Types of Balanitis Surgery and Their Cost
Circumcision is generally considered to be an effective treatment for balanitis. There are primarily 3 methods of performing a circumcision. Depending on the equipment they use, they vary slightly in cost:
- Laser Circumcision: Laser circumcision is an advanced and minimally invasive surgical procedure that is performed to remove the foreskin. As the name suggests, a laser circumcision uses a highly focused beam of medical laser to make precise incisions along a predetermined incision line around the foreskin. Due to its high precision and minimally invasive nature, it carries significantly less risk of any deep cuts or excessive bleeding. The entire procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia, and recovery can take anywhere from 7-10 days to complete. On average, laser circumcision costs in India can start from Rs. 26,000 and go as high as Rs. 34,500. However, depending on a multitude of factors, the exact surgery cost will likely vary.
- Stapler Circumcision: Stapler circumcision is another alternative that your urologist may suggest to remove the foreskin. A stapler circumcision surgery uses a stapler device, an advanced and disposable surgical device, to cut and remove the foreskin. This stapler device fits snugly around the head of the penis and, once fired, makes a precise incision to cut the foreskin. Simultaneously, it also leaves a silicone ring around the incision wound to close it off, prevent any excess bleeding and promote better healing. This silicone ring will fall off on its own once the incision wound has healed completely (which generally takes 7-14 days). The average cost of stapler circumcision surgery in India can range anywhere from Rs. 26,500 to Rs. 35,000.
- Open Circumcision: Open circumcision, medically referred to as the open-dorsal slit technique, is a conventional form of removing the foreskin. In an open circumcision procedure, the surgeon makes an incision along the upper length of the foreskin from the tip of the corona using a scalpel or surgical scissors. Once the incision is made, the foreskin is pulled back to expose the penis glans. Compared to a stapler or laser procedure, open circumcision is a more invasive method of foreskin removal and carries a slightly increased risk of complications such as bleeding or infection.
On average, open circumcision operation costs in India can range anywhere from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 35,000. However, depending on a multitude of factors, the exact surgery cost will likely vary.
Cost of Different Balanitis Surgeries
| Types |
Minimum Cost in India
|
Average Cost in India
|
Maximum Cost in India
|
|
Laser Circumcision
|
Rs. 26,000
|
Rs. 30,000
|
Rs. 34,500
|
|
Stapler Circumcision
|
Rs. 26,500
|
Rs. 30,500
|
Rs. 35,000
|
|
Open Circumcision
|
Rs. 20,000
|
Rs. 27,500
|
Rs. 35,000
|
Factors that Affect the Cost of Balanitis Surgery in India
Depending on various factors, the balanitis surgery cost will likely vary. Some factors that may affect the overall cost of your balanitis surgery are given below:
- Method of Surgery: There are primarily 3 methods of performing a circumcision surgery to treat balanitis. Depending on the method you opt for or the one recommended to you by your urologist, the exact surgery cost is likely to vary.
- City you Undergo Surgery: Surgeries of any kind are generally more expensive in metropolitan cities across India as compared to non-metropolitan cities. Depending on where you undergo surgery, the exact circumcision surgery cost will likely vary.
- Consultation and Operating Fees: Depending on the experience and proficiency of your urologist, consultation and operating fees are likely to vary. Typically, urologists with more experience charge more consultation and operating fees as compared to urologists with less experience.
- Hospital Charges: These generally include admission charges, operating room charges, anesthetist fees, bed charges, meal service, and medications. The cost of these amenities and facilities may add up and cause your exact circumcision surgery cost to vary.
- Preoperative Tests and Diagnostics: Prior to surgery, your urologist will likely perform a series of simple tests and diagnostics. These generally include routine physical examinations, blood tests, urinalysis, and swab tests. The cost of these preoperative diagnostic tests may add up and affect the overall circumcision surgery cost.
Cost of Different Components of Balanitis Surgery
There are various components when it comes to any kind of surgical procedure. Depending on such costs, the exact cost of your balanitis surgery may vary:
- Consultation Charges: Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000
- Surgeon’s Fees: Rs. 6000 to Rs. 10,000
- Anesthesia Cost: Rs. 5000 to Rs. 15,000
- Preoperative Diagnostic Tests: Rs. 300 to Rs. 600
- Medicine Fees: Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000
- Follow-ups: Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000
Is Balanitis Surgery Covered by Insurance in India?
Yes, a circumcision operation for balanitis is generally covered by most health insurance plans in India as it is deemed to be medically necessary by your healthcare provider. If left untreated for prolonged periods, balanitis can lead to complications such as Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO) or phimosis.
Prior to surgery, it is best to have a detailed discussion about the inclusions and exclusions of your balanitis surgery with your insurance provider.
