Learn about Nerve Transplant 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 Nerve Transplant and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Nerve Transplant

A nerve transplant, or nerve grafting, is a sophisticated neurosurgical procedure performed to repair significant nerve damage when direct reconnection is impossible. During this microsurgery, a surgeon harvests a healthy sensory nerve (often from the leg or arm) and transplants it to bridge the gap between the severed ends of the damaged nerve. This graft acts as a biological scaffold, guiding the regrowth of nerve fibers (axons) to restore motor function, sensation, or both. It is a critical intervention for restoring limb function, alleviating neuropathic pain, and improving quality of life after traumatic injuries, tumor resections, or other conditions causing substantial nerve loss. Success depends on precise technique and post-operative rehabilitation.

Key Highlights

    Restores motor function and sensation in limbs affected by severe nerve damage.Can significantly reduce chronic neuropathic pain caused by nerve injuries.Offers a solution when direct nerve repair (neurotrophy) is not feasible due to tissue loss.Utilizes the body's own tissue (autograft), minimizing rejection risks.Microsurgical techniques enhance precision, improving the chances of successful nerve regeneration.Helps prevent permanent muscle atrophy and disability by re-establishing neural connections./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Traumatic nerve injuries with a gap (e.g., from lacerations, crush injuries, gunshot wounds).
  • Nerve damage following surgical resection of benign or malignant tumors.
  • Brachial plexus injuries from accidents like motorcycle collisions.
  • Nerve damage due to severe compression that has destroyed a nerve segment.
  • Failed primary nerve repair requiring a secondary reconstructive procedure.
  • Certain congenital nerve defects or birth injuries (e.g., obstetric brachial plexus palsy).

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive neurological examination and imaging (MRI, ultrasound) to map the exact extent of nerve damage.
  • Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to assess the functional status of muscles and nerves.
  • Discussion of surgical goals, potential donor nerve sites (e.g., sural nerve in calf), and realistic outcomes.
  • Pre-operative blood tests and general health evaluation to ensure fitness for surgery.
  • Cessation of blood-thinning medications (as advised by the surgeon) several days prior to surgery.
  • Fasting as per hospital protocol before the procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infection at the surgical or donor site.
  • Bleeding or hematoma formation.
  • Poor nerve regeneration or graft failure, leading to limited functional recovery.
  • Formation of a painful neuroma (nerve tumor) at the donor site.
  • Persistent numbness or sensory loss in the area supplied by the donor nerve.
  • Scar tissue formation (fibrosis) that can impede nerve growth.
  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia.
  • Stiffness or reduced function in the limb during the prolonged recovery period.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for pain management, monitoring, and wound care.
  • The affected limb is often immobilized in a splint or cast for 2-3 weeks to protect the delicate nerve repair.
  • Strict wound care instructions to prevent infection at both the repair and donor sites.
  • Gradual, supervised physiotherapy begins after immobilization to prevent joint stiffness and maintain muscle health.
  • Occupational therapy to retrain fine motor skills and adapt to sensory changes.
  • Nerve regeneration is slow (about 1 mm per day); significant functional improvement may take 6-18 months or longer.
  • Regular follow-up visits with the neurosurgeon and rehabilitation team to monitor progress through clinical exams and repeat EMG studies.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-18 months for significant functional improvement

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 1,632 – USD 5,438 3-7 days ~ 6-18 months for significant functional improvement Know More
Turkey USD 12,079 – USD 40,263 3-7 days ~ 6-18 months for significant functional improvement Know More

Top hospitals for Nerve Transplant in India

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

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
  • Icon43 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors

Nanavati Max Hospital

  • IconMumbai, India
  • Icon187 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

At my age, you worry about...

At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.

Neurosurgeons for Nerve Transplant

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

Dr. Sunil Kumar Patra
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated