NeuHealth Trips

Craniotomy

Cost

$4,000 - $8,000

  • Procedure Type: Surgical Procedure
  • Hospitalization Days: 7-14 days
  • Procedure Duration: 3-6 hrs
  • Success Rate: 85-95%

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A craniotomy is a serious brain surgery often recommended when conditions such as brain tumors, bleeding, swelling, or abnormal blood vessels cannot be treated with medicines alone. The idea of neurosurgery can be frightening, but advances in neurosurgery have made craniotomy safer, more precise, and more successful than ever before.

Craniotomy in India is widely chosen by international patients because of highly skilled neurosurgeons, advanced brain imaging and navigation technology, excellent intensive care support, and affordable treatment costs. India treats thousands of complex brain cases every year with outcomes comparable to top global centers. The cost of craniotomy in India ranges from USD 4,000 to USD 8,000.

Leading Hospitals for Craniotomy

What is Craniotomy?

Craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which a small portion of the skull is temporarily removed to allow surgeons to access the brain. After the brain condition is treated, the removed bone is placed back and secured.

Craniotomy may be performed to:

  • Remove a brain tumor
  • Control bleeding after a head injury
  • Treat brain swelling or pressure
  • Repair abnormal blood vessels
  • Remove blood clots or infections
  • Control epilepsy in selected cases

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia by a specialized neurosurgical team. Craniotomy allows direct and precise treatment of serious brain conditions that cannot be managed otherwise.

Types of Craniotomy

Craniotomy is a broad term that includes several surgical approaches, chosen based on tumor location, size, depth, urgency, and nearby brain structures. Modern neurosurgery no longer relies on a single large opening; instead, surgeons select the most targeted and least invasive route to reach the problem safely. Indian neurosurgical centers routinely perform both traditional and advanced craniotomy techniques, matching global standards.

1. Standard (Conventional) Craniotomy

This is the most commonly performed craniotomy, in which a section of the skull is temporarily removed over the affected brain area.

It is used for:

  • Brain tumors
  • Bleeding or blood clots
  • Brain swelling
  • Infections or abscesses

This approach allows wide exposure and is chosen when the condition is extensive or emergency in nature.

2. Extended Bifrontal Craniotomy

Extended bifrontal craniotomy is used for large tumors or lesions located at the front of the brain, especially those involving both frontal lobes or the skull base.

This approach is commonly used for:

  • Large meningiomas
  • Tumors near the optic nerves
  • Anterior skull base tumors

Although more extensive, it provides excellent visibility and control, helping surgeons remove complex tumors safely.

3. Minimally Invasive Supra-Orbital “Eyebrow” Craniotomy

This is a keyhole, minimally invasive craniotomy, performed through a small incision hidden within the eyebrow.

It is used for:

  • Small to medium brain tumors
  • Aneurysms
  • Pituitary and skull-base lesions

Benefits include:

  • Smaller incision and minimal scarring
  • Less pain and blood loss
  • Faster recovery

This technique is available at advanced neurosurgical centers in India.

4. Pterional (Frontotemporal) Craniotomy

This approach accesses the brain from the side of the head and is commonly used for:

  • Brain aneurysms
  • Tumors near the frontal and temporal lobes
  • Certain skull base lesions

It offers good access to critical blood vessels while protecting brain function.

5. Awake Craniotomy

Awake craniotomy is performed when surgery is close to areas controlling speech, movement, or memory. The patient is awake during part of the procedure so surgeons can monitor brain function in real time. This technique significantly reduces the risk of neurological damage and is widely used in modern tumor surgery.

6. Decompressive Craniotomy

This life-saving procedure is done when there is severe brain swelling due to trauma, stroke, or infection. A portion of the skull is temporarily left open to relieve pressure, and the bone is replaced later once swelling subsides.

7. Skull Base Craniotomy

Skull base craniotomy is used for deep-seated tumors near nerves and blood vessels.

It requires:

  • Advanced neuronavigation
  • Microsurgical techniques
  • Highly experienced neurosurgeons

Indian centers with skull base programs perform these surgeries with excellent outcomes.

8. Functional Craniotomy (Epilepsy & Movement Disorders)

In selected patients with drug-resistant epilepsy or movement disorders, craniotomy is used to remove or disconnect the abnormal brain area. Pre-surgical brain mapping ensures safety and precision.

Indian neurosurgical centers offer the full spectrum of advanced craniotomy techniques, ensuring effective treatment with improved safety, faster recovery, and better long-term outcomes.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Craniotomy?

Craniotomy is recommended only after careful evaluation by neurosurgeons.

You may be a candidate if:

  • You have a brain tumor or mass
  • There is bleeding or swelling in the brain
  • You have a brain aneurysm or AVM
  • Medications are not effective
  • Your condition threatens brain function or life

Doctors consider age, overall health, and neurological condition before recommending surgery. Proper patient selection ensures the best possible outcome and safety.

Pre-Surgery Preparation & Diagnostics

Extensive evaluation is required before brain surgery to ensure accuracy and safety.

Common tests include:

  • MRI or CT scan of the brain
  • Functional MRI (if needed)
  • Angiography (for blood vessel problems)
  • Blood tests
  • Heart and lung evaluation
  • Neurological assessment
  • Anesthesia consultation

Patients and families are counseled about risks, benefits, and recovery expectations. Thorough preparation reduces surgical risks and improves treatment success.

What’s Included in the Package?

Craniotomy packages in India are designed to cover essential hospital services.

Typically included:

  • Neurosurgeon and neurologist consultations
  • Pre-operative investigations
  • Surgery and anesthesia charges
  • Operating theatre and equipment
  • ICU stay
  • Hospital room charges
  • In-hospital medications
  • Nursing care and monitoring
  • Discharge summary and guidance

Not usually included:

  • Long-term medications
  • Rehabilitation after discharge
  • Treatment of unrelated conditions

Transparent packages help families plan treatment clearly and confidently.

Leading Doctors for Craniotomy

Why Choose India for Craniotomy?

India has made significant milestones in advanced neurosurgery over the past two decades. Indian hospitals were among the early adopters of neuronavigation, intraoperative MRI, neuro-endoscopy, and awake brain surgery techniques. Today, leading centers routinely handle highly complex brain cases with excellent outcomes.

Key reasons patients choose India:

  • Highly experienced neurosurgeons trained internationally
  • Advanced brain imaging and navigation systems
  • Dedicated neuro-ICUs and rehabilitation units
  • High surgical volumes and proven outcomes
  • Internationally accredited hospitals (JCI & NABH)
  • Short waiting times
  • Treatment costs are 60-70% lower than in Western countries

India combines neurosurgical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and affordability for world-class brain surgery care.

Insurance, Medical Visa & Travel Support

Planning a major brain surgery like a craniotomy in another country requires careful coordination of medical care, documentation, and travel logistics. Indian medical facilitators offer dedicated international patient services to ensure patients and their families experience a smooth and well-organized treatment journey from arrival to recovery.

Insurance Support

Insurance coverage for craniotomy depends on the patient’s policy and the medical condition being treated. Our team will assist you by preparing detailed medical reports, treatment cost estimates, operative notes, and discharge summaries that may be required for insurance reimbursement or claim submission. While many international patients choose self-payment, proper documentation helps avoid delays and confusion.

Medical Visa Assistance

Most international patients require a Medical Visa (M-Visa) to undergo neurosurgery in India. You will be provided with official medical visa invitation letters and will be guided through the visa application process. Support is also available for attendant visas for family members and for visa extensions if the recovery period extends beyond the initial visa duration.

Travel & Local Support

To ensure comfort and convenience during treatment, we will assist you with:

  • Airport pickup and drop-off services
  • Arranging accommodation near the hospital
  • Local transportation for hospital visits
  • Interpreter services, if required
  • Coordination of follow-up appointments before departure

With organized insurance assistance, reliable medical visa support, and complete travel coordination, patients and families can focus fully on treatment and recovery while all logistical needs are handled professionally and efficiently.

What is the Cost of a Craniotomy in India?

The cost of a craniotomy in India is significantly lower than in many Western countries, while maintaining high standards of neurosurgical care. Even with advanced technology, experienced neurosurgeons, and modern intensive care support, India offers craniotomy at a fraction of the global cost. On average, the cost of a craniotomy in India ranges from USD 4,000 to USD 8,000. This cost generally covers the core components of treatment, including surgery, anesthesia, ICU care, and hospital stay.

Approximate cost range by case complexity:

  • Standard craniotomy for tumors or lesions: USD 4,000 - USD 6,000
  • Moderately complex craniotomy (vascular or deep-seated lesions): USD 5,000 - USD 7,000
  • Advanced or navigation-assisted craniotomy: USD 6,000 - USD 8,000

These prices are considerably lower than in countries like the USA or UK, where similar procedures can cost several times more. With transparent pricing, advanced neurosurgical expertise, and comprehensive hospital care, India offers high-quality craniotomy without financial strain.

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What Influences the Cost of Craniotomy in India?

Several factors affect the final cost.

These include:

  • Type and location of brain condition
  • Use of advanced technology
  • ICU stay duration
  • Hospital category
  • Surgeon’s expertise
  • Post-operative complications, if any

Each patient receives a personalized cost estimate. Understanding cost factors helps families plan treatment realistically.

India vs. Other Countries: Cost Comparison

Comparing costs globally highlights India’s affordability.

CountryApproximate Cost (USD)
India4,000 - 8,000
Turkey10,000 - 25,000
Thailand15,000 - 50,000
USA50,000 - 150,000
UK40,000 - 100,000
UAE30,000 - 70,000
Singapore35,000 - 80,000

India delivers advanced neurosurgery at a fraction of international costs.

Procedure, Hospital Stay & Rehabilitation Timeline

Craniotomy follows a carefully structured treatment pathway.

Procedure

Surgery usually lasts 3 to 6 hours, depending on complexity. Advanced navigation helps surgeons work precisely.

Hospital Stay

  • ICU: 2-5 days
  • Total hospital stay: 7-14 days

Rehabilitation

Early rehabilitation begins in the hospital with physiotherapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy if needed. Structured care ensures safe surgery and smooth early recovery.

Recovery Timeline and Aftercare

Recovery after craniotomy is gradual and closely monitored.

Recovery Timeline:

  • First 1-2 weeks: Rest and monitoring
  • Weeks 3-4: Gradual activity increase
  • 1-2 months: Return to daily routine (varies)

Aftercare includes:

  • Medications as prescribed
  • Wound care
  • Follow-up brain scans
  • Avoiding heavy activity
  • Rehabilitation therapy, if advised

Proper aftercare plays a critical role in long-term neurological recovery.

Reach out to us today for a free consultation and customized treatment plan.

Our services are FREE and by using our services your hospital bill does not increase!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is craniotomy safe in India?

Yes, when performed at experienced neurosurgical centers, craniotomy in India is safe with high success rates.

Is craniotomy painful?

Pain is managed effectively with medications. Most discomfort improves within days.

How long does craniotomy surgery take?

It usually takes between 3 and 6 hours, depending on complexity.

Will I need ICU care after surgery?

Yes, most patients require ICU monitoring for a few days.

Can craniotomy cure brain tumors?

Many tumors can be completely removed or well-controlled with surgery.

How long does recovery take?

Initial recovery takes weeks, while full recovery may take months.

Can I walk after a craniotomy?

Most patients begin walking within a few days with assistance.

Will there be permanent effects after surgery?

This depends on the brain area involved; many patients recover fully.

How long should I stay in India after surgery?

International patients usually stay 4 to 6 weeks, depending on recovery.

How do I start treatment in India?

You can begin by sharing medical reports for expert evaluation and planning.

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