About Birth Defects
Key Highlights
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Corrects life-threatening or debilitating anatomical abnormalities present from birth.Restores normal function of affected organs and body systems.Prevents long-term complications and supports healthy growth and development.Often performed using minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopy/thoracoscopy) for reduced scarring and faster recovery.Involves a coordinated, multidisciplinary team including neonatologists, anesthesiologists, and pediatric specialists.
Who is this surgery for?
- Abdominal wall defects: Gastroschisis (intestines outside the body) or Omphalocele (abdominal organs in a sac).
- Gastrointestinal obstructions: Intestinal atresia, malrotation, or meconium ileus.
- Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH): Herniation of abdominal organs into the chest cavity.
- Anorectal malformations: Imperforate anus or related defects.
- Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) and Esophageal Atresia (EA).
- Certain congenital lung lesions (e.g., Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation - CPAM).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive prenatal diagnosis and planning with maternal-fetal medicine specialists.
- Stabilization of the newborn in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) immediately after birth.
- Detailed imaging studies (ultrasound, X-ray, MRI) to precisely define the anatomy of the defect.
- Nutritional support, which may include intravenous (IV) nutrition (TPN).
- Assessment and optimization by a pediatric anesthesiologist specialized in neonatal care.
- Informed consent discussion with parents, detailing the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Specific risks related to the defect: Injury to nearby organs or structures during repair.
- Post-operative complications: Wound healing issues, leakage from surgical connections (anastomotic leak), or adhesions.
- Respiratory complications, especially in procedures involving the chest (e.g., CDH repair).
- Long-term functional issues depending on the defect, such as feeding difficulties or bowel management concerns.
- Risk of recurrence or need for additional corrective surgeries in the future.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the NICU or Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for close monitoring.
- Pain management tailored for infants and children.
- Gradual initiation of feeding, starting with IV nutrition and advancing to oral feeds as the gut function returns.
- Careful monitoring of vital signs, surgical site, and overall organ function.
- Involvement of occupational/physical therapists for developmental support as needed.
- Detailed discharge planning with instructions for wound care, feeding, and signs of complications.
- Long-term follow-up with the surgical team and other specialists to monitor growth and development.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-30 days
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Expected recovery time: Several weeks to months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering birth defects in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for birth defects in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, 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 birth defects. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons 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 birth defects compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Birth Defects in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing birth defects.
I was a total wreck before...
I was a total wreck before my appointment. First time seeing a doctor on my own and I was convinced it was something serious. Dr. Ram just listened, didn't rush me, and explained everything in a way that actually calmed me down. The hospital is huge and a bit overwhelming, but he made it feel okay. Left feeling like I could breathe again.
General surgeons for Birth Defects
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform birth defects and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar
- 14 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Siliguri
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Siliguri
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal
- 14 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar
- 19 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Kamineni Hospital Vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar
- 30 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 26 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 38 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 19 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 36 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Gem Hospital Perungudi
- 22 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Gem Hospital Perungudi
- 17 Years Experience
- Laparoscopic surgeon
Gem Hospital Perungudi
- 14 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Ranchi