Lithotripsy Cost in India: Plan Your Treatment in 2025

What is Lithotripsy?

Lithotripsy is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses shockwaves to break down kidney stones into smaller fragments. These fragments are then expelled from the body through urine. The procedure usually lasts 30 to 90 minutes and is commonly recommended for all those with kidney stone issues. 

The lithotripsy cost in India is affordable as compared to other medical destinations. Before we discuss the costs, let's see how it works.

How Does It Work?

Lithotripsy is a 3-step process comprising: 

• Shockwaves: This procedure uses high-energy shockwaves. These shock waves are guided by ultrasound and X-rays and focused on your kidney stones. 
• Fragmentation: The shock waves reaching your stones break them into smaller fragments. 
• Passage: These smaller fragments of your stones are flushed out of your body through your urine. 

Types of Lithotripsy

Lithotripsy is of four key types:

• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): The most common of the lithotripsy types is the ESWL. Your urologist will place the lithotripter machine outside your body during this procedure. They will then direct the machine to focus its shock waves on the stones. 
• Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL): In this procedure, your surgeon uses a ureteroscope to reach your urethral stone. Using a laser beam, this stone is broken down into smaller fragments. It is usually a more expensive technique than your ESWL.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: This procedure is more commonly recommended for larger, complex stones. This is the most expensive form of treatment available for lithotripsy. 
• Laser Lithotripsy: As the name suggests, this technique uses a laser beam. This laser beam, with the help of a scope, is often inserted into the urinary tract. 

Benefits of Performing Lithotripsy

There are several benefits of undergoing a lithotripsy procedure. The key ones are listed below: 

• Noninvasive: You do not need to undergo surgery or general anesthesia. This benefit makes noninvasive surgery a minimally risky option compared to traditional ones. 
• Effective: It is quite effective in breaking down your kidney stone into multiple smaller fragments. 
• Fast Recovery: The recovery period is typically faster and quicker than with most other procedures.

Now that you have a fair idea of lithotripsy, check your eligibility here before exploring the cost in India. 

Who Should Get Lithotripsy?

Lithotripsy is generally recommended for individuals suffering from kidney stones that are large enough not to pass naturally. These stones may cause pain, bleeding, and urinary tract infections. The procedure is also relevant for smaller stones, usually measuring less than 2 cm in diameter. 

You are eligible for lithotripsy if:

• The stone size is smaller than 1 cm or 10 mm
• Stones are causing pain, bleeding, and urinary tract infections
• Stones are too long to pass naturally out of the body
• Stones are present either in the upper ureter or the kidneys
• Stones can be easily located in X-rays

Not an ideal candidate for lithotripsy when:

• Stones are larger than 20 mm
• Stones are present in the lower ureter
• Stones are made from specific substances, such as struvite stones
• Suffering from specific medical conditions such as bleeding disorders, pregnancy, or certain infections

It's always a good idea to consult your urologist and family doctor to discuss your health concerns and make an informed decision. 

Lithotripsy Cost in India at a Glance

The cost of lithotripsy in India typically varies based on the size and complexity of the stones, the surgeon's expertise, and the facilities offered by the hospital. 

Lithotripsy procedure costs in India can broadly be categorized into the following approximate ranges:

• Minimum Cost: INR 30,000 to INR 50,000 (USD 350 – USD 590)
• Average Cost: INR 45,000 to INR 70,000 (USD 530 – USD 800)
• Maximum Cost: INR 1,10,000 to INR 1,18,000 (USD 1,300 – USD 1,390)

The figures above usually cover your entire routine lithotripsy in India, which is performed without complications.

Factors Influencing Lithotripsy Procedure Cost in India

Several factors can influence your ESWL cost in India. Some examples are the type of procedure chosen, the size and location of your stone, hospital selection, the expertise of your urologist, and diagnostic test charges. Here is a more detailed breakdown regarding the factors influencing the lithotripsy cost estimate in India: 

• Lithotripsy Type: The type of procedure determines a significant portion of your lithotripsy cost in India. 
• Size and Location of Stones: Larger stones require advanced surgeries, while smaller ones can be removed with basic procedures. Therefore, the size and location of your kidney stones significantly affect the cost of lithotripsy in India. 
• Choice of Hospital: Generally, private hospitals charge more than government hospitals, as they are equipped with advanced technologies. 
• Surgeon's Expertise: The overall non-invasive kidney stone removal cost in India also depends on your surgeon's experience and the number of follow-ups.

City-Wise Cost of Lithotripsy in India

Below is an overview of the ESWL cost in India across major Indian cities. Their USD equivalents are subject to fluctuations in the currency rate. 

