Hydrocephalus Treatment Cost In India - Get Cost Estimate

What is the Cost of Hydrocephalus Treatment in India?

Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition characterised by an excess buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. It occurs due to complications in the formation, flow, and absorption of CSF.

The worldwide occurrence of hydrocephalus stands at around 85 cases per 100,000 people, showing notable variations across age groups with more prevalence in children.

The cost of hydrocephalus treatment in India ranges between INR 1,50,000 and INR 2,50,000 for Indian patients. For international patients, the price ranges between 3000 and 4500.

What is Hydrocephalus?

The ventricles present in the brain are surrounded by a liquid known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It performs the following functions: 

• CSF acts as a cushion and protects the skull in case of any head injury or trauma.

• CSF makes the brain buoyant and reduces the effective weight of the brain from 1,500 grams to 50 grams.

The choroid plexus is a blood vessel which produces 500 mL of CSF every day at a rate of about 20 mL an hour. This transcellular fluid is constantly reabsorbed by arachnoid granulations, so only 125–150 mL is present in the brain at any one point of time. 

Sometimes, due to some genetic disorder or infection, there is an abnormal accumulation of CSF in the cavities of the brain. This leads to changes in CSF volume, which in turn leads to increased pressure inside the brain. If left unchecked, this may lead to intracranial haemorrhage and, ultimately, death. This clinical condition is referred to as hydrocephalus.

Since hydrocephalus can occur at any age, hence common symptoms occurring in newborns and infants are as follows:

• Abnormal bulging of fontanel

• A rapid increase in head size

• Extreme sleepiness

• Frequent vomiting and severe dehydration

• Difficulty in looking upwards while keeping head straight

• seizures with no specific cause

In adults, symptoms get worse over time, accompanied by dementia and difficulty in balance and coordination.

What are the Types of Hydrocephalus treatment?

Hydrocephalus arises when there is an imbalance in the secretion and reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). To treat this condition, neurosurgeons perform various treatment procedures, which are as follows:

• CSF shunt

A shunt is a thin, flexible tube inserted into the area of increased CSF accumulation. Additionally, a pressure valve and an anti-siphon device are attached to the shunt to control the amount of CSF being drained. Excess fluid is diverted through the tube into the area, such as the chest or abdomen, where it can be absorbed.

• Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV)

This is a minimal invasive neurosurgical procedure in which an alternative pathway or bypass is created for the drainage of excess CSF fluid in patients with hydrocephalus with a blockage of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. 

The most common site of blockage in most patients is the narrow pathway between the third and fourth ventricles of the brain; hence, excess CSF can be removed with an endoscope.

• Choroid plexus catheterisation (CPC)

Since the choroid plexus is a brain tissue that produces CSF, this procedure removes two to four CSF-producing tissues, thus reducing the overall amount of CSF produced in the brain. A tiny wire is inserted at the base of the third ventricle, which generates a low electrical current to burn the tissue so that less CSF is produced.

The treatment methods discussed above address the excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and restore the equilibrium between its production and reabsorption within the brain.

What are the Key Factors Affecting the Hydrocephalus Treatment Cost in India?

Since hydrocephalus can’t be prevented once the child is born, doctors suggest immediate removal of the excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and check its production as well. Before proceeding with treatment, it is essential to understand the factors influencing the cost of hydrocephalus treatment in India. Some of the factors are listed below.

Type of treatment

A neurosurgeon decides the treatment procedure based on the severity of the condition, the patient’s age, and their health condition. The type of treatment procedure also impacts the overall cost. The cost of CSF shunt surgery ranges between INR 3,50,000 and INR 5,50,000 (USD 6000 and USD 10000). Other treatment approaches such as ETV/CPC are more extended procedures and hence more expensive.

Type of shunt used

CSF shunts are the most common procedure and based on the organ to which excess CSF has to be drained, the shunts are of the following types:

• Ventriculoperitoneal shunt- It drains the CSF to the abdominal cavity.

• Ventriculoatrial shunt- It drains the excessive CSF to any of the heart chambers.

• Lumboperitoneal shunt- It drains the fluid from the lower back to the abdominal cavity.

The type of shunt used also determines the cost of hydrocephalus treatment in India.

Hospital’s infrastructure and the neurosurgeon’s expertise

Hospitals with advanced neurosurgical facilities and specialised paediatric and neonatal intensive care units (PICUs and NICUs) provide comprehensive care to newborns and may charge higher fees for hydrocephalus treatment. Similarly, highly experienced surgeons or those practising in metropolitan areas with years of experience in dealing with critical conditions may incur additional fees.

Additional stay at hospital/ICU

In specific medical situations, the patient might need to extend their hospital or ICU stay for additional days to receive post-operative care. Thus, the additional hospital stay costs between INR 12,000 and INR 20,000 (USD 200 to USD 300) per day.

What are Pre-treatment and Post-treatment Expenses in Hydrocephalus?

In order to correctly diagnose the hydrocephalus condition in children and adults, doctors perform various diagnostic examinations, which may impact the cost of hydrocephalus treatment in India. Even after the treatment, it is essential to monitor the continuous buildup of CSF. These additional expenses must not be overlooked by the families of the patients. The costs are discussed below.

• Pre-surgical examination cost (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, etc.): INR 22,000 to INR 27,000 (USD 400 to USD 500)

• Post-treatment medication cost and follow-ups: INR 10,000 to INR 12,000 (USD 200 to USD 300)

What Should be Aftercare for a Hydrocephalus Treatment Procedure?

For a treatment procedure like hydrocephalus, a comprehensive care approach is essential for improving outcomes and quality of life for the patients. Some of the measures are as follows:

Stay away from magnets and any other magnetic objects

A shunt valve that is controlled by a magnetic tool may also be affected by the presence of other external magnetic sources in the environment. Hence, it is advised to maintain an approximate distance from such magnetic objects, which could alter the functioning of the shunt.

Monitor the shunt malfunctions

Since shunts are not for life, it’s essential to seek any symptoms, such as vomiting or vision changes, that may indicate that the shunt needs replacement. 

Lifestyle changes

In order to reduce further risks and complications, neurosurgeons recommend that patients to make some changes in their lifestyle such as:

• Quit smoking

• Maintain a healthy diet

• Stop drinking

• Take a good amount of sleep

Does Health Insurance Cover Hydrocephalus Treatment?

In India, insurance agencies cover various neurosurgical procedures, including hydrocephalus treatment. When your neurosurgeon detects hydrocephalus at any age, your next step is to submit your doctor's prescription, investigation reports, hospital admission papers and policy papers to the insurance agency from which you have bought the policy. The insurance company agent will assess your claim eligibility and work with the hospital to cover your treatment expenses as per policy terms.

Generally, health insurance policies may cover a portion or all of the expenses, including the cost of the stunt, valve or other device associated with it, hospitalisation charges, surgeon fees, pre-surgery tests, and post-surgery care.

Therefore, it's vital to be aware of your insurance coverage and hospital affiliations to avoid potential out-of-pocket expenses.