Learn about Polycythemia Rubra Vera Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Polycythemia Rubra Vera and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Polycythemia Rubra Vera

Polycythemia Vera (PV), also known as Polycythemia Rubra Vera, is a rare, chronic blood cancer where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, thickening the blood and increasing the risk of clots. A hematologist manages this condition through a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at reducing blood thickness and preventing complications like stroke or heart attack. The primary procedure is therapeutic phlebotomy, where a specific amount of blood is regularly removed, similar to blood donation. This is often combined with medications like hydroxyurea or interferon to suppress bone marrow overactivity. Management is lifelong and focuses on symptom control, reducing thrombotic risk, and monitoring for disease progression into other blood disorders.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Usually outpatient (0 days). Hospitalization may be required for complications or specific treatments.
  • checked 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.

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.

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Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Joseph Rajendran
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mallikarjun Kalashetty
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Giripunja M
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhijit Baheti
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Satish Kumar A Kumar
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rajendra Pol
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nakul Dilip Tikare
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Satish Kumar A
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prashanth B
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Maitreyee Bhattacharyya
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Maitrayee Bhattacharya
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jasashwi Chakraborty
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. J Jhansi
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sumit Mitra
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Hematologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated