Nowadays, kidney stones are a common problem globally, and reportedly found that one in 10 people in their lifetime. In India, Kidney stones are more common in males than females, the ratio is around 2-3:1. India is a leading medical tourism destination for its advanced technology and medical facilities. So the people have curiosity to know the causes of kidney stones and the kidney stone operation cost in Apollo Hospital.
A kidney stone treatment in India at Apollo Hospitals, and also kidney transplantation in Indian for foreigners, is very affordable as compared to many Western and European countries. In this blog, we will explore the estimated cost of kidney stone operation in Apollo Hospital, including cost factors, comparison with other Indian hospitals, and the removal treatments.
Know About Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are solid objects formed from waste minerals, magnesium, and salt in urine. We also know kidney stones, in other words, such as urolithiasis, renal calculi, and nephrolithiasis. When it travels to the urinary tract, it causes severe pain and discomfort. It is a very common condition that can affect anyone. This problem can be caused by an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.
Expected Cost of a Renal Calculus Operation at Apollo Hospital
A kidney stone operation cost in Apollo Hospital in India depends on the location, type of kidney stone, surgeon’s skill, and size of the stone. However, the cost of a kidney stone treatment ranges from INR 59,307 to INR 2,48,743. These costs include the surgeon’s fees, medication, diagnosis charges, operating room charges, and post-recovery care. These costs may increase due to the stay in hospitals and patient-specific demand.
Cost Breakdown of the Kidney Stone Operation
Here is the cost breakdown of the renal calculi operation at Apollo Hospital, given below:
| Components | Cost in INR | Details |
| Diagnosis Charges | INR 2,076 to INR 21,976 | These charges included the blood test, CT scan, ultrasound, and X-ray. |
| Bed Charges | INR 1,897 to INR 19,357 | These charges included room and nursing care. |
| Operation Charges | INR 39,432 to INR 1,17,278 | These charges included surgeons’ fees, anesthesia, and surgical equipment. |
| Medication Charges | INR 15,232 to INR 53,564 | These charges are for all medicines pre- and post-operation. |
Factors that Influence the Cost
Factors affecting the cost of a renal calculi operation at Apollo Hospitals are given below:
- Stones’ Characteristics: The number of stones, the size, the location, and the complexity also affect the cost.
- Pre-Operation: The doctor visits for consultation, and diagnostic tests such as blood tests, CT scan, X-ray, and ultrasound.
- During Surgeries: These charges included the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and special surgery equipment.
- Hospitals’ Stay: In this, charges are included for bed, nursing care, and prescribed general medicines.
Cost Comparison: Apollo Hospitals V/S Other Hospitals in India
| Hospitals | Cost in INR | Cost in USD |
| Cost in Apollo Hospitals | INR 59,327 to INR 2,49,943 | USD 693 to USD 2,854 |
| Cost in Fortis Hospitals | INR 71,124 to INR 2,76,461 | USD 803 to USD 3,147 |
| Cost in Max Hospitals | INR 74,721 to INR 2,81,032 | USD 849 to USD 3,208 |
| Cost in Medanta Hospitals | INR 68,903 to INR 2,68,307 | USD 794 to USD 2,917 |
Different Methods of Kidney Stone Removal at Apollo Hospitals
This surgery depends on the size, location, and the patient’s medical health. Here are some of the kidney stone surgeries mentioned with their cost.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy Treatment
This is a non-invasive procedure that delivers targeted shock waves to break the stone into smaller parts without any cut. After the process, the breakable stone passed out of the body via urine. It is used for mostly smaller stones. The cost of these surgeries at Apollo Hospital varies approximately from INR 32,367 to INR 87,763. This cost depends on stone size and hospital location.
Ureteroscopy
A thin scope known as a ureteroscope (URS) is inserted through the urethra and into the ureter to locate. It removes renal calculi during ureteroscopy, with a minimally invasive procedure. Larger stones are broken up into smaller pieces that can be removed with a tiny basket using a laser that is passed through the scope. Compared to traditional surgery, this outpatient procedure requires fewer incisions and a shorter recovery time. The cost of Uretroscopy at Apollo Hospital is approximately INR 55,872 to INR 1,03,984.
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery
Retrograde internal surgery is a minimally invasive surgical process that is used to treat kidney stones. This procedure is used to treat a kidney stone with a flexible scope inserted through the urethra and bladder. For a particular location inside the kidney, and breaks the stone. It is known for the fastest recovery, reduced pain, with a high success rate. However, this treatment method is performed when other methods fail, such as shock wave lithotripsy. The cost of retrograde internal surgery at Apollo Hospital in India varies from INR 1,28,799 to INR 2,11,879.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
This is a minimally invasive surgical process used to remove large kidney stones through a thin incision. It is performed when other treatments do not work. A surgeon inserts a small incision with the help of a tube into the kidney under visualisation X-ray image. These specific instruments are used to break up and remove stones. However, this approach is used when the kidney stone is too large and hard. The average cost of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) at Apollo Hospital is around INR 69,467 to INR 1,02,343.
Conclusion
As we all know, kidney stone is the most reported disease in the world and cause severe pain side, back, or lower abdomen. We have mentioned in this blog some of the useful methods for small and large kidney stone operations, and discussed the cost kidney stone operation in Apollo Hospitals. To avoid kidney stones, you must follow a proper kidney stone diet chart, because your diet can prevent the occurrence of kidney stones. We hope this blog is helpful for you.