About Polycythemia Rubra Vera
Key Highlights
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Effectively reduces high red blood cell count and blood thickness.Lowers the significant risk of life-threatening blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.Alleviates debilitating symptoms like headaches, dizziness, itching, and fatigue.Helps prevent complications like an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly).Involves a personalized, long-term management plan under specialist care.Therapeutic phlebotomy is a straightforward, low-risk procedure for immediate relief./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of Polycythemia Vera based on blood tests and JAK2 mutation analysis.
- Elevated hematocrit (typically >45% in men, >42% in women) or high red blood cell mass.
- Presence of symptoms like severe headaches, vision problems, dizziness, itching (especially after a warm shower), and fatigue.
- High risk of or history of thrombotic events (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, stroke, heart attack).
- Presence of an enlarged spleen causing discomfort or early satiety.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or other cardiovascular risks exacerbated by thick blood.
How to prepare
- Initial comprehensive evaluation by a hematologist, including full medical history and physical exam.
- Completion of diagnostic blood tests (CBC, JAK2 mutation, EPO level) and possibly a bone marrow biopsy.
- For therapeutic phlebotomy: ensure good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids before the procedure.
- Discuss all current medications with the doctor, as some (like aspirin) may need adjustment.
- Wear comfortable clothing with easy access to the arms.
- No fasting is typically required for phlebotomy unless specified by the doctor.
Risks & possible complications
- Iron deficiency anemia as a side effect of frequent phlebotomies.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting during or after blood removal.
- Bruising or infection at the needle insertion site (rare).
- Medication side effects (e.g., hydroxyurea can lower white blood cells, interferon may cause flu-like symptoms).
- Progression to more serious conditions like myelofibrosis (bone marrow scarring) or acute leukemia (small risk).
- Blood clots despite treatment, leading to stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.
- Gout or peptic ulcers due to high cell turnover.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediately after phlebotomy: rest for 10-15 minutes, drink extra fluids, and avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
- Long-term management involves regular follow-up appointments for blood tests to monitor counts.
- Adherence to prescribed medication schedules is crucial for controlling cell production.
- Lifestyle modifications are recommended, including low-dose aspirin (if prescribed), staying well-hydrated, and moderate exercise.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms like severe headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual bleeding/bruising promptly.
- Regular screening for potential complications and disease progression is part of ongoing care.
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Typical hospital stay: Usually outpatient (0 days). Hospitalization may be required for complications or specific treatments.
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Expected recovery time: Lifelong management. Immediate post-phlebotomy recovery is 1-2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering polycythemia rubra vera in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for polycythemia rubra vera in India include Manipal Hospital Ranchi, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform polycythemia rubra vera. MediFyr helps you compare hematologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for polycythemia rubra vera compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 50 Thousand – 300 Thousand | Usually outpatient (0 days). Hospitalization may be required for complications or specific treatments. | ~ Lifelong management. Immediate post-phlebotomy recovery is 1-2 days. | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 175 Thousand – 1.05 Million | Usually outpatient (0 days). Hospitalization may be required for complications or specific treatments. | ~ Lifelong management. Immediate post-phlebotomy recovery is 1-2 days. | Know More |
Top hospitals for Polycythemia Rubra Vera in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated hematology teams and experience managing patients undergoing polycythemia rubra vera.
Michael Davis, a 58-year-old long-haul truck...
Michael Davis, a 58-year-old long-haul truck driver, had always prided himself on his stamina. Over the past year, however, he began feeling constantly exhausted, with debilitating headaches and intense itching after a hot shower. His wife noticed his face and hands had a ruddy, sunburned look even in winter. After a routine physical showed a sky-high hemoglobin level, his GP referred him to hematologist Dr. Chen. Dr. Chen diagnosed Polycythemia Vera and recommended phlebotomy to immediately reduce his dangerously thick blood, followed by a daily low-dose aspirin and eventual medication. Michael was anxious about 'bloodletting' but felt immediate relief after his first session, the pressure in his head lifted. Regular phlebotomies every 8 weeks, combined with medication, have brought his blood counts under control. He's back on the road, with more energy and no itching. Emotionally, he went from fearing a life-ending diagnosis to managing a chronic condition with gratitude for a simple, effective treatment.
Hematologists for Polycythemia Rubra Vera
Explore experienced hematologists who regularly perform polycythemia rubra vera and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 11 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 10 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 18 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
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- 14 Years Experience
- Hematologist
- 27 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Hematologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 13 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 8 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Hematologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata