Millions of people across the globe suffer the discomfort of kidney stones, and for many, it becomes severe enough to require removal; whenever the stones have grown large enough to not get flushed out naturally, surgery becomes a requirement. As a patient considering having the keyhole surgery done, the biggest concern, however, surrounds the cost – how pricey this surgery is and what are the underlying causes for such high amounts.
In this blog, we will focus on the types of surgeries available in India for kidney stones and their prices, as well as different insurance coverage policies and costs. Lastly, is the expense worth if it in contrast to the health boost.
How To Solve The Problem Of A Kidney Stone?
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. While small stones are often flushed out through urine, larger ones can get pretty tricky and require some medical attention. If left untreated they cause severe pain, create an opportunity for infection or worst case scenario, cause damage to the kidney.
One of the major causes for the stones to form tends to be the diet we have followed or the medications that we take. There are a number of surgical techniques that exist to help remove the kidney stones. One of the easiest way to treat kidney stones is through surgery, however, depending on the type of surgery performed, the costs differ.
Kidney Stone Surgery and How Much They Cost?
In India, here are the major categories of kidney stone surgeries, along with the approximate prices: The price of kidney stone surgery is influenced by the type of procedure being undertaken, the medical establishment, the fees of the surgeon and other healthcare costs.
1. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)
Procedure: Uses a laser to fragment stones within the kidney. A flexible ureteroscope is employed which is directed through the urinary tract and, unlike PCNL, no incision is made.
Best For: Stone size is 2 cm maximum and for individuals where PCNL method is not preferred.
Cost: ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000
Hospital Stay: 1 day.
2. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Procedure: Ultrasonic waves are utilized to disintegrate stones into smaller pieces which subsequently get eliminated in urine.
Best For: Stones that are small to of a medium size (maximum 2 cm).
Cost: ₹30,000- ₹80,000
Hospital Stay: Often performed as an outpatient procedure ( no need for hospitalization).
3. Ureteroscopy (URS) with Laser Lithotripsy
Procedure: A ureteroscopy is conducted, which involves inserting a tube shaped camera through the urethra, and then using a laser to disintegrate the stones.
Best For: Stones lodged in the ureter or moderately sized stones in the kidneys.
Cost: ₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000
Hospital Stay: 1 day. (Outpatient for some cases).
4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Procedure: A back incision is made, followed by the removal of kidney stones using a nephroscope.
Best for: Kidney stones larger than 2cm in size and those with multiple stones.
Cost: ₹80,000 – ₹2,50,000
Hospital Stay: 2-3 days
5. Open Surgery (Rarely Performed)
Procedure: Surgery with an incision is performed when all other attempts have been unsucessfull.
Best for: Patients suffering from very large complicated stones.
Cost: ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,50,000
Hospital Stay: 4-7 days
Factors Affecting the Cost of Kidney Stone Operation
There are various factors that increase the overall cost of kidney stone operation.
1. The Kind of Hospital and its Geographical Location
In the metro cities, private hospitals like those in Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore charge more compared to smaller town or government institutions.
The government hospitals and even others under scheme’s like AEYUSHMAN BHARAT may charge much less for the operation.
2. The Level of The Doctor
The consultation and surgical costs are usually much higher for the well renowned urologists but their skills usually makes any issues that may have been expected simpler.
3. Room Category and Hospital Stay
Ward charges may be lower but there is an increase in costs with private and deluxe rooms.
4. Diagnostic and Pre-Surgery Procedures
It is reasonable to expect that blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound, CT scans, and other imaging tests may incur an additional expense of between ₹5,000 to ₹15,000.
These include pain medications, antibiotics, as well as follow up consultations. After Surgery Medication, total expenses may increase by ₹2,000 to ₹10,000.
Is Kidney Stone Removal Surgery Covered By Insurance?
Yes. Stone removal surgery covers under most health insurance policies in India, provided it is deemed essential. However, it depends on factors such as the following:
1. Type of Insurance Policy
Employer insurance takes care of most expenses.
Family-individual health insurance covers post-surgery hospitalization and surgical expenses but may not cover pre-surgery diagnostic and treatment expenses in full.
2. Pre-Existing Condition and Waiting Period
Policies will not cover surgery for a set period if the insured person had kidney stones diagnosed prior to purchasing the insurance (normally 2-4 years).
3. Reimbursement Claims or Cashless
Out of pocket expenses may decrease because many private hospitals offer cashless insurance services.
Patients will have to spend their money first and then claim it back if the procedure is done at a hospital that is not in the network.
Is Kidney Stone Surgery Expensive?
Surgical treatment for kidney stones is often quite expensive, but postponing treatment could ultimately lead to greater long term expenses because of increased pain, infections, impairment of kidney function as well as hospitalization costs. Here’s the justification of that expense:
1. Reduces Risk of Future Complications
Chronic untreated stones can lead to infections, obstructive uropathy, and even renal failure. These problems are avoided by performing surgery.
2. Faster Recovery Time
The newest methods of surgery, including laser lithotripsy or PCNL, enable a quicker recovery from surgery than traditional open techniques.
3. Enhanced Living Standards
Post operative patients are able to engage in normal activities almost immediately after surgery and do not have to suffer with agonizing pain anymore.
4. Economically Beneficial in The Long Run
The cost of stone related medication and recurrent outpatient visits is significantly higher. A single surgical procedure helps avoid all future expenses.
Conclusion: Dr. Deepanshu Gupta – An Expert Urologist
Patients with kidney stones wish to have the best treatment possible, and it’s a good idea to speak with Dr. Deepanshu Gupta. He is an expert urologist that performs with great skill and precision in the field of minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques such as RIRS, laser lithotripsy, PCNL, and other sophisticated stone extraction methods. His patients receive the most appropriate treatment in the least painful manner and with a quick recovery time.
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta has years of experience in urology and has dealt with many patients suffering from kidney stones, many of which have been cured without any further complications to the patients’ health. If it is the case that surgery is needed or if you just need expert opinion in dealing with kidney stones, Dr. Gupta helps one on one to make sure the outcomes are optimal. Having mastered such advanced surgical techniques, he can make the process of treating kidney stones simple, efficient and hassle-free.
So don’t hesitate book a call today for expert guidance!!