Skull Base Surgery Cost in United Arab Emirates

The cost of skull base surgery in the UAE typically ranges from $18,000 to $50,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Skull base surgery treats tumours and other conditions at the base of the skull, the area behind the nose and eyes. In the UAE, the price depends on:

• Access route: endoscopic through the nose, or an open operation.
• Diagnosis: for example a pituitary tumour, meningioma or chordoma.
• Intensive care and stay: which vary with the operation.
• Further treatment: such as radiotherapy.

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust explains that endoscopic pituitary surgery reaches the tumour through the nose with a camera. It usually takes one to two hours and most people stay two to three days. A small fat graft from the abdomen or thigh may be used to seal the opening.

UCLH reports that about 5 in 100 patients need treatment for a leak of brain fluid from the nose, and about 1 in 10 need long-term hormone replacement. Diabetes insipidus, which causes intense thirst and passing large amounts of urine, is often temporary. Open skull base operations carry other risks depending on location.

UCLH advises no nose-blowing for six weeks and six to eight weeks off work, with an MRI scan at about four months. Clear watery drip from the nose or a salty taste at the back of the throat should be reported.

Planned neurosurgery needs insurer prior approval in the UAE.