The table above suggests that the cost of lithotripsy in India is higher in metropolitan cities than in tier-2 cities. The most probable reason for this difference in the costing structure is the accumulation of hospitals and experts in these urban cities. 

ESWL Cost in India vs. Other Countries

Medical tourism is thriving in India and abroad. Here is a quick overview of the cost variations in India and other major countries. 

From the table above, it is evident that you can find affordable lithotripsy in India compared to other countries around the globe. India is subsequently followed by Thailand, Turkey, the UK, the UAE, and the USA in terms of affordability. 

Additional Expenses: Pre- and Post-Lithotripsy Procedure Cost in India

Pre-Treatment Costs

1. Consultations & Diagnostic Tests:

• Specialist Consult: INR 1,500 to INR 2,000 (USD 17 – USD 30)
• Diagnostic Imaging: INR 8,000 to INR 10,000 (USD 90 – USD 110)
• Laboratory Testing: INR 500 to INR 1,000 (USD 5 – USD 10)

2. Other Evaluations:
Your cost of lithotripsy in India may increase if you are dealing with other medical issues, such as bleeding.

Post-Treatment Costs

• Medications: INR 500 to INR 5,000 (USD 5 – USD 60)
• Follow-Up Consultations: INR 1,500 to INR 2,000 (USD 17 – USD 30)

Unexpected Complications

Lithotripsy procedures can lead to severe bleeding around the kidneys, urinary tract infections, and obstructions from stone fragments. These complications can increase your lithotripsy surgery costs in India. 

Insurance Coverage and Financing

Most health insurance plans cover lithotripsy costs in India. However, the extent of your policy coverage depends on the specific policy provider. It is, therefore, vital for you to thoroughly review your policy details. While certain policies may cover the entire cost, others will only cover a percentage or specific parts of your entire procedure. 

Usually, health policies cover diagnostic tests, follow-ups, medications, and lithotripsy itself. Coverage varies based on different factors related to policy type, insurer, and what you have specifically included or excluded from your policy. If your policy does not cover the entire cost, you can contact the hospitals providing your treatment to offer you the best payment plans and financing options.

Specific policies may have waiting periods before they cover your procedure, including kidney stone removal surgery. If your condition is pre-existing, you may face exclusions. Check all these aspects with your insurance service provider. 

Tips to Reduce Lithotripsy Cost in India

Here are some quick tips for reducing your ESWL cost in India 

• Research and Compare: Thoroughly research the pricing and features of several hospitals, urologists, and supporting medical specialists. 
• Leverage Health Insurances: Check if your insurance service provider offers cashless hospitalization support. Ensure that your insurance service provider has a legal agreement with your hospital. 
• Explore Payment Options: Check with the hospital and insurance service provider for installment options. They may also have financial assistance programs. Check for discounts on early payments.
• Prioritize Government or Tier-2 City Hospital: Government hospitals typically offer affordable lithotripsy compared to private hospitals in India.

Why Choose MediJourney for Lithotripsy in India?

Lithotripsy is usually a safe procedure. However, it is essential to find the right surgeon and hospital and to utilize the appropriate facilities and services. MediJourney has been connecting patients and their families with specialists, super specialists, and hospitals across India and around the world. We have spent years gathering accurate information for you, and we are delivering it transparently. 

Besides cost, we also help you connect with the best urologists in your chosen town, so you need not worry about the doctor's authenticity. We only connect you with top professionals who have ample expertise and experience in performing lithotripsy. 

If you are undergoing overseas treatment, we are here to support you with all your visa requirements, the documentation process, and language translation. You don't need to worry about administrative processing when we're here to guide you every step of the way. 

Let's connect to discuss your lithotripsy requirements today! 

FAQs About Lithotripsy in India

Q1. How much does lithotripsy cost per session in India?

Answer: The lithotripsy cost in India ranges between 30,000 to 50,000 INR (350 - 590 USD). 

Q2. What is the average cost of ESWL treatment in India?

Answer: The average ESWL cost in India ranges between 45,000 to 70,000 INR (530 - 800 USD). 

Q3. What are the factors affecting lithotripsy/ESWL costs in India?

Answer: Below are the factors influencing lithotripsy or ESWL cost in India:

• Lithotripsy Type
• Size and Location of Stones
• Choice of Hospital
• Surgeon's Expertise

Q4. Does insurance cover lithotripsy/ESWL in India?

Answer: Yes, lithotripsy or ESWL is covered under most insurance policies in India.