Introduction
Kidney stones are a common yet painful urological condition affecting millions in India. The cost of treatment varies based on factors like hospital type, procedure, and city. This guide explores the kidney stone treatment cost in India, including surgery options, insurance coverage, and ways to reduce expenses.
Understanding Kidney Stones | Causes & Symptoms
Kidney stones form when minerals crystallize in the urine. Common causes include dehydration, high-salt diets, and genetic factors. Symptoms include:
Severe back or abdominal pain
Blood in urine
Frequent urination
Nausea & vomiting
Early diagnosis can prevent complications and reduce kidney stone surgery price.
Types of Kidney Stone Treatments & Their Costs in India
1. Non-Surgical Treatments
Medications & Pain Management (₹2,000 – ₹10,000)
Alpha-blockers help pass small stones naturally.
ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) (₹25,000 – ₹50,000)
Uses sound waves to break stones without surgery.
2. Surgical Treatments
URS (Ureteroscopy) with Laser Lithotripsy (₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000)
A scope is inserted to break stones with a laser.
PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) (₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000)
For large stones; involves a small incision.
Open Surgery (Rare Cases) (₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000)
Used for extremely large or complex stones.
Factors Affecting Kidney Stone Treatment Cost in India
Hospital Type (Private vs. Government)
City (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore vs. smaller cities)
Surgeon’s Experience
Technology Used (Laser vs. Traditional)
Post-Op Care & Medications
Best Hospitals for Kidney Stone Treatment in India
AIIMS Delhi (Affordable, government rates)
Apollo Hospitals (Advanced laser treatments)
Fortis Healthcare (Expert urologists)
Manipal Hospitals (Cost-effective PCNL surgery)
How to Reduce Kidney Stone Treatment Expenses?
Compare multiple hospitals
Opt for insurance coverage
Choose generic medicines
Government schemes (Ayushman Bharat)
FAQs About Kidney Stone Treatment Cost in India
What is the average cost of kidney stone treatment in India?
The kidney stone treatment cost in India ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹2,00,000, depending on the procedure (ESWL, laser, or open surgery).
Is laser treatment for kidney stones expensive?
Yes, laser lithotripsy cost in India is between ₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000, but it’s minimally invasive with faster recovery.
Does insurance cover kidney stone surgery?
Most health insurance plans cover kidney stone surgery if deemed medically necessary. Check your policy’s terms for inclusions.
Which is the cheapest kidney stone treatment?
ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) costs ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 and is the most affordable non-surgical option.
How long is recovery after kidney stone surgery?
Laser surgery (URS): 1–2 days
PCNL: 5–7 days
Open surgery: 1–2 weeks
Are kidney stones preventable?
Yes! Drink 3–4L water daily, reduce salt/oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts), and limit processed meats.
What factors increase kidney stone treatment costs?
Hospital tier (private vs. government)
Surgeon’s expertise
City (Mumbai/Delhi costs more than Jaipur/Nagpur)
Complications (infections, multiple stones)
Which cities offer affordable kidney stone treatment?
Tier-2 cities like Lucknow, Coimbatore, and Ahmedabad offer 20–30% lower costs than metros.
Is PCNL better than laser lithotripsy?
PCNL is for large (>2cm) stones, while laser lithotripsy suits smaller stones. PCNL costs more (₹60,000–₹1,50,000).
Can Ayurveda treat kidney stones?
Ayurveda may help small stones with herbs like Pashanbheda, but surgery is needed for large/stubborn stones.
How painful is kidney stone removal?
Modern techniques (laser/ESWL) cause minimal pain. PCNL may involve mild post-op discomfort.
Does kidney stone size affect treatment cost?
Yes! Larger stones require complex procedures (PCNL/open surgery), increasing costs up to ₹2,00,000.
Are there hidden costs in kidney stone treatment?
