Vitrectomy Cost in Germany

The cost of vitrectomy in Germany typically ranges from $2,500 to $22,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Vitrectomy removes the vitreous gel from inside the eye to treat problems at the back of the eye, such as retinal detachment, macular holes, bleeding and diabetic eye disease. In Germany, the total depends on:

• Condition treated: detachment, macular hole, bleeding or membrane.
• Gas or oil: used to support the retina after surgery.
• Anaesthesia: usually local.
• Follow-up: including oil removal if used.

Royal Free London explains that vitrectomy treats diabetic eye disease, bleeding inside the eye, retinal detachment, macular holes and membranes on the retina. Most operations are done under local anaesthetic.

A gas bubble, which lasts 4 to 10 weeks, or silicone oil, which is removed later, may be used to hold the retina in place.

Face-down positioning may be needed for up to 7 days. Flying is not allowed while gas is in the eye, and nitrous oxide anaesthetic must be avoided.

The eye heals over 2 to 6 weeks. Risks include retinal detachment, raised pressure and cataract, while infection is very rare.

International patients are usually treated in Germany as self-paying patients: the hospital reviews the medical reports, sends a cost estimate and asks for an advance payment before admission, then settles the final bill after discharge.

Inpatient hospital care in Germany is billed under the German DRG system, which depends on the main diagnosis, other diagnoses and the procedures carried out, so the final amount is known only after the stay.

International patients with a gas bubble cannot fly until it has gone, so plan to stay in Germany or travel by land.