Laser Lithotripsy Cost in India

The cost of laser lithotripsy in India typically ranges from $500 to $6,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Laser lithotripsy breaks kidney or ureter stones into small pieces using a laser passed through a thin telescope (ureteroscope). No cut is made in the skin. The cost usually depends on:

• Stone size, number and location: larger or multiple stones take longer to treat.
• Type of scope: a rigid scope for the ureter or a flexible scope for the kidney.
• Stent: a temporary tube (stent) is often left in and removed later.
• Anaesthetic and hospital stay: usually a general anaesthetic and a short stay.

Quotes vary widely for stone treatment. Ask whether stent removal and follow-up scans are included.

The NHS explains that small kidney stones often pass on their own. Treatment may be needed when a stone is too large to pass, is causing severe pain or infection, or is blocking urine flow.

The NHS describes three main procedures for larger stones:

• Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL): shock waves are aimed at the stone from outside the body.
• Ureteroscopy: a thin telescope is passed up the urethra and bladder, and a laser breaks the stone.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): the stone is removed through a small cut in the back.

Laser lithotripsy is usually carried out as part of a ureteroscopy.

According to the NHS and University Hospitals Sussex, the procedure is done under general anaesthetic. The surgeon passes the telescope through the urethra and bladder into the ureter or kidney. A laser fibre breaks the stone into fragments, which may be removed with a small basket or left to pass in the urine.

A stent is often placed between the kidney and the bladder to help urine drain while swelling settles. It is removed after a short period.

University Hospitals Sussex reports that many people return to work within 7 to 10 days and can usually drive after about 2 weeks. A stent can cause discomfort, a frequent need to pass urine and some blood in the urine until it is removed.

The NHS lists possible complications of stone procedures, including:

• Infection: including urinary infection and, rarely, sepsis.
• Bleeding: blood in the urine is common for a short time.
• Injury to the ureter: uncommon.
• Remaining fragments: a further procedure is sometimes needed.