Types of Phimosis Surgery
Circumcision, also referred to as phimosis surgery, is generally considered to be an effective treatment for phimosis. There are primarily three methods of performing circumcision surgery. Depending on the equipment they used, they vary slightly in cost:
- Laser Circumcision: Laser circumcision is an advanced and minimally invasive surgical procedure commonly performed to treat phimosis. In a laser circumcision, the surgeon uses a highly focused beam of laser to cut and remove the foreskin along a predetermined incision line. The laser cuts with high precision, minimizing any bleeding and reducing the risk of any complications. Laser circumcision is generally performed on an outpatient basis, and recovery can take 7-10 days at most. On average, laser circumcision costs in India can start from Rs. 26,000 and go as high as Rs. 34,500. However, the exact surgery cost will likely vary depending on various factors.
- Stapler Circumcision: Stapler circumcision is another method of performing a circumcision that your urologist may recommend. Unlike laser circumcision, a stapler circumcision procedure uses a stapler device (an advanced and disposable surgical device specially designed to cut the foreskin). This stapler device fits snugly over the penis and, once fired, cuts and removes the foreskin. As the foreskin is cut, the stapler device leaves behind a silicone ring to close the incision wound almost immediately. This silicone ring will fall off on its own once the incision wound has healed (which generally takes 7-14 days). The average stapler circumcision cost in India ranges from Rs. 26,500 to Rs. 35,000. However, depending on a multitude of factors, the cost of surgery is likely to vary.
- Open Circumcision: Open circumcision, sometimes called open-dorsal slit technique, is a conventional method of performing a circumcision. In an open circumcision operation, the surgeon makes an incision along the upper length of the foreskin from the tip of the corona to expose the penis glans. Compared to laser or stapler procedures, open circumcision is a more invasive method of removing the foreskin. As a result, it carries a slightly increased risk of complications such as excessive bleeding or infection.On average, open circumcision costs in India can range anywhere from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 35,000. However, depending on various factors, the circumcision surgery cost is likely to vary.
Cost of Different Types of Phimosis Surgeries in India
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Type of Surgery
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Minimum Cost in India
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Average Cost in India
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Maximum Cost in India
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Laser Circumcision
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Rs. 26,000
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Rs. 30,000
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Rs. 34,500
|
|
Stapler Circumcision
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Rs. 26,500
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Rs. 30,500
|
Rs. 35,000
|
|
Open Circumcision
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Rs. 20,000
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Rs. 27,500
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Rs. 35,000
|
Factors That Affect Cost of Phimosis Surgery in India
Depending on several factors, cost of your phimosis surgery is likely to vary. Some factors that may affect the exact cost of your phimosis surgery in India are given below:
- Consultation and Operating Charges: Depending on the expertise of your surgeon, consultation and operating charges are likely to vary. Generally, surgeons with more experience charge more consultation and operating fees as compared to surgeons with less experience.
- City You Undergo Surgery: Surgeries are generally more expensive in metropolitan cities than in non-metropolitan cities. Depending on the city you are in, the exact cost of surgery is likely to vary.
- Method of Surgery: There are primarily three methods of performing circumcision surgery. Depending on the one you choose or the one recommended to you by your urologist, the exact surgery cost will likely vary. Due to its advanced and minimally invasive nature, laser circumcision costs more than conventional phimosis surgery methods, such as open circumcision.
- Hospital Charges: These generally include admission charges, operating room charges, anesthetists fees, medications, and discharge formalities. The cost of these services and amenities may add up and affect the exact cost of your phimosis surgery.
- Preoperative Tests and Diagnostics: Prior to surgery, your urologist may perform a series of simple tests to assess your overall health and uncover any underlying medical conditions you may have. These usually include physical examination, routine blood tests, urinalysis, and a swab test. The cost of these diagnostic tests may add up and cause the cost of your surgery to vary.
Cost of Different Components of Phimosis Surgery
There are various components for every surgical procedure that may add up and affect the exact cost of your surgery. Some components, and their cost, which may cause the exact circumcision operation cost to vary, are given below:
- Consultation Charges: Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000
- Surgeon's Fees: Rs. 6000 to Rs. 10,000
- Anesthesia Cost: Rs. 5000 to Rs. 15,000
- Preoperative Tests and Diagnostics: Rs. 300 to Rs. 600
- Medicine Fees: Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000
- Follow-ups: Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000
Is Phimosis Surgery Covered by Insurance in India?
Yes, circumcision surgery for treating phimosis is generally covered by most health insurance plans in India. But only if it is deemed a medical necessity by your healthcare provider. Having phimosis is usually not a problem, and as long as your condition is asymptomatic, it does not require surgical intervention. In such cases, a circumcision procedure may be deemed cosmetic, and financial coverage is highly unlikely.
If the reason behind your circumcision operation is of religious significance, it is also unlikely that your insurance plan will provide coverage for it. However, if your phimosis is symptomatic and exhibiting symptoms such as pain while urination, blood in urine, pain during erection, or recurrent foreskin infection, surgery will be deemed medically necessary.
Prior to surgery, it is essential to have a detailed discussion about the specifics of your insurance plan and its inclusions and exclusions with your insurance provider.
