Learn about Sickle Cell Disease 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 Sickle Cell Disease and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a lifelong genetic blood disorder managed by Internal Medicine specialists, not a single procedure. It involves a comprehensive, multidisciplinary care plan focused on preventing complications, managing pain crises, and improving quality of life. Internal Medicine physicians coordinate this care, which includes regular monitoring, vaccinations, hydroxyurea therapy, blood transfusions, and patient education. The goal is to reduce the frequency of painful vaso-occlusive crises, prevent infections like pneumonia, and manage chronic complications such as anemia, organ damage, and stroke risk. This proactive, holistic approach is essential for helping patients with SCD lead healthier, more active lives.

Key Highlights

    Comprehensive, lifelong management coordinated by a specialist familiar with the full spectrum of adult health issues.Focus on preventive care to reduce the frequency and severity of painful crises and hospitalizations.Personalized treatment plans that may include medications like hydroxyurea to reduce complications.Multidisciplinary approach involving hematologists, pain specialists, and other consultants as needed.Ongoing patient education and support for managing the chronic aspects of the disease.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of any sickle cell syndrome (e.g., HbSS, HbSC, HbS beta-thalassemia).
  • Management of acute complications such as vaso-occlusive pain crises, acute chest syndrome, or severe anemia.
  • Preventive care and health maintenance, including vaccinations and screenings for organ damage.
  • Initiation and monitoring of disease-modifying therapies like hydroxyurea or crizanlizumab.
  • Coordination of care for chronic complications like avascular necrosis, leg ulcers, or pulmonary hypertension.

How to prepare

  • Establish a detailed personal and family medical history, including prior crises and complications.
  • Undergo baseline diagnostic tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), hemoglobin electrophoresis, and tests for organ function (kidney, liver).
  • Receive recommended vaccinations, especially for pneumococcus, meningococcus, influenza, and COVID-19.
  • Discuss a personalized pain management plan for potential crises.
  • For specific interventions like transfusions, pre-transfusion testing and possible iron chelation assessment may be needed.

Risks & possible complications

  • Painful vaso-occlusive crises are the most common acute complication.
  • Risk of severe infections due to functional asplenia (non-working spleen).
  • Acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening lung complication.
  • Stroke, especially in children and adults with a history of it.
  • Chronic organ damage to the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and bones (avascular necrosis).
  • Complications from chronic treatments, such as iron overload from transfusions or side effects from hydroxyurea.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Recovery from an acute crisis involves adequate hydration, pain control, and monitoring for resolution of symptoms.
  • Long-term management requires regular follow-up visits every 3-6 months for monitoring and medication adjustments.
  • Lifestyle modifications, including staying well-hydrated, avoiding extreme temperatures, and managing stress, are crucial.
  • Patients are encouraged to maintain an up-to-date "crisis plan" for when to seek emergency care.
  • Psychological support and patient support groups can be beneficial for coping with the chronic nature of the disease.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: Varies widely (0 for routine visits; 5-10 days for a crisis)
  • checked Expected recovery time: Lifelong management; acute crisis recovery: 7-14 days

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering sickle cell disease 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 sickle cell disease compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 544 – USD 3,263 Varies widely (0 for routine visits; 5-10 days for a crisis) ~ Lifelong management; acute crisis recovery: 7-14 days Know More
Turkey USD 4,026 – USD 24,158 Varies widely (0 for routine visits; 5-10 days for a crisis) ~ Lifelong management; acute crisis recovery: 7-14 days Know More

Top hospitals for Sickle Cell Disease in India

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

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
PATIENT REVIEW

My 82-year-old father was admitted with...

My 82-year-old father was admitted with severe pneumonia and multiple complications. Dr. Suhas MS not only managed his complex condition with expertise but took the time to explain every medication change to our family. His compassionate approach made a frightening situation manageable, and Dad is now recovering beautifully at home.

Internal Medicine Specialists for Sickle Cell Disease

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

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anuja Lakra Patni
  • 16 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. Subhadip Chakraborty
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rakhi Sanyal
  • 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

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ranbir Chowdhary
  • 21 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

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Smitha Jain
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Internal Medicine Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Subhasish Chakravorty
  • 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

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tapas Bandyopadhyay
  • 31 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

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jagadeesh Kh
  • 20 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

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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