How Much Does a Gamma Knife for AVM in Malaysia Cost?

A gamma knife is a non-invasive treatment option for AVM that involves delivering high doses of radiation to the AVM while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue.

Many international patients fly each year to Malaysia for gamma knife surgery to treat AVM. Malaysia is known for providing excellent patient care and world-class medical facilities, making it a favorable medical tourist destination.

If we talk about the cost of gamma knife treatment for AVN, it is relatively less when compared to western nations. But this does not imply that the quality of medical services is also less as few of the Malaysian hospitals are accredited by JCI, which means they provide international standards of medical care.

A Gamma knife for AVM in Malaysia cost around USD 11169 to USD 13640 whereas in the USA this cost can go as high as USD 50000.

What is AVM?

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord.

It is a rare condition that can cause bleeding, seizures, and other neurological symptoms.

AVM is treated with the help of gamma knife surgery. The success rate of a gamma knife radiosurgery for AVM sized 1-2 cm can be up to 95%.

What is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?

Gamma knife is a non-invasive treatment option for arteriovenous malformation (AVM). It is a type of radiosurgery that uses a specialized machine to deliver high doses of radiation to the AVM. The procedure involves using multiple beams of radiation that converge on the AVM, delivering a precise and targeted radiation dose.

Gamma knife surgery is a relatively newer technique for treating brain tumors and arteriovenous malformation. Unlike standard neurosurgery, it does not require prolonged hospital stays and also does not carry the risk of bleeding. It is a daycare procedure, and the patients are generally discharged within 24 hours.

What is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Used for?

Gamma knife is frequently used for brain tumors and arteriovenous malformation.

Gamma knife radiosurgery is generally performed when –

The tumor or the abnormality is difficult to reach for normal neurosurgery.

The patient prefers a non-invasive treatment.

The patient's general health does not allow him/her to undergo traditional surgery.

How is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery Performed?

First, a lightweight frame is attached to the head with four pins. The frame helps stabilize the head during the radiation treatment.

After the head frame is attached, the patient undergoes imaging tests to confirm the location and size of AVM with respect to the head frame.

The results of the scan are entered into a computerized planning system, and the treatment is accordingly planned.

After that, you are made to lie on the bed that slides into the gamma knife machine, where radiations are delivered.

An IV tube is generally inserted in the arm to deliver medicines and contrast if needed.

The treatment can last anywhere between 30 minutes to three hours. After the treatment, the table moves out of the gamma knife machine, and the head frame is removed.

What is the Cost of Gamma Knife for AVM in Malaysia?

The cost of gamma knife treatment for AVN in Malaysia is between USD 11169 to USD 13640.

The exact price is affected by different factors like consultation charges of doctors, hospital chosen, number of sessions needed, etc.

What is Included in the Cost of Gamma Knife for AVM?

The cost of gamma knife is inclusive of –

1. Consultation charges
2. Cost of surgery
3. Basic investigation
4. Surgeons fees
5. Room charges
6. Operation Theater charges
7. Anesthesia charges
8. Pharmacy charges

Gamma Knife Treatment Cost in Malaysia – A Comparison with Other Countries

The cost of gamma knife surgery for AVM in Malaysia is much more feasible when compared to other nations.

Country Gamma Knife Treatment Cost

Malaysia $11169 - $13640

USA $25000 - $50000

UK $27000 - $35000

Singapore $44000 - $66000

What are the Factors Affecting Cost of Gamma Knife for AVM in Malaysia?

The total cost of gamma knife radiosurgery depends upon various factors. Some of these are listed below.

1. Type of hospital
2. Consultation charges of the doctor
3. Hospital stay
4. The type of gamma knife machine used
5. Number of sessions needed
6. Diagnostic tests prior to therapy
7. Any additional facility opted for by the patient

Top Neurosurgeons for Gamma Knife in Malaysia

Dr. Selvapragasam – Dr. Selvapragasam is one of the top neurosurgeons in Malaysia. He completed his MBBS in 1973 and has an experience of 48 plus years. Dr. Selvapragasm is also a member of the Malaysian Medical Council. He specializes in gamma knife surgery, craniospinal surgery, and traumatic brain and spine surgery.

Dr. Sukumar S. – Dr. Sukumar is a renowned neurosurgeon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is skilled in gamma knife surgery, cyber knife surgery, pituitary tumor surgery, and brain clot surgery.

Dr. Chee Chee Pin – Dr. Chee Chee Pin is a trained neurosurgeon who has been working for the past 38 years. He completed his studies at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and is an active member of the CNS (Congress of Neurological Surgeons), USA. He is efficient in speaking English, Chinese, and Mandarin.

Dr. Gurmit Singh – Dr. Gurmit Singh completed his M.S. from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2000. He is a skilled neurosurgeon with 28 years of experience. Dr. Gurmit specializes in gamma knife surgery, deep brain stimulation, brain tumor surgery, and laminectomy.

Dr. B. Gunasekaran – Dr. B. Gunasekaran is a senior neurosurgeon who has been practicing for the past 40 years. He obtained a Fellowship from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 1983. He is a specialist in nerve surgery, gamma knife surgery, brain and spine surgery, and microsurgery.

Malaysia is one of the most preferred medical tourism destinations for people looking for gamma knife surgery for treating AVM. There are various hospitals offering Gamma Knife radiosurgery in Malaysia at affordable prices. Malaysia attracts international patients from all over the world because of the easy availability of skilled neurosurgeons and top-class diagnostic facilities.