Microvascular Decompression MVD Cost in India

The cost of microvascular decompression (MVD) in India typically ranges from $6,000 to $14,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Microvascular decompression (MVD) is brain surgery to relieve pressure from a blood vessel on a nerve. It is most often used for trigeminal neuralgia, a severe facial pain. The cost usually depends on:

• Imaging: MRI scans to look for vessel contact.
• Neurosurgery: under general anaesthetic.
• Hospital stay: usually a few days.
• Follow-up: medicine adjustment after surgery.

The NHS explains that trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, severe facial pain. Medicines are usually tried first. If they do not work or cause side effects, procedures may be considered:

• Microvascular decompression: relieves pressure on the nerve without intentionally damaging it.
• Percutaneous procedures: a needle damages the nerve to block pain signals.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery: a focused radiation beam targets the nerve.

A guide by Kaufmann and Patel (University of Manitoba) describes the operation. Under general anaesthetic, a small opening is made in the skull behind the ear. Using a microscope, the surgeon moves the blood vessel away from the nerve and places a small pad of Teflon felt between them.

The guide notes that most patients stay a couple of days and return to full activities within a few weeks.

The NHS reports that MVD gives the longest-lasting relief of the procedures available, but pain returns in about 3 in 10 people within 10 to 20 years.

The NHS notes that serious complications, including facial numbness, hearing loss, stroke and death, occur in around 1 in 1,000 cases.