About Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery
Key Highlights
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Performed by surgeons with specialized fellowship training in pediatric cardiac care.Corrects life-threatening congenital heart defects to enable normal growth and development.Utilizes advanced technology like cardiopulmonary bypass and miniaturized instruments for precision.Involves a dedicated multidisciplinary team including pediatric cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and intensivists.Aims for definitive repair to provide a long-term solution and improve quality of life.
Who is this surgery for?
- Congenital heart defects like Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), or Tetralogy of Fallot.
- Complex cyanotic heart diseases where blood is not adequately oxygenated.
- Valvular heart diseases, such as critical aortic or pulmonary stenosis.
- Defects in the great vessels like coarctation of the aorta or patent ductus arteriosus.
- Acquired heart conditions, including severe infections or tumors affecting the heart.
- Heart failure in children unresponsive to medical management.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, and MRI.
- Pre-operative consultation with the surgeon, cardiologist, and anesthesiologist.
- Management of any ongoing infections or other medical conditions.
- Fasting for a specified period (typically 6-8 hours for solids) before surgery.
- Administration of pre-operative medications as directed by the medical team.
- Psychological preparation of the child and family, often with support from child life specialists.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, infection, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) requiring medication or temporary pacing.
- Stroke, blood clots, or low cardiac output syndrome.
- Damage to surrounding structures like nerves, lungs, or the diaphragm.
- Need for re-operation or prolonged mechanical support.
- Long-term complications related to the specific repair or prosthetic materials used.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) with close monitoring.
- Pain management and respiratory support as needed.
- Gradual mobilization and initiation of feeding as tolerated.
- Education for parents on wound care, medication administration, and recognizing signs of complications.
- Structured cardiac rehabilitation and follow-up with the pediatric cardiology team.
- Long-term monitoring for growth, development, and cardiac function.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-21 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pediatric cardiothoracic surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for pediatric cardiothoracic surgery in India include Manipal Hospital Siliguri, 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 pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric cardiac surgeons 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 pediatric cardiothoracic surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 1.5 Million | 7-21 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 5.25 Million | 7-21 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pediatric cardiac surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.
Anjali Ali is a 3-month-old infant,...
Anjali Ali is a 3-month-old infant, the first child of young parents who immigrated from Syria two years ago. At her 2-month check-up, her pediatrician detected a heart murmur. Further echocardiogram revealed a large Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) – a hole between the heart's lower chambers. Anjali was struggling to feed, sweating profusely during bottles, and failing to gain weight, a condition called 'failure to thrive.' Her pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Evans, explained that her heart was working too hard, and without surgery to patch the hole, she would develop permanent lung damage. The news devastated her parents, who feared the risks of such a major operation on their tiny daughter. Anjali underwent open-heart surgery at 14 weeks old. The six-hour procedure was agonizing for her parents, who prayed constantly in the waiting room. The immediate post-op period in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU was tense, with Anjali on a ventilator and multiple monitors. But within days, she turned a corner. Her recovery was remarkable. She began feeding vigorously and, for the first time, her cheeks grew rosy without exertion. At her 6-month post-op check, she had caught up to her growth curve and was a happy, babbling baby. Her parents' journey from terror to relief was profound; they now speak of the surgical team as family who gave their daughter a normal life.
Pediatric Cardiac surgeons for Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery
Explore experienced pediatric cardiac surgeons who regularly perform pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 20 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 17 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon