Valve Replacement Cost In South Africa

Prior to the surgery, a proper physical examination and tests such as chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, echocardiogram, and coronary angiogram are done. All the tests are covered in the package price.

There are several replacement valves available such as tissue valves including donated human aortic valves or animal valves, and mechanical valves consist of plastic, metal, or any other artificial material. Though, certain valve diseases such as mitral valve regurgitation or aortic valve stenosis can be utilized with non-surgical methods. Mechanical valves last longer than tissue valves, hence are more expensive than conventional valves.

All the expenses and medications when you’re at the hospital are included in the medical package during the patient’s stay in the hospital however, these benefits are not covered once the patient is discharged.

The surgery lasts for about 4 - 6 hours and you will have to stay in the hospital for a week to recover. However, it may take a month for the patient to recover fully. The package covers different types of aspects at the hospital including room service, food, medications, etc, and the package cost may increase or decrease depending on what you select.

After the surgery, the patient has to go for private physical therapy sessions and they are also observed for risk of infections or increased blood pressure. The patient is also helped with pain medications and discomfort. All these services are included in the package, till the time they are at the hospital. In addition, the patient may require medication for at least three months following surgery, but it won’t be a part of the package price.

Depending upon the health insurance cover the person takes, the cost of the hospital and medications are covered. However, some premium covers may provide full cost and some only partial cost.

The valve replacement surgery puts immense strain on the heart and may need alternative strategies to get the disease under control like medicines Beta-blockers, digoxin, and calcium channel blockers and surgeries including TAVI and aortic valve balloon valvuloplasty.