Cranioplasty Cost in India

What is Cranioplasty Surgery?

Cranioplasty surgery is a medical procedure for repairing or restructuring a defect in your skull. This defect usually follows surgery, trauma, or a congenital disability. It is restored using the individual’s own bone or any other synthetic material. 

The primary aim of this procedure is to restore the integrity and appearance of the skull, which will protect the brain and improve its neurological function. 

There are two material types:

Autologous Bone 

The repair is done using your bone or a previously removed skull bone piece from a previous surgery. 

Synthetic Material 

Alternatively, your surgeon for cranioplasty surgery in India may use synthetic materials such as mesh, titanium plates, or other biocompatible plastics. 

India offers three primary cranioplasty approaches. Pericranial-onlay cranioplasty is a minimally invasive technique using a scalp needle to insert bone implants while protecting brain tissue. Conventional cranioplasty is a traditional method of lifting the scalp to restore skull contour with original or custom-contoured grafts. Endoscopic cranioplasty is a minimally invasive approach using small incisions to administer reconstructive materials like hydroxyapatite or acrylic.

Your neurosurgeon will evaluate your signs and symptoms and recommend the most suitable type of cranioplasty surgery in India. The surgery and treatment plans are highly personalised and vary according to your symptoms. 

Who Should Get Cranioplasty Surgery in India?

People who have to undergo a cranioplasty surgery in India generally have the following:

• Traumatic Brain Injury: One who has recently suffered severe head trauma. 
• Congenital Skull Defects: You are born with medical conditions such as craniosynostosis, premature fusion of your skull bone, or any other abnormalities in your skull.
• Craniectomy Follow-up: You underwent a craniectomy or removal procedure for a part of your skull to relieve the stress after a traumatic injury. 
• Tumour Removal: You have undergone tumour removal. 

Cranioplasty can also be indicated for conditions like hydrocephalus and infections, as these may necessitate skull reconstruction after treatment.

It is always wiser to have a healthy discussion with your neurosurgeon to determine whether you are the right candidate for this surgery or not.

Cranioplasty Surgery Cost in India at a Glance

Cranioplasty surgery cost in India significantly varies according to the procedure type your surgeon recommends. Your choice of city and hospital will also affect your budget. 

Cranioplasty surgery cost in India is broadly categorised into the following approximations:

• Minimum cost: INR 2,50,000 - INR 4,80,000 (about USD 5,000 - USD 7,000)
• Average cost: INR 4,00,000 – INR 5,50,000 (about USD 4600 – USD 6500)
• Maximum cost: INR 4,45,000 – INR 8,50,000 (about USD 5000 – USD 8500)

These figures usually cover your entire cranioplasty surgery India price when it is performed without any complications. However, if you experience complications, you may need to spend more.

Factors Influencing Cranioplasty Surgery Costs in India

Several factors influence cranioplasty surgery costs in India. Some of the key ones include:

• Location of the hospital: Cranioplasty surgery in India is priced according to your chosen city and hospital.
• Surgeon’s expertise: The cost will also vary according to the knowledge and experience of the neurosurgeon.
• Surgery type: The recommended surgery will also increase or decrease your cranioplasty surgery cost in India. The more complex your procedure is, the more you will incur. 
• Pre-surgical diagnostics: Before you are subjected to cranioplasty surgery in India, your neurosurgeon may ask you to undergo specific pre-surgical diagnostics. All these procedures build up your surgical cost.
• Post-operative care: Your surgery cost will include your hospital stay for the recommended period, follow-ups, medicines, and other rehabilitative procedures. 

City-Wise Cranioplasty Surgery Cost in India

The city-wise breakdown of cranioplasty surgery costs in India is given below. The USD equivalents reflected in the last two columns are approximate values. You can use this chart to determine your best and most affordable cranioplasty surgery in India.

India vs. Other Countries: Cranioplasty Surgery Cost

Sometimes, your family doctor or a local neurosurgeon may refer you to a better option overseas. Here are some approximate affordable cities in India where cranioplasty surgery is available.

