Learn about Encephalocele 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 Encephalocele and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Encephalocele

Encephalocele repair is a specialized neurosurgical procedure to correct a rare congenital defect where brain tissue and meninges protrude through an opening in the skull. This condition, often diagnosed prenatally or at birth, requires precise surgical intervention to carefully reposition the herniated neural structures back into the cranial cavity and close the bony defect. The primary goals are to protect the exposed brain tissue, prevent infection, improve neurological function, and achieve a normal cranial contour. The surgery is typically performed by a pediatric neurosurgeon, often in collaboration with a craniofacial team, and involves meticulous planning using advanced imaging like MRI or CT scans to ensure the safest approach and optimal long-term outcomes for the patient.

Key Highlights

    Corrects a serious congenital skull defect to protect the brain.Aims to preserve and improve neurological function and development.Prevents life-threatening complications like infection (meningitis) or CSF leakage.Improves cranial and facial appearance and symmetry.Performed by highly specialized pediatric neurosurgeons with a multidisciplinary team approach.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of an encephalocele (protrusion of brain/meninges) confirmed by imaging (ultrasound, MRI, CT).
  • Presence of a skull defect (cranium bifidum) with herniated contents.
  • Risk of or existing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
  • High risk of infection, such as meningitis.
  • To support normal neurological development and prevent further damage to brain tissue.
  • To improve cosmetic appearance and cranial contour.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive prenatal or postnatal imaging (MRI/CT) to map the encephalocele's size, location, and involved structures.
  • Multidisciplinary evaluation involving neurosurgery, neurology, genetics, and sometimes plastic surgery.
  • Management of any associated conditions (e.g., hydrocephalus) which may require treatment before or during the main surgery.
  • Pre-operative blood tests and general health assessment to ensure the infant is fit for anesthesia and surgery.
  • Detailed discussion with the family about the surgical plan, risks, benefits, and long-term expectations.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infection, including meningitis at the surgical site.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
  • Bleeding or hematoma formation.
  • Damage to surrounding brain tissue, potentially leading to neurological deficits (e.g., vision problems, developmental delays, seizures).
  • Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain) requiring a shunt procedure.
  • Anesthesia-related risks.
  • Incomplete closure or recurrence of the defect.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial recovery in a neonatal or pediatric intensive care unit (NICU/PICU) for close monitoring of vital signs and neurological status.
  • Management of pain and prevention of infection with medications.
  • Monitoring for signs of CSF leakage, infection, or increased intracranial pressure.
  • Careful wound care and positioning of the infant's head.
  • Long-term follow-up with neurosurgery, neurology, and developmental specialists to monitor growth, neurological development, and manage any complications like hydrocephalus.
  • Possible need for physical, occupational, or speech therapy depending on the child's specific needs.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 7-21 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: Several months to years for full developmental assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering encephalocele 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 encephalocele compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 250 Thousand – 800 Thousand 7-21 days ~ Several months to years for full developmental assessment Know More
Turkey TRY 875 Thousand – 2.8 Million 7-21 days ~ Several months to years for full developmental assessment Know More

Top hospitals for Encephalocele in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing encephalocele.

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Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
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3363+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, King Koti

  • IconHyderabad, India
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15+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
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43+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
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1681+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Dwarka

  • IconDelhi, India
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121+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
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150+ Rating

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
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10171+ Rating

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
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5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
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65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
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15+ Rating

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
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20+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
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5740+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Sara Roy, a 28-year-old graphic designer,...

Sara Roy, a 28-year-old graphic designer, had lived with a small, soft lump at the bridge of her nose since birth, diagnosed as a small frontonasal encephalocele. It had never caused issues beyond minor self-consciousness. However, six months ago, she began experiencing persistent headaches, a clear nasal discharge, and episodes of confusion. An MRI revealed the encephalocele had enlarged, containing cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue, and was now causing a CSF leak and pressure effects. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Lee, recommended surgical repair to remove the sac, preserve neural tissue, and close the skull defect to prevent meningitis and relieve her symptoms. Sara was terrified of brain surgery but understood the risks of inaction. The procedure, performed through a small incision inside her nose (endoscopic), was successful. Her recovery involved a brief hospital stay to monitor for infection or leak, and she had to avoid straining or blowing her nose for weeks. The headaches and confusion resolved completely. Emotionally, Sara moved from fear of the unknown to profound relief. She no longer worried about the hidden condition or its sudden complications, feeling a new sense of security in her own body.

Neurosurgeons for Encephalocele

Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform encephalocele and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Paraneetharan M
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harisha P N
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anmol Nagaraj
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Lakshman I Kongwad
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harish
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vybhav Raghu
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Veeresha U Mathad
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ajay Hegde
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek H R
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Harsha Hegde
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Paritosh Pandey
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bopanna KM
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Paritosh Pandey
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sathwik R Shetty
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Praveen Ganigi
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arun Bhandari
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jaskaran Singh
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Maqsood Ahmed Abdul Rahman
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sudheer Kumar Gundamaneni
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vuppu Ravi Kanth
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

OPD-desk synced • Updated