About Congenital Defect Repair
Key Highlights
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Corrects structural abnormalities present from birth to protect the brain and spinal cord.Aims to restore normal anatomy and function, improving neurological development.Utilizes advanced technology like neuronavigation and intraoperative monitoring for precision.Performed by specialized pediatric neurosurgeons with expertise in delicate neural tissues.Can prevent serious long-term complications such as hydrocephalus or paralysis.Often a critical step in enabling a child to reach their full developmental potential./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Neural Tube Defects: Including myelomeningocele (open spina bifida) or meningocele requiring closure.
- Encephalocele: Protrusion of brain tissue through an opening in the skull.
- Craniosynostosis: Premature fusion of skull sutures, restricting brain growth.
- Chiari Malformation: Herniation of brain tissue into the spinal canal, often causing symptoms.
- Dermal Sinus Tracts: Abnormal connections from the skin to the spinal canal, risking infection.
- Tethered Spinal Cord: A condition where the spinal cord is abnormally attached, limiting movement.
- Hydrocephalus: Often associated with defects, requiring shunt placement or endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including detailed fetal or postnatal MRI and CT scans to map the defect.
- Multidisciplinary team consultation involving neonatologists, neurologists, and genetic counselors.
- Pre-operative assessments of the infant's overall health, including cardiac and respiratory function.
- Discussion of surgical plan, potential risks, and long-term outlook with the family.
- Administration of antibiotics before surgery to prevent infection.
- Planning for potential intraoperative needs like blood transfusion or specialized monitoring.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or meningitis.
- Bleeding (hemorrhage) or formation of a hematoma.
- Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leak from the repair site.
- Injury to surrounding neural structures, potentially leading to new neurological deficits.
- Seizures or worsening of pre-existing neurological conditions.
- Development or worsening of hydrocephalus, requiring further surgery.
- Anesthesia-related risks, especially in very young infants.
- Scarring or tethered cord syndrome in spinal repairs.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in a Neonatal or Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (NICU/PICU) for close monitoring.
- Careful positioning to protect the surgical site, especially for spinal repairs.
- Management of pain and monitoring for signs of infection or CSF leak.
- Gradual initiation of feeding and assessment of neurological function.
- Long-term follow-up with the neurosurgery team for developmental assessments and imaging.
- Possible need for physical, occupational, or speech therapy to support development.
- Ongoing monitoring for late complications like shunt malfunction (if placed) or cord re-tethering.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: Several weeks to months for initial healing; long-term developmental follow-up for years
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering congenital defect repair in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for congenital defect repair 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 congenital defect repair. 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 congenital defect repair compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 7-14 days | ~ Several weeks to months for initial healing; long-term developmental follow-up for years | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 2.8 Million | 7-14 days | ~ Several weeks to months for initial healing; long-term developmental follow-up for years | Know More |
Top hospitals for Congenital Defect Repair in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing congenital defect repair.
Ananya Saxena, a 28-year-old architect, had...
Ananya Saxena, a 28-year-old architect, had lived with chronic, debilitating headaches and occasional blurred vision since her teens, always dismissed as migraines. A recent episode of sudden vertigo and numbness in her left hand led to an MRI, revealing a Chiari Malformation Type I, a congenital defect where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma, recommended a posterior fossa decompression to create more space and relieve pressure on her brainstem and cerebellum. Ananya was terrified of brain surgery but desperate for relief. The 4-hour procedure went smoothly. Her recovery in the neurosurgical ICU was challenging, with neck pain and fatigue, but within a week, the constant pressure in her head was gone. Three months post-op, her headaches are rare and mild, her vision is clear, and she has returned to work. Emotionally, she transitioned from years of frustration and fear to profound relief and gratitude, feeling she has reclaimed her life and future.
Neurosurgeons for Congenital Defect Repair
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform congenital defect repair 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