Pericardiectomy Treatment cost in India
Pericardiectomy surgery cost in India ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, which is equivalent to 4,50,000 to 9,00,000 Indian Rupees depending on the type of pericardial disease (constrictive or recurrent pericarditis), extent of pericardium removal (partial or total), patient’s overall health, and hospital chosen. The cost is significantly lower compared to Western countries, while Indian hospitals offer experienced cardiothoracic surgeons, advanced surgical facilities, and modern cardiac ICUs.
Patients requiring complete (total) pericardiectomy, prolonged ICU care, or treatment for complications may fall on the higher end of the cost range.
Cost Range of Pericardiectomy Treatment cost in India
What is Pericardiectomy ?
Pericardiectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart. This surgery is most commonly performed to treat constrictive pericarditis, a condition in which the pericardium becomes thickened, stiff, or scarred and restricts the heart’s normal filling and pumping function. During pericardiectomy, the diseased pericardial tissue is carefully removed to relieve pressure on the heart, improve blood flow, and reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling, and fatigue. The procedure may be partial or complete, depending on the severity of the disease. Pericardiectomy is usually recommended when medications and other treatments fail to control symptoms and the condition significantly affects heart function.
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Acute Pericarditis: Sudden inflammation of the pericardium, often causing sharp chest pain and fever.
Chronic Pericarditis: Long-standing inflammation lasting months, with recurring chest discomfort.
Constrictive Pericarditis: Thickened, scarred pericardium that restricts heart filling and leads to heart-failure–like symptoms.
Recurrent Pericarditis: Repeated episodes of pericardial inflammation after initial recovery.
Pericardial Effusion: Abnormal fluid accumulation around the heart, which may compress it.
Cardiac Tamponade: A medical emergency where rapid fluid buildup severely impairs heart function.
Infective Pericarditis: Caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or tuberculosis infections.
Post-surgical or Post-MI Pericarditis: Occurs after heart surgery or a heart attack (Dressler’s syndrome).
Malignant Pericardial Disease: Pericardial involvement due to cancer or metastasis.
Autoimmune or Inflammatory Pericardial Disease: Linked to conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Who Is a Candidate for Pericardiectomy?
Patients with constrictive pericarditis causing restricted heart filling
Individuals with chronic or recurrent pericarditis not responding to medications
Patients with thickened, scarred, or calcified pericardium seen on imaging
People experiencing heart-failure–like symptoms such as breathlessness, swelling, and fatigue due to pericardial disease
Patients with persistent pericardial effusion causing pressure on the heart
Individuals with reduced quality of life despite optimal medical treatment
Patients evaluated and cleared by cardiologists and cardiac surgeons after detailed testing
Types of Pericardiectomy & Cost in India (USD)
Type of Pericardiectomy | When It Is Performed |
Partial Pericardiectomy | Removal of part of the diseased pericardium in selected, less extensive cases |
Total (Complete) Pericardiectomy | Removal of almost the entire pericardium; gold standard for constrictive pericarditis |
Radical Pericardiectomy | Extensive removal including calcified and adherent pericardium in severe cases |
Pericardiectomy with Additional Cardiac Procedure | Pericardiectomy combined with valve repair, CABG, or other heart surgery |
Pericardiectomy cost starts from $5000 US dollars
Factors Affecting Pericardiectomy Cost in India
Type of pericardiectomy performed – Partial, total, or radical pericardiectomy have different levels of surgical complexity and cost.
Severity and extent of pericardial disease – Thickened or heavily calcified pericardium increases operative difficulty.
Need for additional cardiac procedures – Combining pericardiectomy with CABG or valve surgery raises overall expenses.
Patient’s overall health and age – High-risk patients may require prolonged ICU care and monitoring.
Heart function and complications – Reduced heart function or associated organ involvement increases treatment cost.
Choice of hospital and city – Costs vary based on hospital infrastructure, technology, and geographic location.
Surgeon’s experience and expertise – Highly experienced cardiothoracic surgeons may have higher professional fees.
Length of ICU and hospital stay – Extended recovery or complications increase hospitalization charges.
Symptoms Prompting Pericardiectomy
Pericardiectomy is usually recommended when pericardial disease severely restricts heart function and symptoms persist despite medical treatment. Common symptoms include:
Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying flat
Persistent fatigue and weakness
Swelling of legs, ankles, or abdomen due to fluid buildup
Chest discomfort or tightness
Reduced exercise tolerance and early exhaustion
Unexplained weight gain from fluid retention
Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Recurrent pericardial effusion causing pressure on the heart
Signs of heart failure not improving with medications
Diagnostic Tests for Pericardiectomy & Cost in India (USD)
Diagnostic Test | Purpose |
Electrocardiogram (ECG) | Detects rhythm changes and signs of pericardial involvement |
Echocardiography (2D Echo) | Assesses pericardial thickness, effusion, and heart function |
Chest X-ray | Identifies pericardial calcification and heart enlargement |
CT Scan of Chest (Cardiac CT) | Detailed evaluation of pericardial thickening and calcification |
Cardiac MRI | Assesses pericardial inflammation, scarring, and myocardial involvement |
Cardiac Catheterization | Measures heart pressures to confirm constrictive physiology |
Blood Tests | Checks infection markers, kidney/liver function, and surgical fitness |
Pulmonary Function Tests (if required) | Evaluates lung function before major surgery |
Diagnostic cost of Pericardiectomy will be $ 500 to $800 US dollars
Why India Is Preferred for Pericardiectomy
Cost-effective treatment, up to 70–80% cheaper than Western countries
Highly skilled cardiothoracic surgeons with extensive experience in complex pericardial diseases
Advanced cardiac surgery facilities with modern ICUs and imaging support
Internationally accredited hospitals (JCI, NABH) ensuring global care standards
High success rates in treating constrictive and chronic pericarditis
Minimal waiting time for surgery and diagnostics
Comprehensive international patient services including visa, stay, and post-surgery follow-up
English-speaking medical teams for smooth communication
Best Hospitals for Pericardiectomy Treatment in India
Best Doctor for Pericardiectomy Treatment in India
