 48 hours of this procedure. But while you may feel normal fairly quickly, some of these symptoms are normal and may last longer than expected.
– You may experience mild burning
– Frequent urges to pee
– Slight traces of blood in urine
-The urges may cause some discomfort around the lower abdomen and flank area
In all honesty, these issues go away after a few days. Make sure to drink lots of fluids and you may also use paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve some pain.
Possible side effects
Even tough these are less likely, you may still experience:
– Uterine track infections resulting in a fever, chills and urine that appears cloudy.
– Some persistent pain after the procedure which may require further examination
– Scarring may sometimes lead to narrow urethra; that is also a side effect and will need to be treated.
In case you have unbearable pain, extreme fever or issues while urinating reach out to your doctor at once.
Ending Statement
In India the charges for kidney stone stent removal vary from INR 5,000 to 40,000 depending on your procedure, location and type of test conducted. I like to think that most insurance does cover these operations, however, the patients will need to pay the co-pay, deductible and even coinsurance.
Taking out a stent is usually a simple and short procedure, but some mild discomfort can occur. Make sure that you address any concerns, both financial and medical, with your provider. Doing this beforehand will allow you to be more prepared.
Talk To Expert Urologist In Gurgaon
Dr. Depanshu Gupta is a veteran urologist with extensive knowledge in the areas of kidney stones and other related urological disorders. His focus on the patient directs him to perform procedures such as stent removal and kidney stone stenting with the highest degree of care. His patients recover quickly because of his skillful management of surgical procedures. All patients, regardless of the complexity of the conditions or stents, receive the utmost detail and care from Dr. Gupta.
He is among the top urologists to consider for stent placement and kidney stone management and treatment. Professional practitioners will debate that his years of dealing with different urological conditions have given him the edge. He has an excellent bed side manner and provides the patients with detailed diagnosis, post care, and modernistic treatment. His patients get tailored recommendations for optimal kidney health for their lifestyle, stone formation and recovery.
With the ease of management of this condition and expert advise from Dr. Gupta, the process becomes straightforward yet effective. Book a consultation today!