About Brachial Plexus Surgery
Key Highlights
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Performed by specialized neurosurgeons with expertise in peripheral nerve surgery.Aims to restore critical motor function and sensation to the arm and hand.Utilizes advanced microsurgical techniques for precise nerve repair.Can significantly improve independence and quality of life for patients.Often involves a multidisciplinary team approach for comprehensive rehabilitation.
Who is this surgery for?
- Traumatic brachial plexus injuries from vehicle accidents (especially motorcycle), falls, or sports.
- Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (Erb's palsy) in infants that does not improve with therapy.
- Tumors or growths affecting the brachial plexus nerves (e.g., schwannomas, neurofibromas).
- Severe nerve compression or entrapment not relieved by conservative treatments.
- Nerve damage from radiation therapy or inflammatory conditions.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging studies (MRI, CT myelogram) to map the injury.
- Electrodiagnostic tests (EMG/NCS) to assess nerve and muscle function.
- Pre-operative counseling to discuss goals, surgical plan, and realistic expectations.
- Routine pre-surgical tests, including blood work and cardiac evaluation.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (like blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
- Arranging for post-operative support and transportation for the recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Damage to surrounding blood vessels or nerves.
- Failure to regain significant function or only partial recovery.
- Persistent pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Formation of painful neuromas or scar tissue.
- Need for additional surgeries in the future.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for pain management and monitoring of the surgical site.
- The arm will be immobilized in a sling or brace for several weeks to protect the repair.
- Strict adherence to a prescribed physical and occupational therapy regimen is crucial.
- Therapy focuses initially on passive range-of-motion exercises, progressing to active strengthening.
- Regular follow-up visits with the neurosurgeon to monitor healing and nerve regeneration.
- Recovery of function is a slow process, often taking 6-18 months or longer, as nerves regenerate at about 1 mm per day.
- Pain management strategies, which may include medications or nerve blocks, will be provided.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-18 months (for functional recovery)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering brachial plexus surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for brachial plexus surgery in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, 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 brachial plexus surgery. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons 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 brachial plexus surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Brachial Plexus Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing brachial plexus surgery.
Ayaan Williams, a 17-year-old high school...
Ayaan Williams, a 17-year-old high school football quarterback, was a promising athlete with college scouts watching. During a game, he was tackled awkwardly, suffering a severe shoulder injury. Initially diagnosed with a dislocation, his recovery stalled. He developed a constant, burning pain in his shoulder and a progressive weakness and numbness that spread down his arm. He could no longer lift his arm to throw a ball, and his hand grip became weak. An MRI revealed a traumatic brachial plexus injury with nerve root avulsion, the nerves were torn from his spinal cord. His neurosurgeon, Dr. Chen, explained that without surgery, he would have permanent paralysis and debilitating pain. Ayaan was devastated, fearing the end of his football dreams. He underwent a complex 8-hour surgery involving nerve grafts and transfers. The immediate post-op period was painful and frustrating, with his arm immobilized. Over 18 months of intense physical therapy, he gradually regained significant shoulder and elbow function, though fine motor skills in his hand remained limited. While his dream of playing quarterback ended, his pain was resolved. He channeled his determination into coaching younger players, finding a new purpose. His journey was one of grieving a lost future but ultimately rebuilding a resilient identity beyond athletics.
Neurosurgeons for Brachial Plexus Surgery
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform brachial plexus surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada