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

About Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder characterized by excessive iron absorption and accumulation in the body's organs, particularly the liver, heart, and pancreas. Managed by an Internal Medicine specialist, the primary treatment is therapeutic phlebotomy, a procedure similar to blood donation, where blood is regularly removed to reduce iron levels. Diagnosis involves blood tests for serum ferritin and transferrin saturation, and genetic testing for the HFE gene mutation. Early intervention is crucial to prevent serious complications like cirrhosis, diabetes, heart failure, and arthritis. Treatment is lifelong and focuses on maintaining safe iron stores through regular monitoring and phlebotomy sessions, significantly improving quality of life and preventing organ damage.

Key Highlights

    Effectively reduces dangerous iron overload in the body.Prevents or halts progression of serious complications like liver cirrhosis, heart failure, and diabetes.Non-surgical, outpatient procedure with minimal invasiveness.Lifelong management plan that significantly improves long-term health and quality of life.Involves regular monitoring by a specialist to tailor treatment to individual needs.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Confirmed diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis through genetic testing (HFE gene mutations C282Y/H63D).
  • Elevated serum ferritin levels (typically >300 ng/mL in men, >200 ng/mL in women).
  • High transferrin saturation (consistently >45%).
  • Presence of symptoms like chronic fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, or skin bronzing.
  • Evidence of organ damage from iron overload, such as elevated liver enzymes or signs of early cirrhosis.
  • Family history of hemochromatosis with confirmatory test results.

How to prepare

  • Initial comprehensive evaluation including blood tests (CBC, ferritin, transferrin saturation, liver function).
  • Genetic counseling and testing to confirm hereditary hemochromatosis.
  • Cardiac and liver assessment (like echocardiogram or FibroScan) if organ involvement is suspected.
  • Ensure good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids before the phlebotomy appointment.
  • Have a light meal beforehand to prevent lightheadedness.
  • Wear clothing with loose sleeves for easy access to veins.

Risks & possible complications

  • Temporary side effects from phlebotomy: dizziness, fatigue, or fainting.
  • Risk of anemia if phlebotomy is too aggressive.
  • Infection or bruising at the needle insertion site (rare).
  • Without treatment, high risk of irreversible organ damage including liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, heart failure, and diabetes.
  • Potential for arthritis and hormonal imbalances (like hypogonadism) due to iron deposition.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Immediately after phlebotomy: rest for 10-15 minutes, drink fluids, and have a snack.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day.
  • Maintain a balanced diet; no need for a special low-iron diet initially, but may be advised later.
  • Avoid iron supplements and vitamin C supplements (which increase iron absorption).
  • Limit alcohol consumption to protect the liver.
  • Regular follow-up blood tests to monitor ferritin and hemoglobin levels, adjusting phlebotomy frequency accordingly (initially weekly, then less often for maintenance).
  • Long-term, lifelong monitoring by an Internal Medicine specialist is essential.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1 day (per phlebotomy session)

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 54 – USD 272 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 1 day (per phlebotomy session) Know More
Turkey USD 403 – USD 2,013 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 1 day (per phlebotomy session) Know More

Top hospitals for Hemochromatosis in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated internal medicine teams and experience managing patients undergoing hemochromatosis.

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon141 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
  • Icon43 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
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Internal Medicine Specialists for Hemochromatosis

Explore experienced internal medicine specialists who regularly perform hemochromatosis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Manoj Kumar
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anindya Sengupta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sanjeet S B
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jagadeesh Chandra
  • 35 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

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Dr. Rufino Monteiro
  • 45 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa

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Dr. Gargi Singh Thakur
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. Aswini Rana
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

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Dr. Srividya S
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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Dr. Subhash Kr. Todi
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Subhasish Chatterjee
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Milind Anil Naik
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa

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Dr. Bk Dutta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

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Dr. Rohit Rungta
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

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Dr. Ps Bhattacharyya
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

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Dr. Karuna
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Tarun Jhamb
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Reshu Agrawal
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

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