Gallbladder stones or gallstones are one of the most common digestive disorders in India with a prevalence of 3-5%. While the condition usually arises in adults over the age of 40 years, it can affect people of all age groups, including children. 

Thus, the governments and authorities focused on evolving the medical care available for gallstones within the country. At present, India is one of the best places to get advanced gallstone treatment. And the primary reason is the reasonable cost of gallstone surgery across different cities. 

On average, the cost of gallstone surgery in Gwalior ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 45,000 approximately. However, there are various factors that impact the final cost of gallstone surgery or cholecystectomy which we will understand here. 

Factors That Affect the Cost of Gallstone Surgery

Multiple factors influence the cost of gallstone surgery in Gwalior. While you are seeking medical care, it is crucial that you understand these factors and gather proper knowledge of how these factors can impact the overall cost of treatment. 

The key factors are explained below:

The Severity of the Condition

Gallstones can grow up to 5 cm in size. Though it rarely happens, there is always a possibility that the condition will become severe and the stones continue to become larger. If this happens, it’ll mean that the surgery will be complex and take more time. Thus, the cost of gallstone surgery varies according to the severity of the condition. 

Doctor’s Fee 

An experienced doctor will charge more for consultation as well as to carry out the procedure. It is important to undergo gallstone surgery at the hands of a highly experienced surgeon who will follow all the safety measures. The doctor will also have ample knowledge to mitigate the risks and complications associated with the surgery. 

Hence, the doctor’s consultation and the operating fee will be high and increase the cost of surgery. 

Diagnostic Tests 

For an accurate diagnosis of gallstones, the doctor will recommend a series of tests. The tests include:

• Abdominal Ultrasound
• Endoscopic Ultrasound
• Hepatobiliary Iminodiacetic Acid (HIDA) Scan/ Cholescintigraphy
• CT Scan
• Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Besides the above-mentioned tests, other evaluations are also done through a blood test, liver function test, and urine test. The results of all these tests help the doctor to determine the severity and narrow down the treatment method suitable for the patient. And each and every test will cost you a specific amount that will further increase the cost of gallstone surgery. 

Type of Treatment Recommended

After proper diagnosis, the doctor will suggest the right treatment method in your case specifically. There are two types of gallstone surgery:

Open Cholecystectomy- 

It is the traditional method to remove the gallbladder entirely for the treatment of gallstones. It is an invasive procedure that involves a large incision in the abdominal region. The bladder is removed and the incision is closed. This type of treatment is safe and costs less than laparoscopic gallstone surgery around Rs. 45,000 approx. as no modern technique or equipment is required for the procedure. 

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy- 

It is the modern approach to treating gallstones. Also known as keyhole surgery, it is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making multiple small size incisions in the abdomen to remove the gallbladder. As modern instruments are used in this procedure that offers improved safety and higher precision, the cost of laparoscopic gallstone surgery is higher. Even the basic price of laparoscopic gallstone surgery is around Rs. 55,000 approximately. 

Choice of Hospital

If you decide to get treatment at a super-specialty hospital, you should know that the overall cost will be higher than a multi-specialty health center. 

Hospitalization Charges

Each and every medical center, including hospitals and clinics, charges admission and discharge fees. Along with that, you will have to choose the type of room where you wish to stay. For instance, you can choose between a single room, double occupancy room, triple occupancy, or a general ward where more than 3 patients stay. For each type of room, the hospital will charge according to the amenities and service. 

So, if you choose a single room, the overall cost of gallstone surgery will increase where the bed charges in a general ward will be less than in other wards. 

Risks & Complications

In many cases, patients often delay the treatment which increases the risks during the surgery. Thus, the cost of treatment also goes high. 

Pre and Post-Surgery Medications

To prepare you for surgery and to ensure that your body heals properly, the doctor will prescribe you some medicines. Some of these medicines can be slightly expensive which will again increase the cost of gallstone surgery. 

Post-Surgery Follow-ups

Under all conditions, you will have to pay attention to your health and take several measures to ensure that your body is recovering properly. To monitor your recovery, you will have to take follow-ups with your doctor. Depending on your current health and the type of surgery performed, you may have to follow up with the doctor several times that will increase the cost. 

Insurance Availability

Though insurance is very beneficial for the patient, most people opt for better amenities and services while using health insurance to pay the cost of gallstone surgery. Thus, with insurance, the treatment expenses go higher than expectations. But as the sum is deducted from the insurance, the patient doesn’t feel a burden on his/her shoulder. 

How Pristyn Care helps to cover the cost of gallstone surgery in Gwalior?

In Gwalior, Pristyn Care has a flexible payment system that allows the patients to pay for the treatment using credit or debit cards. Along with that, we also accept health insurance and provide a No-Cost EMI service that is beneficial for the patients. 

With the No-Cost EMI service, patients who don’t have health insurance can get advanced treatment without worrying about the cost. You can opt for this payment mode and pay for gallstone surgery in easy installments. 

Consult a Gallstone Doctor to Find the Cost of Gallstone Surgery in Gwalior 

Now that you understand the factors that somehow impact the final cost of gallstone surgery, you will be able to compare your options and choose a healthcare provider that provides optimal services at a cost-effective price. To get an estimate of the overall expense of the treatment, you need to consult a gallstone specialist in Gwalior. The doctor will diagnose your condition and give you a close estimate of the treatment with and without insurance. Thus, you will be able to make an informed decision.

*Disclaimer: The Cost mentioned in this blog is what Pristyn Care charges as per the City and Treatment and this cost may vary as well depending on the other factors which increase and decrease the cost. The market cost of the treatment may vary depending upon the healthcare service provider and the functional city.