Skull Base Surgery Cost in India

The cost of Skull Base Surgery in India typically ranges from $6,000 to $14,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Skull base surgery treats tumours and other problems at the base of the skull, behind the nose and eyes. The cost depends on:

• Approach: endoscopic through the nose, or open.
• Diagnosis: pituitary tumour, meningioma, chordoma or others.
• Intensive care and hospital stay
• Further treatment: such as radiotherapy.

UCLH explains that endoscopic pituitary surgery reaches the tumour through the nose using a camera. It takes about 1 to 2 hours, and most people stay 2 to 3 days. A fat graft from the tummy or thigh may be used to seal the area.

The UCLH page notes:

• CSF leak: about 5 in 100 need treatment for fluid leaking from the nose.
• Hormone problems: about 1 in 10 need hormone replacement.
• Diabetes insipidus: intense thirst, often temporary.

Open skull base surgery carries other risks, depending on the location.

UCLH advises no nose blowing for six weeks and 6 to 8 weeks off work. An MRI is usually done at about four months. Report clear watery fluid from the nose, or a salty taste in the throat.