About Pediatric Neurosurgery
Key Highlights
-
Specialized care for the unique anatomy and physiology of a child's developing nervous system.Utilization of advanced, minimally invasive techniques (e.g., endoscopy) to reduce trauma and scarring.Focus on preserving and optimizing long-term neurological development and cognitive function.Multidisciplinary approach involving pediatric neurologists, oncologists, intensivists, and rehabilitation specialists.Family-centered care model that supports parents and caregivers throughout the treatment journey.
Who is this surgery for?
- Congenital malformations such as spina bifida, Chiari malformation, or craniosynostosis.
- Brain and spinal cord tumors (e.g., medulloblastoma, glioma, ependymoma).
- Hydrocephalus requiring shunt placement or endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV).
- Epilepsy that is drug-resistant and requires surgical intervention.
- Cerebrovascular disorders like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or aneurysms.
- Traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries from accidents.
- Treatment of movement disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy) with procedures like selective dorsal rhizotomy.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including MRI, CT scans, and sometimes specialized tests like fMRI or MEG.
- Detailed consultations with the neurosurgical team to discuss the procedure, goals, and risks.
- Pre-operative blood tests, imaging, and a general health assessment by a pediatrician.
- Fasting for a specified period (typically 6-8 hours for solids) before surgery.
- Discussion of anesthesia plan with a pediatric anesthesiologist.
- Psychological preparation for the child and family, often with support from child life specialists.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding (hemorrhage), or adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Neurological risks: Potential for new or worsened neurological deficits, such as weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which may require additional treatment.
- Seizures or increased intracranial pressure.
- Stroke or damage to critical brain structures.
- For shunt procedures: Malfunction, blockage, or infection requiring revision surgery.
- Long-term risks related to development, learning, or endocrine function, depending on the area treated.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) or specialized neurosurgical ward for close monitoring.
- Management of pain, swelling, and nausea with appropriate pediatric medications.
- Gradual mobilization as tolerated, guided by the physiotherapy team.
- Monitoring for signs of complications like infection, fever, or neurological changes.
- Follow-up appointments for wound checks, suture/staple removal, and imaging.
- Long-term rehabilitation which may include physical, occupational, and speech therapy to support recovery and development.
- Ongoing neurological and developmental assessments to track progress.
-
Typical hospital stay: 5-14 days
-
Expected recovery time: 4-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pediatric neurosurgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for pediatric neurosurgery in India include Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Cytecare Hospital, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, 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 neurosurgery. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons 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 neurosurgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Pediatric Neurosurgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing pediatric neurosurgery.
Anjali Chopra is a bright and...
Anjali Chopra is a bright and artistic 8-year-old girl from a close-knit family. For the past six months, her parents noticed she was becoming increasingly clumsy, dropping her paintbrushes, and complaining of frequent, severe headaches that would make her cry. A routine eye exam revealed alarming papilledema (swelling of the optic nerve). An MRI confirmed the cause: a large, benign posterior fossa arachnoid cyst was compressing her cerebellum and blocking the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma, recommended an endoscopic fenestration, a minimally invasive procedure to create a small window in the cyst wall, allowing the trapped fluid to drain and relieve pressure on her brain. Anjali was terrified of the idea of brain surgery, drawing pictures of herself with a 'broken head.' The procedure lasted three hours and went smoothly. After a few days of recovery in the hospital, managing pain and dizziness, her headaches vanished. Within weeks, her coordination returned. The emotional journey was profound: from the fear of a 'monster in her head' stealing her talents to immense relief and a regained sense of safety. Anjali now proudly shows her scar during 'show and tell' as a badge of courage and has returned to creating vibrant paintings.
Neurosurgeons for Pediatric Neurosurgery
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform pediatric neurosurgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 30 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 30 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 12 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 16 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 33 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai