Learn about Laryngeal Cleft Repair 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 Laryngeal Cleft Repair and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Laryngeal Cleft Repair

Laryngeal cleft repair is a specialized surgical procedure performed to correct a rare congenital anomaly where an abnormal opening exists between the larynx (voice box) and the esophagus. This defect can lead to significant problems, including aspiration (food/liquid entering the airway), recurrent pneumonia, chronic cough, and feeding difficulties. In the context of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, the procedure focuses not only on functional restoration to protect the airway and enable safe swallowing but also on meticulous reconstruction to preserve or enhance vocal quality and laryngeal aesthetics. The surgery typically involves an endoscopic or open approach to meticulously close the cleft with sutures, creating a robust separation between the airway and digestive tract. Successful repair dramatically improves a patient's quality of life by preventing life-threatening complications and restoring normal respiratory and digestive function.

Key Highlights

    Corrects a congenital defect between the airway and food pipe.Prevents aspiration, reducing risk of recurrent lung infections.Improves swallowing safety and feeding ability, especially in infants.Can be performed using minimally invasive endoscopic techniques.Focuses on functional and aesthetic reconstruction of the larynx.Leads to significant improvement in overall quality of life and development./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Confirmed diagnosis of a laryngeal cleft (Type I-IV) via endoscopic evaluation.
  • Recurrent aspiration pneumonia or chronic lung disease due to aspiration.
  • Significant coughing, choking, or cyanosis during feeding.
  • Failure to thrive or poor weight gain in infants due to feeding difficulties.
  • Chronic respiratory symptoms like wheezing or stridor not explained by other causes.
  • Life-threatening airway compromise directly linked to the cleft.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive diagnostic workup, including microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy to assess cleft type and size.
  • Pre-operative imaging studies such as a modified barium swallow or CT scan may be required.
  • Consultation with a multidisciplinary team including pediatric pulmonology, gastroenterology, and speech therapy.
  • Nutritional optimization; may involve temporary feeding tube placement.
  • Management of any active respiratory infections prior to surgery.
  • Pre-anesthetic evaluation and clear instructions regarding fasting before the procedure.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding, infection, or reaction to anesthesia.
  • Persistent or recurrent aspiration if repair is incomplete.
  • Injury to surrounding structures like vocal cords, leading to voice changes or hoarseness.
  • Stenosis (narrowing) of the larynx or esophagus.
  • Leakage or breakdown of the surgical repair site (dehiscence).
  • Need for revision surgery, especially in complex or high-grade clefts.
  • Formation of granulation tissue or scar tissue at the repair site.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial recovery in a monitored setting, often in an ICU for close airway observation.
  • Patient will typically have a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) for a short period post-op.
  • Nutrition is initially provided intravenously or via a nasogastric tube to allow the repair to heal.
  • Gradual reintroduction of oral feeds under the guidance of a speech-language pathologist.
  • Strict avoidance of coughing or straining; medications may be given to suppress cough.
  • Follow-up endoscopic exams are scheduled to assess healing and the success of the repair.
  • Long-term follow-up for monitoring growth, development, and swallowing function.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-6 weeks for initial healing; full functional recovery may take several months

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering laryngeal cleft repair 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 laryngeal cleft repair compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 2,753 – USD 6,607 5-10 days ~ 3-6 weeks for initial healing; full functional recovery may take several months Know More
Turkey USD 20,489 – USD 49,174 5-10 days ~ 3-6 weeks for initial healing; full functional recovery may take several months Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Robert Malhotra, a 68-year-old retired history...

Robert Malhotra, a 68-year-old retired history professor, had a persistent, wet cough and recurrent pneumonia for two years following a stroke that left him with swallowing difficulties. He was constantly clearing his throat and had lost his love for food, fearing every meal might lead to another lung infection. His voice had become weak and breathy. After a series of tests, his otolaryngologist diagnosed a deep Type II laryngeal cleft, likely exacerbated by age-related tissue changes and his post-stroke condition. The doctor recommended a repair via endoscopic surgery to close the abnormal opening between his larynx and esophagus, explaining it would protect his lungs and improve his quality of life. Robert underwent the procedure under general anesthesia. The recovery was challenging, with a temporary feeding tube and strict voice rest, but he was diligent. Six weeks post-op, his cough was gone, his pneumonia episodes ceased, and his voice regained strength. Emotionally, he transformed from a man living in constant fear of choking and infection to feeling secure and reinvigorated, finally able to enjoy quiet dinners with his wife and read aloud to his grandchildren without strain.

Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeons for Laryngeal Cleft Repair

Explore experienced aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons who regularly perform laryngeal cleft repair and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. RAVI RAMACHANDRA
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shifa Yadav
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gopal Raj
  • 41 Years Experience
  • Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 650
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Srikanth V
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kamal Kumar
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayaram B N
  • 38 Years Experience
  • Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Muddappa P. P.
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Syed Faizal
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rajendra Manohar Bhate
  • 35 Years Experience
  • Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anudeep Talagavadi Channaiah
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 710
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anusham A Anantharam A
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Aesthetic and Reconstructive surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated