Kidney Stone Treatment Cost in India

While the exact cost of a kidney stone removal surgery in India is difficult to pinpoint, the average cost of a kidney stone surgery in India can start from Rs. 35,000 and go as high as Rs. 2,19,000. It is to be noted however, that the exact cost will depend on a multitude of factors such as the city you undergo surgery, severity of kidney stones and method of surgery.

Kidney Stones are small and hardened deposits or crystals that develop in your kidney over time. These stones can be about the size of a grain of sand or even the size of a golf ball although that level of severity is extremely rare.

Methods of Kidney Stone Removal and their Cost

Before the surgery, your urologist will perform a number of tests to determine the size and location of your kidney stone. The method used for a kidney stone removal surgery often depends on the size and location of the kidney stones. There are primarily 4 methods of kidney stone removal surgery:

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy: Often referred to as ESWL, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is a commonly preferred and minimally invasive procedure for people with smaller kidney stones. In an ESWL procedure, strong sound waves are used to create vibrations and break down the kidney stones into tiny pieces. These tiny pieces can then pass through your urine. While the procedure is minimally invasive, it can be moderately painful so the surgeon may put you under light anaesthesia for comfort. The average cost of an ESWL procedure starts from Rs. 50,000 and can go as high as Rs. 90,000. It is to be kept in mind however, that the exact cost of your surgery will depend on a multitude of factors.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: This procedure is a more invasive method of kidney stone removal as compared to ESWL and is generally recommended to people with larger kidney stones. In percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), the surgeon makes a small incision in your back and surgically removes the kidney stones using a small telescope and surgical instruments. The entire procedure is performed under general anaesthesia meaning you won't be awake during the surgery. The average cost of a percutaneous nephrolithotomy ranges from Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,70,000. It is to be noted however, that the final cost will depend on a multitude of factors.
• Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy: A ureteroscopic lithotripsy or URSL is a procedure typically performed when the kidney stones are located near your urinary tract. In a ureteroscopy, your surgeon passes a ureteroscope with a small camera on top through your urethra and urinary bladder. Once the stones have been located, special tools can be used to either snare the stones or break them into tiny pieces so they can pass through urine. Your doctor may also leave a small tube (stent) to promote faster healing. The procedure is performed under regional anaesthesia. The average cost of a ureteroscopy in India starts from Rs. 40,000 and can go as high as Rs. 100,000. It is to be noted however, that the final cost of your procedure will depend on a multitude of factors.
• Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: Often referred to as RIRS, retrograde intrarenal surgery is an advanced and minimally invasive method of kidney stone treatment typically recommended to patients with larger kidney stones. In an RIRS procedure, the urologist uses a thin, flexible endoscope fitted with a tiny laser. This endoscope is inserted through your urethra and urinary bladder to reach the affected kidney. Once the endoscope is in place, the surgeon will use the laser to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces so they may pass through the urine. If the size of kidney stones is too large however, the surgeon may need to use forceps to remove them. RIRS is generally performed under spinal anaesthesia meaning you will be sedated only below the waist but depending on your diagnosis and medical history, your surgeon may use general anaesthesia meaning you will be asleep throughout the surgery. The average cost of an RIRS procedure can start from Rs. 80,000 and go as high as Rs. 1,90,000. It is to be kept in mind however, that the mentioned cost is not exact and the cost of your surgery may change depending on some factors.

Factors that affect Kidney Stone Surgery Cost in India

The final cost of your kidney stone surgery will depend on a multitude of factors. Some of the most common factors that affect kidney stone surgery cost in India are given below:

• City you undergo surgery: The location of your surgery is one of the most common factors that affect the overall cost of your surgery. Surgeries of any kind are generally more expensive in metropolitan cities across India than rural cities and towns.
• Method of Surgery: The method best suited for your kidney stone surgery depends on the location and size of your kidney stones. After a thorough diagnosis, your surgeon can determine the best suited method of surgery for you. While all the methods are completely safe, they vary in cost.
• Hospital of Choice: A private hospital with more modern facilities and amenities will cost more than a government hospital with inferior facilities and amenities. 
• Surgeon’s fee: A more experienced surgeon is likely to charge more than a less experienced surgeon.
• Post surgery care: The expenses related to post surgery care often depends on the hospital you choose. Post surgery care usually involves pain management, wound care and medications. It is important to inquire about these additional expenses beforehand.