Aster Medcity Kochi – India
About Dr. Dilip Panekar
Dr. Dilip Panikar is exceptionally talented and one of the best neurosurgeons in India.. Renowned for his unparalleled expertise in Micro Neurosurgery, he has mastered highly advanced and unique surgical procedures. Dr. Panikar trained at the prestigious Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology and has held esteemed positions like Professor & Head of Neurosurgery. His special interests lie in complex fields such as Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, Neuro-Oncology, and Functional Neurosurgery for movement disorders and epilepsy. As a top neurosurgeon in Kochi, he is dedicated to delivering world-class surgical care with precision, compassion, and a focus on achieving the best possible patient outcomes.
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees
- M.Ch (Neurosurgery) - Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
- MS (General Surgery) - M.S. University, Baroda
- MBBS - M.S. University, Baroda
Areas of Expertise
Major Conditions Treated
- Brain Tumours: Gliomas, Meningiomas, Pituitary Tumours, Skull Base Tumours
- Epilepsy and Movement Disorders
- Neurovascular Conditions: Aneurysms, Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
- Craniofacial Deformities
- Paediatric Neurosurgical Conditions
- Spinal Cord Tumours and Disorders
- Neuro-Oncology (Brain Tumour Surgery)
- Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
- Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery
- Neurovascular Surgery
- Paediatric Neurosurgery
- Epilepsy Surgery
- Micro Neurosurgery for brain and spine
- Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery for Craniofacial Deformities
- Stereotactic Brain Surgery
- Surgery for Epilepsy
- Complex Vascular Neurosurgery
List of Disease and Treatment for which Dr. Dilip Panekar can be consulted
Professional Experience
Current Affiliations:
- Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery - Aster Medcity, Kochi
- Professor & Head of Department of Neurosurgery - Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi
- Associate Professor, Neurosurgery - Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram
- Consultant Neurosurgeon - Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
- Recognised Postgraduate teacher in Neurosurgery and an examiner for many universities across India.
- Serves as Faculty at several operative and laboratory dissection workshops, demonstrating specialised neurosurgical techniques to peers and trainees.
- Held the prestigious position of Professor and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, leading a major academic neurosurgical unit.
- Active member of key national societies, shaping the standards and progress of neurosurgery in India
Awards & Recognitions
- Member, Neurological Society of India
- Member, Skull Base Surgery Society of India
- Member, Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery Society of India
- Member, Indian Society for Paediatric Neurosurgery
- Member, Neurovascular Society of India
Research & Publications
- Dr. Panikar is a keen academic with over 25 research articles published in prominent Indian and international peer-reviewed medical journals, contributing significantly to the advancement of neurosurgical science.
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
Notable Cases Handled
- Successfully performed numerous intricate endoscopic skull base surgeries for deep-seated tumours, avoiding large incisions and minimising patient recovery time.
- Pioneered complex reconstructive surgeries for patients with severe craniofacial deformities, restoring both function and appearance.
- Managed a high volume of epilepsy surgery cases, providing a cure and a new lease of life for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
- “Dr. Dilip Panikar is a magician with his hands. He removed a tumour from the base of my skull using an endoscope through my nose. My recovery was unbelievably quick. He is calm, confident, and one of the best doctors I have ever met.” - Anitha Menon
- “Our son had been suffering from seizures for years. Dr. Panikar and his team performed a complex epilepsy surgery that has completely stopped his seizures. We are indebted to him for giving our child a normal life. His expertise is truly world-class.” - Rajesh and Priya Kumar
- “I had a complex brain aneurysm, and I was terrified. Dr. Panikar explained the entire microsurgical procedure with such clarity and compassion that it put me at ease. The surgery went perfectly. He is a phenomenal surgeon and a wonderful human being.” - David George
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
- Patient-Centred Care: Dr. Panikar is dedicated to providing personalised care, ensuring that each patient's treatment plan is tailored to their specific condition and needs. He believes in clear communication and empowers his patients by thoroughly explaining their diagnosis and treatment options.
- Technology & Innovation: A master of Micro Neurosurgery, Dr. Panikar leverages cutting-edge technology and minimally invasive techniques like endoscopy to perform complex procedures with maximum precision and safety. His commitment to innovation ensures that his patients receive the most advanced care available globally.
Treatment Costs
| Treatment/Procedure | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery | ₹ 5,00,000 - ₹ 8,00,000 | $ 6,000 - $ 9,600 |
| Epilepsy Surgery | ₹ 6,00,000 - ₹ 9,00,000 | $ 7,200 - $ 10,800 |
| Brain Tumour Surgery (Craniotomy) | ₹ 4,50,000 - ₹ 7,50,000 | $ 5,400 - $ 9,000 |
| Neurovascular Surgery (Aneurysm) | ₹ 5,50,000 - ₹ 8,50,000 | $ 6,600 - $ 10,200 |
| Craniofacial Reconstructive Surgery | Varies Significantly | Varies Significantly |
International Patient Assistance
- Language Support: Dr. Panikar is fluent in English, Hindi, and Malayalam. The Cancer Rounds team also provides dedicated interpreters for other languages to ensure seamless communication.
- Visa & Travel Assistance: Our international patient care team offers comprehensive support, including visa invitation letters, travel arrangements, airport transfers, and booking of accommodation.
- Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: Dr. Panikar is available for pre-treatment online consultations to review medical records, offer a second opinion, and discuss a potential treatment plan before patients travel to India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Dilip Panikar is a highly skilled Neurosurgeon in India with exceptional expertise in Micro Neurosurgery. His special areas of interest include Neuro-Oncology (brain tumours), Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, and Functional Neurosurgery, including surgery for epilepsy.
With over 26 years of experience, a history of heading major neurosurgery departments, and unparalleled skills in complex procedures, Dr. Dilip Panikar is widely recognised as one of the best and leading neurosurgeons in Kochi and across India.
It is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to remove tumours from the base of the skull through natural openings like the nostrils. This advanced procedure, in which Dr. Panikar specialises, avoids large cranial incisions, leading to faster recovery and fewer complications.
Yes, Functional Neurosurgery, which includes surgery for epilepsy and movement disorders, is one of his key specialities. He is highly experienced in evaluating and performing surgical procedures for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Micro neurosurgery involves using a high-powered operating microscope to perform extremely delicate operations on the brain and spinal cord. It allows the surgeon to see intricate structures in great detail, enhancing precision and safety, and is a hallmark of Dr. Panikar's surgical practice.
Yes, he has a strong academic background, having served as Professor and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and as an Associate Professor at the prestigious Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute.
You can easily book an in-person or virtual appointment with Dr. Dilip Panikar by contacting the Cancer Rounds team. The team provides comprehensive assistance to both domestic and international patients.
VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi - India
Spinal Cord Tumour
