Pediatric Spina Bifida Surgery in India
Also known as Spina bifida repair, myelomeningocele repair, meningocele repair, spinal defect closure, spina bifida surgery for children
The short answer
Pediatric spina bifida surgery in India costs between $3,500 and $8,000, against $60,000 to $150,000 in Western countries. The surgery closes the opening in the spine present at birth, usually within 24-48 hours of delivery, to protect the exposed spinal cord and nerves and reduce the risk of infection and further damage.
About Pediatric Spina Bifida Surgery
Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when part of the spine and spinal cord do not develop or close properly during early pregnancy, leaving an opening in the back. It ranges in severity, from spina bifida occulta, a mild form often causing no symptoms, to myelomeningocele, the most severe form, where the spinal cord and its coverings protrude through the opening in a visible sac on the baby's back.
What surgery can and cannot do
Surgery to close the spinal opening is done to protect the exposed spinal cord and nerves from infection and further injury, and is considered essential, usually within the first day or two of life, for babies with myelomeningocele. It is important for families to understand that surgery closes and protects the defect; it does not reverse nerve damage that has already occurred. The degree of mobility, bladder and bowel function a child goes on to have depends on the level and extent of the spinal cord involvement, which varies from child to child.
Postnatal vs prenatal repair
Most spina bifida surgery is done after birth, within 24-48 hours of delivery. In some centres and specific cases, fetal (prenatal) surgery, performed between roughly 19-26 weeks of pregnancy, is an option, and has been associated in research with a lower rate of later shunt placement and improved motor outcomes compared to postnatal repair, though it carries its own risks for mother and baby and is only suitable for carefully selected cases. Whether prenatal surgery applies to your situation depends on gestational timing and detailed evaluation, and is a separate discussion from postnatal repair pricing.
Hydrocephalus and shunt placement
Many babies with myelomeningocele also develop hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain, which is treated separately with a shunt, a thin tube that drains excess fluid. Not every child needs a shunt, and if one is required, it is usually placed either at the same time as the spinal closure or shortly after, once the medical team has assessed the need.
Pediatric Spina Bifida Surgery cost
| Country | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| India — with Nobel Medi Assistance | $3,500 – $6,500 |
Figures are indicative for international patients and depend on the hospital, the surgeon and your reports. Your exact cost is confirmed in writing after a specialist review — free, and with no obligation.
What the estimate covers
Included
- Paediatric neurosurgeon and surgical team fees
- Operation theatre and anaesthesia charges
- NICU and hospital stay for the planned duration
- Routine medicines during the hospital stay
- Neonatal nursing and post-operative wound care
- Pre-discharge assessment of the surgical site
- Initial evaluation for hydrocephalus (imaging)
Not included
- Diagnostic workup and prenatal/postnatal imaging done before arrival in India
- Flights, visa and travel insurance for the baby and accompanying parent(s)
- Accommodation once discharged from hospital
- Shunt placement surgery, if hydrocephalus is confirmed and treatment is needed
- Ongoing urology, orthopaedic or rehabilitation care after the initial surgery
- Long-term follow-up visits after returning home
Specialists who perform this
Dr Naresh Trehan
Cardiovascular & Cardiothoracic Surgeon 👑 45+ years
Dr. Z S Meharwal
Cardiac Surgery 👑 38+ years
Dr. Yugal Kishore Mishra
Cardiac Surgery 👑 43+ years
Dr. Udgeath Dhir
Cardiac Surgery 👑 18+ years
Dr. Rajneesh Malhotra
Cardiac Surgery 👑 34+ years
Dr. Sameer Mehrotra
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Cardiology), IBHRE-Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) 👑 24+ years
Dr. Surendra Nath Khanna
Cardiac Surgery 👑 34+ years
Dr. Nikhil Kumar
Cardiology 👑 39+ yearsWhere it is done
What would your Pediatric Spina Bifida Surgery cost?
Send your reports and a senior specialist sends back a written plan with costs within 24 hours. Free, with no obligation.