Brain Surgery in India: Understanding Types, Procedures, and Affordable Costs

Brain surgery treatment in India starts from about $4500. It may go up to $10000, depending on the diagnosis and the type of treatment approach required.

Brain surgery treatment cost in Turkey varies from $8000 to $18000. 

Brain surgery treatment cost in Dubai varies from $15000 to $35000.

In countries such as the US, UK and Canada, the cost of brain surgery may vary from $45000 to $95000.

What is brain surgery?

Brain surgery is a type of neurosurgery and a medical procedure that involves the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain, such as brain tumors, aneurysms, blood clots, and other abnormalities. The surgery may involve removing part or all of a tumor, repairing damaged blood vessels, or removing areas of the brain that are causing seizures or other neurological symptoms. 

Brain surgery is a complex and delicate procedure that requires a highly skilled neurosurgeon and a team of medical professionals, including anesthesiologists, neurologists, and critical care specialists. Advanced imaging techniques and surgical tools are used to minimize damage to healthy brain tissue and improve patient outcomes. 

What is the cost of brain surgery in India?

The following table highlights the cost of brain surgery in India at some of the hospitals:

**These are only approximate expenses and cover the cost of treatment and hospitalisation. The actual cost may vary as per the status, diagnosis and profile of the individual patient.

What are the common types of heart surgeries in adults and children?

Some of the most common types of brain surgeries include the following:

Craniotomy

A craniotomy is a type of brain surgery in which a part of the skull is removed to gain access to the brain. The procedure is used to treat a variety of conditions such as brain tumors, aneurysms, blood clots, and traumatic brain injuries. It involves making an incision in the scalp, removing a section of the skull, and then accessing the brain tissue. Once the surgical procedure is complete, the removed bone is then replaced and secured back in place with plates, screws, or wires.

Craniotomies are performed under general anesthesia, and patients are closely monitored during the procedure. The duration of the surgery can range from several hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the condition being treated. After the surgery, patients are usually kept in the hospital for several days to recover and receive post-operative care, including pain management, physical therapy, and medication.

The cost of craniotomy in India ranges from $4500 to $6500.

Deep Brain Stimulation 

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is a treatment option for individuals with certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and epilepsy. DBS involves implanting electrodes into specific regions of the brain, which are then connected to a device similar to a pacemaker that sends electrical signals to the brain to help regulate abnormal activity.

The decision to undergo DBS surgery is typically made by a team of medical professionals, including a neurologist, neurosurgeon, and psychiatrist, who evaluate the individual's symptoms, medical history, and response to previous treatments. In general, DBS surgery may be recommended for individuals who have:

• Moderate to severe symptoms that are not well-controlled with medications or other treatments

• No significant cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorders that may interfere with the surgery or post-operative management

• A clear understanding of the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as realistic expectations about its outcomes.

It's important to note that DBS surgery is not a cure for neurological conditions, but rather a tool to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

VP Shunt Placement 

A VP shunt (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) is a medical device that helps drain excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain's ventricles to the abdominal cavity. It is typically used to treat conditions that lead to the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, such as hydrocephalus.

Individuals who may need a VP shunt include:

• Infants and children born with hydrocephalus

• Adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)

• Individuals with other types of hydrocephalus caused by brain injury, infection, tumor, or bleeding

• People with arachnoid cysts or other brain conditions that cause the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid

• Those who have experienced traumatic brain injuries or strokes that result in brain swelling and fluid accumulation.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a VP shunt depends on their unique medical situation and the recommendation of their healthcare provider.

Cerebral Aneurysm Repair

Cerebral aneurysm repair is typically recommended for individuals who have a ruptured or unruptured cerebral aneurysm. A cerebral aneurysm is a weak or thin spot on a blood vessel in the brain that balloons out and fills with blood, and if left untreated, it can rupture and cause bleeding in the brain, leading to a stroke, brain damage, or even death.

The decision to repair a cerebral aneurysm depends on several factors, including the size, location, and shape of the aneurysm, as well as the individual's age, overall health, and risk of complications.

In general, a ruptured aneurysm is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment, which may involve surgery or endovascular coiling, a minimally invasive procedure that involves filling the aneurysm with metal coils to prevent it from rupturing.

For unruptured aneurysms, the decision to repair them depends on several factors, including the size, location, and shape of the aneurysm, as well as the individual's age, overall health, and risk of complications. In some cases, observation and monitoring of the aneurysm may be recommended, while in other cases, surgery or endovascular coiling may be recommended to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing and causing serious health complications.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery 

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a non-invasive, highly precise medical procedure that uses radiation to target and treat specific areas of the brain or body. Despite the name, SRS is not actually a form of surgery in the traditional sense, as no incisions are made.

SRS involves the use of advanced imaging technology, such as MRI or CT scans, to create a 3D map of the area being treated. Based on this map, highly focused beams of radiation are aimed at the target area from multiple angles, delivering a high dose of radiation to the precise location while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

SRS is often used to treat tumors, both cancerous and non-cancerous, as well as certain neurological conditions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and trigeminal neuralgia. It can also be used as an alternative to traditional surgery for certain conditions.

SRS is typically delivered in a single session or a small number of sessions, and the patient can usually return to their normal activities immediately afterward. The procedure is typically well-tolerated, although some patients may experience temporary side effects such as headache or fatigue.

Minimally Invasive (Keyhole) Brain Surgery 

Keyhole brain surgery, also known as minimally invasive brain surgery or endoscopic brain surgery, is a surgical technique that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to access and operate on the brain. Unlike traditional open surgery, which requires a large incision and significant disruption of the surrounding tissue, keyhole brain surgery involves a much smaller incision and less disturbance of the surrounding brain tissue.

In keyhole brain surgery, the surgeon uses an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end, to visualize the brain and perform the surgery. This allows for greater precision and accuracy, as well as a shorter recovery time and less post-operative pain and scarring.

Not everyone is eligible for keyhole brain surgery, as it depends on the specific condition being treated and the location of the affected area in the brain. Some conditions that may be treated with keyhole brain surgery include:

• Brain tumors

• Epilepsy

• Hydrocephalus (buildup of fluid in the brain)

• Movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease

• Trigeminal neuralgia

Your neurosurgeon will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for keyhole brain surgery based on your specific medical history, imaging studies, and other factors.

Recovery After Brain Surgery

Recovery after brain surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure, the individual's health and age, and other factors. However, here are some general points that can give you an idea of what to expect:

Hospitalization: Most patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week after brain surgery, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the extent of the surgery. During this time, they will be closely monitored by a healthcare team and may receive pain medication and other treatments as needed.

Recovery period: The recovery period after brain surgery can take several weeks or months, during which time the patient will need to rest and gradually increase their activity level. It's important to follow the doctor's instructions closely to avoid complications and promote healing.

Symptoms: It's common for patients to experience some symptoms after brain surgery, such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty with speech or memory. These symptoms should improve over time, but it's important to report any new or worsening symptoms to the healthcare team.

Rehabilitation: Depending on the type of brain surgery and the patient's individual needs, rehabilitation may be necessary to help regain lost function and improve overall quality of life. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or other specialized services.

Follow-up care: After leaving the hospital, patients will need to attend follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor their progress and ensure that they are healing properly. They may also need to undergo imaging studies or other tests to check for any complications or recurrence of the condition.

Overall, recovery after brain surgery can be a challenging process, but with proper care and support, many patients are able to regain function and return to their normal activities over time.