India is the most affordable and top-notch quality option for cranioplasty surgery. 

Additional Expenses: Pre- and Post-Cranioplasty Surgery

Pre-Treatment Costs

1.Consultations & Diagnostic Tests:

• Specialist consult: INR 800–INR 2,000 (USD 9.2 - USD 23)
• MRI Scan: INR 5,000–INR 10,000 (USD 58 - USD 116)
• CT Scan: INR 2,000–INR 5,000 (USD 23 - USD 58)
• EEG: INR 500–INR 2,000 (USD 6 - USD 23)
• Blood Tests and Other Pre-Operative Tests: INR 5,000 - INR 10,000 (USD 58 - USD 116)

2. Other Evaluations:

• If you have coexisting conditions like hypertension or diabetes, additional tests may be required.

Post-Treatment Costs

• Medications: INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 (USD 61 to USD 122)
• Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy: INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 or more (USD 122 to USD 610 or more)
• Follow-Up Consultations: INR 500 to INR 2,000 per session (USD 6 to USD 24)

Unexpected Complications

• In rare instances, re-hospitalisation may add to your expenditure.
• Unexpected complications arising out of cranioplasty surgery include infections, bone resorption, hematomas, seizures, cerebrospinal fluid leak or fistula, and hydrocephalus. 

Insurance Coverage and Financing

Across India, the cost of cranioplasty surgery varies, and so does the insurance coverage. Many health insurance providers offer cranioplasty under the critical illness category, and some offer it under their general health insurance plans. The coverage limits and policies vary significantly across several insurance service providers. Some policies may also include pre-surgical tests and post-surgical routine assessments. 

The financial aspects of cranioplasty can be challenging, but patients have multiple pathways to make this essential medical procedure more affordable. Many healthcare providers and financial institutions now offer flexible payment solutions, including medical loans with attractive zero-interest installment plans. Patients can significantly mitigate the economic strain of cranioplasty by proactively exploring insurance coverage, understanding available financing options, and discussing payment strategies with their healthcare providers.

Tips to Reduce Cranioplasty Surgery Costs in India

Follow these practical tips to save on your cranioplasty surgery costs in India and be worry-free:

• Do not rush to settle for the first hospital or neurosurgeon in India. Always explore the options to compare the services offered and the charges. 
• There are several government and NGO-funded financial assistance programs. Check these programs before you make your final call. 
• Consider the cost and reputable hospitals covered under the medical tourism package if travelling across Indian borders. 
• While selecting your hospital, consider competitive pricing, expertise, experience, and infrastructure.

Why Choose MediJourney?

When you're facing a complex medical journey, the last thing you want is more stress. That's why we created Medijourney – to be the helping hand you need when planning cranioplasty surgery abroad. We've seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to arrange medical treatment in another country. Our team gets it. We've worked with countless families who felt lost and worried about finding the right surgeon, managing costs, and navigating a foreign healthcare system.

We don't just push paperwork; we walk beside you through every step. Need help finding a top-notch neurosurgeon? We'll track down the best options. Worried about communication barriers? Our team speaks multiple languages and knows exactly how to bridge those gaps. From sorting out medical visas to connecting you with the right hospital, we handle the complicated stuff so you can focus on the treatment part. Our experts will guide you to budget-friendly cranioplasty surgery costs in India, delivering exceptional medical treatment without financial strain.

FAQs

Q1. Can cranioplasty improve neurological function?

Yes, cranioplasty can enhance neurological function by normalising cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure, leading to improvements in cognitive and motor functions. 

Q2. Does cranioplasty alleviate headaches associated with skull defects?

Many patients experience relief from headaches following cranioplasty, which restores the integrity of the skull and reduces abnormal pressure dynamics. 

Q3. Can cranioplasty reduce the risk of falls?

Yes, cranioplasty can help reduce the risk of falls by improving vestibular system equilibrium, thereby enhancing balance and stability.