Neurosurgery

What is the Cost of Brain Tumour Surgery in India?

Brain tumours can develop in any part of the brain or skull, including its protective lining, the skull base, the brainstem, the sinuses and nasal cavity, and many other areas. Depending on what tissue they arise from, more than 120 different types of brain tumours can develop. The average cost of brain tumour surgery in India may range from INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 for Indian patients, while it may cost USD 6000 to USD 9000 for international patients. This cost includes surgeon fees, anaesthesia charges, OT charges, medical consumables, and hospital stays for a specified number of days.

What is Brain Tumour Surgery?

Brain tumours are defined as abnormal growth of brain cells and can be categorised into benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours. Although not cancerous, benign tumours may need to be surgically removed if they start pressing on nearby cells and the skull. Neurosurgeons monitor these tumours closely to decide if and when surgery is necessary. Malignant tumours, on the other hand, are fast-growing cancers that require immediate intervention.

Brain tumour surgery involves a neurosurgeon creating an opening in the skull to remove the tumour along with some surrounding tissues. This procedure is usually recommended as the first line of treatment when the tumour is located in central areas of the brain, as it can interfere with daily activities and cause rapid damage to nearby cells.

Meningioma, pituitary adenoma, glioma, and schwannoma are some of the common types of brain tumours.

Common symptoms of a brain tumour include:

What are the Different Types of Brain Tumour Surgery?

The type, size, and location of the tumour, along with the patient’s age and health status, determine the surgical procedure the doctor will assign to the tumour.

The major types of brain tumour surgery are as follows:

• Craniotomy requires making an incision in the scalp and removing a piece of the skull to access the tumour.
• Neuroendoscopy involves using a small endoscope to remove the tumour through the nose or mouth.

These techniques can address various types of brain tumours, including those located in challenging areas such as the pineal region, pituitary gland, and skull base.

What are the Factors Impacting the Cost of Brain Tumour Surgery?

Various factors affect the surgical outcome of brain tumour surgery, which could result in increased expenses for the treatment plan. Some of the factors are-

• Degree of complication: High-grade brain tumour cases require more time, resources, expertise, and interdisciplinary approaches, increasing the overall cost.
• Medical diagnosis: Tumour biopsy, such as excisional or incisional biopsy and genetic testing to determine whether it’s cancerous or not, affects the cost of cancer treatment.
• Type of surgery: Minimal-invasive surgery techniques using endoscopes and laparoscopic instruments are more expensive than open surgery. This is due to the specialised machinery and skills required to perform the procedure.
• Repeated diagnostic tests: Regular monitoring to identify tumour size and location through brain CT angiograms, MRIs (contrast and without contrast), may increase the overall cost.
• Post-surgical complications: Complications such as bleeding or infection in the brain may arise after the surgery. This may prolong hospital stays for additional treatments and thus increase healthcare costs.

What are the Advantages of Brain Tumour Surgery?

In the case of low-grade tumours, brain tumour surgery is alone capable of treating the complications. Neurosurgeons decide the line of treatment based on the clinical symptoms and the patient’s preference. Brain tumour surgery is a preferred choice for the following reasons:

• Reduced risk of tumour progression: When the brain tumour is completely removed by surgery, the chances of its recurrence are highly reduced.
• Histopathological examination of tissue: Surgical removal of a portion of the tumour allows for a definitive diagnosis. Then, neurosurgeons create the most appropriate treatment plan, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
• Immediate relief: When tumours of large sizes are removed, clinical implications such as headaches, seizures, and neurological deficits show substantial improvements.
• Enhanced treatment outcome with combined approaches: Brain surgery, when accompanied by specific non-surgical approaches such as gamma knife and cyberknife surgery, gives the best results.

What are the Pre-surgical and Post-surgical Expenses in a Brain Tumour Surgery in India?

The pre-surgical and post-surgical expenses for brain tumour surgery may vary on factors such as the complexity of the case, the specific healthcare facility, etc. Here is an overview of typical expenses associated with brain tumour surgery:>

Pre-Surgical Expenses

• Consultations: INR 2000 – INR 4000 (USD 20 – USD 50)
• Evaluation: INR 25,000 – INR 30,000 (USD 250 – USD 300)

Post-Surgical Expenses

• Follow-up consultations: INR 2500 – INR 4000 (USD 37.50 – USD 60)
• Medications and pre-operative physicals (per month): INR 3000 – INR 12,000 (USD 50 – USD 120) per month

Patients should make sure to have a thorough discussion with their doctors. This will help them receive a comprehensive cost estimate and have a clear understanding of their insurance coverage.

What Does Post-Surgery Care Involve After Brain Tumour Surgery?

Post-surgery care after brain tumour surgery is critical for recovery and involves several key aspects. Here are the main components:

• The surgical site is monitored for signs of infection, and dressings are changed regularly. 
• Patients should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and driving for a certain period.
• A balanced diet supports healing, and overall health is recommended.
• Counselling and support groups may be beneficial to help patients cope with the emotional and psychological impact of brain surgery and the recovery process.
• Ongoing monitoring for any late side effects of surgery or radiation therapy if it was part of the treatment plan.
• Management of any long-term deficits or disabilities resulting from the tumour or surgery.

Recovery timelines can differ greatly among individuals based on factors such as the tumour’s size and location, the surgery’s extent, and the patient’s general health. Adhering to the medical team’s guidance and promptly reporting any new or worsening symptoms is crucial.

Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of Brain Tumour Surgery?

In India, health insurance policies cover almost all medical treatments. However, the extent of coverage and the specific terms can vary depending on the insurance provider and the policy details.

It is important to verify the specifics of your policy, as coverage typically includes expenses like a hospital stay, surgeon’s fees, and anaesthesia fees. Detailed understanding and active communication with your insurance provider can help ensure that you receive the maximum possible coverage for these surgeries.