Learn about Birth Defects 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 Birth Defects and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Birth Defects

Birth defects, also known as congenital anomalies, are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth. While many birth defects are managed by pediatric specialists, a General Surgeon plays a critical role in the surgical correction of a wide range of these conditions. This involves precise, often complex, procedures to repair anatomical malformations, restore normal function, and improve the child's quality of life. Common surgically correctable defects include abdominal wall defects (like gastroschisis or omphalocele), intestinal atresias, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and anorectal malformations. The goal of surgery is to safely correct the anomaly, allowing for normal growth and development. These procedures require a highly specialized, multidisciplinary team approach for optimal outcomes.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 7-30 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 1,632 – USD 8,701 7-30 days ~ Several weeks to months for full recovery Know More
Turkey USD 12,079 – USD 64,420 7-30 days ~ Several weeks to months for full recovery Know More

Top hospitals for Birth Defects in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing birth defects.

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Chandan Juneja
  • 39 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Krishna Reddy G V
  • 31 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

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Dr. Kushankur Guha
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Azhar Alam
  • 12 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. H Shivananda Prabhu
  • 9 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

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Dr. Susenjit Prasad Mahato
  • 21 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Atindriya Biswas
  • 23 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Govind Nandakumar
  • 21 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

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Dr. Manohar V Pai
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

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Dr. Purnachandra Thejaswi
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

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Dr. Shivananda Prabhu
  • 14 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

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Dr. Veeresh M Annigeri
  • 16 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

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Dr. Venuprasad N
  • 5 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

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Dr. Balakrishna S
  • 5 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amit Kumar Dutta
  • 20 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Girish Ram Kamat
  • 23 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

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Dr. Girish S P
  • 21 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

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Dr. Shivaprasad G S
  • 15 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

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Dr. Praveen S
  • 27 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

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Dr. Amitabha Ghosh
  • 30 Years Experience
  • General surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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