Bypass Surgery Cost in India

What is a Bypass Surgery?

Bypass surgery is a type of heart surgery performed to improve or restore blood flow around a blocked or partially blocked artery. Also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), it creates an alternate path for the blood to flow by taking a healthy blood vessel from another body part and connecting it below the blocked heart artery. A blocked artery can obstruct blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to a heart attack.

Usually, bypass surgery is performed during an emergency in case of a heart attack or suggested when alternate treatments for coronary artery disease do not work. However, a coronary artery bypass surgery does not cure heart diseases causing the blockage. It helps to reduce the symptoms, like chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. and the risk of death.

Types of Bypass Surgery

Take a look at the different types of bypass surgery below:

1. On-Pump Bypass Surgery

   An On-Pump Bypass Surgery involves making a large incision in the chest and stopping the heart temporarily using a heart-lung bypass machine. It is traditionally an open-heart surgery.

2. Off-Pump Bypass Surgery

   An Off-Pump Bypass Surgery is performed by making a large incision in the chest but without stopping the heart or using a heart-lung bypass machine. It is also known as beating heart surgery.

3. Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery

   A Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery is performed by making several small incisions, usually between the ribs and on the sides, instead of one large incision. The camera and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions to carry out the surgery.

4. Robotic Bypass Surgery

   A Robotic Bypass Surgery is performed with the help of a highly precise robotic machine or mechanical device by making small puncture wounds on both sides of the chest. These punctures allow the arms of the robotic machine to access the heart and perform the surgery. The surgeon controls the movement of the robotic device using a console.

Cost of Bypass Surgery in India

Bypass surgeries can be really expensive. The bypass surgery cost in India ranges from ₹2,00,000 to ₹7,00,000, depending on various factors. Check out the following table to know the cost of different types of bypass surgery in India:

Note: The above bypass surgery costs are not precise and may vary as per the type of hospital and the city where the surgery is performed.

Factors Affecting Bypass Surgery Costs in India

The cost of a coronary artery bypass surgery depends on several factors. Take a look at them below:

1. Type of Bypass Surgery

   The type of bypass surgery to be performed affects its cost. For instance, robotic bypass surgery is more expensive than an off-pump bypass surgery due to fewer complications and a faster recovery period.

2. Type of Hospital

   The hospital where the surgery takes place impacts the cost of the bypass surgery. For example, undergoing bypass surgery in a reputed private hospital will cost more than in a government hospital. This is because patients can receive dedicated care and better facilities in a private hospital compared to a government hospital.

3. Type of City

   The city where the surgery is being performed also determines the bypass surgery costs. Healthcare expenses in a tier-1 city are more costly than tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Hence, bypass surgery will cost more in a tier-1 city like Delhi than in a tier-2 city like Lucknow.

4. Expertise and Reputation of the Surgeon

   The expertise and reputation of the cardiologist also impact the cost of bypass surgery. A well-known cardiac surgeon known for his expertise will charge more for bypass surgery than a lesser-known surgeon.

5. Duration of Hospital Stay

   The duration of hospitalization for a bypass surgery also affects its costs. The longer a person is hospitalized, the higher will be the cost of the surgery. For instance, a person undergoing a minimally invasive bypass surgery will recover faster than someone undergoing an on-pump bypass surgery and, thus, will incur lesser hospitalization expenses.

6. Pre-existing Diseases (PED)

   Pre-existing illnesses of the patient also determine the cost of the bypass surgery. People suffering from pre-existing diseases like diabetes, hypertension, etc., may require greater care & constant monitoring during and after the surgery. This may increase the overall cost of the bypass surgery.

7. Types of Grafts Used

   The type of grafts and medical tools used by the surgeon during the bypass surgery also impact its cost. The higher is the quality of the medical tools and grafts, the higher will be the bypass surgery cost.

Does Health Insurance Cover Bypass Surgery Costs in India?

Yes. Health insurance plans cover the cost of bypass surgery. It pays for the cost of hospitalization, including room rent, OT charges, surgeon's fees, nursing charges, etc., along with pre and post-hospitalization expenses. Besides, several plans cover the cost of consumables, ambulance services and modern treatments, among others. However, the exact coverage may vary from one health plan to another.

Moreover, critical illness insurance plans pay a lump sum amount to the patient in case of a heart attack or coronary artery bypass surgery. Alternatively, some insurers also offer customized heart insurance plans that cover the cost of bypass surgery.

However, all health insurance plans cover bypass surgery after an initial waiting period of days. Critical illness insurance plans provide coverage after a waiting period of up to 90 days. In case of pre-existing heart ailments, coverage will be available usually after a PED waiting period of 1 to 3 years.

Tips to Improve Heart Health

Here are a few tips to improve heart health and reduce the chances of cardiac diseases:

• Eat a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.
• Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Sleep for at least 7 to 9 hours every night to keep heart diseases at bay.
• Limit the intake of food with excess sugar, salt and saturated fat.
• Exercise regularly for at least 30-60 minutes to keep the heart healthy.
• Stop smoking and consuming tobacco to reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Practice meditation, mindfulness and yoga to manage stress levels.