Varicose Veins Treatment Cost in Chennai

What is the cost of varicose veins surgery in Chennai?

TOn average, the cost of varicose veins surgery in Chennai ranges from Rs. 63,000 to Rs. 84,000 approx. It is an estimated price range, and the cost varies for each patient primarily due to the severity of the condition and the preferred method of treatment. This cost consists of the doctor's fee, hospital-related expenses, diagnostic tests, and other surgery-related expenses.

What is Varicose Veins Surgery?

Varicose veins surgery is a medical procedure performed to treat varicose veins, which are enlarged, swollen, and twisted veins that usually occur in the legs. Varicose veins develop when the valves within the veins weaken or become damaged, leading to poor blood flow and the pooling of blood in the affected veins. The condition can cause discomfort, pain, swelling, and cosmetic concerns.

Varicose veins surgery aims to alleviate the symptoms and improve the appearance of the affected veins. There are several surgical and minimally invasive procedures used to treat varicose veins, and the choice of technique depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health.

Different Types of Varicose Vein Surgery and Their Costs

There are several different types of varicose vein surgery, each with its own specific techniques and benefits. Some common techniques used for varicose veins treatment are:

• Ligation and Stripping: This is a traditional surgical procedure for treating larger varicose veins. The surgeon makes incisions over the affected veins and ties them off (ligation) before removing them (stripping) from the leg. This procedure costs around Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 approximately for each leg.
• Endovenous Laser Ablation: It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to close the affected veins. It involves using a laser fiber which is inserted into the affected vein and activated. The laser energy emits heat that seals the vein shut. It costs around Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1,80,000 approx, per leg.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove superficial varicose veins. Small incisions are made in the skin, and the veins are removed in segments using special hooks or forceps. It is often performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and costs around Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 per leg.
• Sclerotherapy: In this procedure, a sclerosant solution is injected directly into the varicose veins. The solution irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal shut. This treatment is suitable for smaller varicose veins and can be performed on an outpatient basis. It costs around Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 per session for one leg.
• Endoscopic Vein Surgery: This surgery is used for severe cases of varicose veins. A tiny camera (endoscope) is inserted into the leg to visualize the veins, and they are closed off or removed using specialized instruments. This technique costs around Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 for each leg.

The cost given above for each of these techniques is a general estimate, and the price will vary for the patients depending on their specific conditions.

Factors That Affect Varicose Veins Surgery Cost in Chennai

Some of the main factors that affect the cost of varicose veins surgery include:

• Severity of the Condition: The extent and severity of the varicose veins play a significant role in determining the cost. More advanced cases that involve multiple veins or complications may require more extensive procedures, which can increase the overall cost.
• Type of Surgery: Different surgical techniques are available for treating varicose veins, and each method may have varying costs. Minimally invasive procedures, such as endovenous ablation or sclerotherapy, may be more expensive than traditional surgical approaches like ligation and stripping.
• Hospital or Clinic: The choice of a medical facility can have a substantial impact on the cost. High-end private hospitals or specialty clinics may charge more for the procedure than public hospitals or less specialized healthcare centers.
• Hospital-Related Expenses: The hospitalization fee includes room rent (private, sharing, or general), nursing fees, meals, medical consumables, and the duration of the hospital stay. The cost of hospitalization will be higher with private room and longer stay.
• Surgeon's Expertise: The experience and reputation of the vascular surgeon performing the procedure can influence the cost significantly. Highly skilled and renowned surgeons may charge higher fees to carry out the procedure.
• Anesthesia: The type of anesthesia used during the surgery can affect the overall cost. General anesthesia may be more expensive than local or regional anesthesia.
• Pre- and Post-Operative Care: The cost of varicose veins surgery may include pre-operative consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, post-operative follow-up appointments, and compression garments. These additional services can contribute to the total expenses.

Besides the surgery cost, you will also have to bear some additional expenses, such as prescription refills, etc.

Is Varicose Veins Surgery Cost Covered under Insurance?

Generally, insurance companies consider the medical necessity of the procedure when determining coverage. If varicose veins cause significant symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or ulcers, and conservative treatments have not been effective, insurance is more likely to cover the surgery.

On the other hand, if the procedure is considered primarily for cosmetic reasons, insurance coverage may be less likely as it won't be medically necessary.

If you wish to get the surgery covered under insurance, you will have to provide the necessary clinical evidence and get a pre-authorization form. You will also have to submit the documents that state and clarify that you have exhausted conservative treatment methods to resolve the problem. To learn more about the terms and conditions associated with varicose veins treatment coverage, it'll be best to talk to the insurance provider.