Brachial plexus surgery in India is a very affordable surgery with the same quality of medical care, as available in the US, UK, Canada, or any other developed country.
The brachial plexus is a group of nerves originating from the spinal cord. These nerves are mainly responsible for movement and sensation of the arm and hand. Brachial plexus injuries are very serious and can cause partial or complete loss of function or sensation of the involved upper extremity. Brachial plexus injuries can happen either because of trauma (accident) or obstetric causes.According to the book Skeletal Injury in the Child by John Anthony Ogden, R. N. Hensinger, N. McCullough, it was earlier believed that brachial plexus injuries were more common in large neonates, but, the complication has been reported even in normal size neonates.”
According to the book Skeletal Injury in the Child by John Anthony Ogden, R. N. Hensinger, N. McCollough, ”(Although it was earlier believed that brachial plexus injuries were more common in large neonates) the complication has been reported even in normal size neonates.”
Brachial plexus injury complicates 0.6-2.6 per 1,000 live births, according to the paper ‘A Systematic Review of Brachial Plexus Surgery for Birth-Related Brachial Plexus Injury’ by P. Daniel McNeely, and James M. Drake.
In adults, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, industrial accidents and gunshot wounds are usually responsible for injury of the brachial plexus. Sportspersons are also susceptible to brachial plexus injury.
First, the surgeon will fully explore the nerve network. If there is scar tissue (neuroma) present, it will need to be cleared. The surgery is deemed to be over if the nerve works well once this is completed. This is called a neurolysis.
Nerve grafts may be required on some children. Nerves are then transplanted, usually from the leg (sural nerve) to reconnect the damaged nerves. After the surgery, an immobilizer is put on the arm, so that it does not shift out more than 45 degrees. This allows the surgery site to heal. The wrap must be worn for four weeks.
Brachial plexus surgery needs the involvement of a neurosurgeon, pediatric plastic surgeon, and a pediatric neurologist performing intra-operative EMG.
Brachial plexus surgery has a long history. At the beginning of the 20th century, some pioneering surgeons like Kennedy, Thorburn, Fairbank, Gilmour, Lange, Spitzy, Tuttle and Taylor took on the highly difficult task of repairing the damaged brachial plexus in infants and also adults.
In the 1960s, micro-surgical methods were introduced. This made the whole approach more aggressive: it changed from a ‘wait and see’ stand to ‘see and repair’. Current developments like cervical myelography, CT-myelography, and MRI have hugely improved the amount of knowledge we can get regarding the extent and severity of brachial plexus damage.
A baby or an adult who has suffered extensive damage to the brachial plexus, is in need of the surgery. Some patients do recover without surgery. Qualifying patients will demonstrate the following symptoms:
You may want to set up appointments with your pediatrician and specialists one month prior to surgery to discuss specific pre-surgery, intra-operative and post-surgery needs. Here are some facts that will help you to mentally gear up for the surgery:
The advantages of brachial plexus surgery are, of course, that the normal functions are restored, which will in the future contribute to your child’s self-confidence and social acceptance.
Some disadvantages or possible risks of brachial plexus surgery include:
You must call your doctor if any of the following symptoms are observed:
Recovery is slow after brachial plexus surgery. Results of the surgery are seen in six to eight months and strength continues to improve over the next two to three years. Another EMG is sometimes required if the recovery is slower than expected to confirm that the nerves are growing in the right direction and are restoring function.
Brachial plexus surgery is a very complex procedure and requires expert surgeons. Hence, it can be very expensive. But there are cheaper alternatives available in India. The cost of brachial plexus surgery in India is 60-70% lesser than that in the US. Even when you add other costs like accommodation, the price still remains attractive.
Apart from the huge savings, the other benefits to be got from brachial plexus surgery in India are specialized service and high standards of medical care. The tourist hospitals in India have cutting edge technology, that is required for this complex procedure.
Brachial plexus surgery in India can make a huge difference to the patient’s lifestyle and comfort in doing his daily activities.
Brachial Plexus Surgeons in India
Dr Sajan Hegde: Dr Hegde was the first Indian to receive the prestigious Cotrel Spine Fellowship. He has pioneered the use of many modern instrumentation systems, for example, the Cotrel-Dubousset, the Moss Miami, and the Ray cages (PLIF), BAK cages and the Harms Mesh Systems in India.
Dr. D V Rajakumar: Dr Rajakumar is a leading neurosurgeon with more than twenty years experience in complex spine procedures. Minimal access surgical approaches to neurological diseases are his forte.
Dr. K.N. Krishnan: His specialty is complex spine surgeries from cranio-vertebral junction to lumbo sacral region including global (anterior & posterior) decompressions, fusions and internal stabilization procedures for spinal trauma, tumors and infections.
Dr Yash Gulati: Educated in India and the UK, Dr Gulati performs various types of spine surgery including minimally invasive spine surgery like micro discectomies, and spine stabilization.
Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates low cost brachial plexus surgery at world class hospitals in India. Use the estimate form on this page to request a free quote and more information.
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