Possible extra costs:
Diagnostic tests (CT scan: ₹3,000–₹8,000)
Stent placement (₹10,000–₹20,000)
Post-op medications
Can I claim tax benefits on kidney stone treatment?
Yes, under Section 80D for medical expenses or health insurance premiums.
What’s the success rate of kidney stone surgery in India?
ESWL: 70–80%
Laser lithotripsy: 85–90%
PCNL: 90–95%
How much does a kidney stone test cost?
Ultrasound: ₹800–₹2,500
CT scan: ₹3,000–₹8,000
Urine tests: ₹200–₹1,000
Is kidney stone treatment covered under Ayushman Bharat?
Yes, but only in empaneled hospitals. Coverage includes ESWL and PCNL for eligible families.
Can I travel after kidney stone surgery?
Wait 1–2 weeks for air travel post-surgery. Consult your doctor for clearance.
What foods to avoid after kidney stone surgery?
Salt, processed foods
Spinach, nuts (high oxalates)
Carbonated drinks
How to choose the best urologist in India?
Look for:
Experience (10+ years)
Patient reviews
Hospital affiliation (Apollo, Fortis, AIIMS)
What’s the cost difference between govt. and private hospitals?
Government hospitals charge 40–60% less (e.g., PCNL at ₹30,000 vs. ₹1,00,000 in private).
Can kidney stones recur after treatment?
Yes, 50% patients get recurrent stones within 5 years without preventive care.
Does drinking beer help pass kidney stones?
Myth! Beer’s diuretic effect may help tiny stones, but alcohol dehydrates, worsening the risk.
What’s the cost of kidney stone treatment at AIIMS Delhi?
ESWL: ₹15,000–₹30,000 | PCNL: ₹40,000–₹70,000 (subsidized rates).
Is a stent necessary after kidney stone surgery?
Often yes (cost: ₹10,000–₹20,000). It prevents blockages during healing.
Can stress cause kidney stones?
Indirectly—stress leads to dehydration/poor diet, increasing stone risk.
Are kidney stones more common in men or women?
Men (12% risk) > Women (6%) due to hormonal differences.
What’s the cost of emergency kidney stone treatment?
Emergency surgery costs 20–30% more (₹1,50,000–₹2,50,000 for complex cases).
How much water should I drink after kidney stone surgery?
3–4L daily to flush out residual fragments and prevent recurrence.
Can home remedies dissolve kidney stones?
Only for tiny stones: Lemon juice + olive oil may help, but consult a doctor first.
What’s the cost of kidney stone treatment in Bangalore?
ESWL: ₹30,000–₹60,000
Laser: ₹70,000–₹1,50,000
Does obesity increase kidney stone risk?
Yes! Obese individuals have 35% higher risk due to metabolic changes.
Can I exercise after kidney stone surgery?
Wait 2–4 weeks; avoid heavy lifting to prevent bleeding.
What’s the cost of kidney stone treatment with insurance?
Depends on coverage. Most insurers cover 70–90% of hospitalization costs.
Are there payment plans for kidney stone surgery?
Many hospitals (e.g., Apollo, Manipal) offer EMI options for surgeries.
Which is safer: ESWL or laser lithotripsy?
Both are safe, but laser has higher precision for complex stones.
Can children get kidney stones?
Yes, due to genetic disorders or dehydration. Treatment costs are similar.
How much does kidney stone pain relief medication cost?
Painkillers (₹200–₹1,000/month) + alpha-blockers (₹500–₹2,000).
What’s the cost of kidney stone treatment in Hyderabad?
ESWL: ₹25,000–₹50,000
PCNL: ₹60,000–₹1,20,000
Can diabetes affect kidney stone treatment?
Yes, diabetics may need extra precautions due to slower healing.
Conclusion
Understanding the kidney stone treatment cost in India helps in making informed decisions. From ESWL to laser surgery, multiple options are available at different price points. Always consult a specialist for personalized advice.
Would you like additional details on insurance claims or diet tips to prevent kidney stones? Let us know in the comments!