Overview of Glenn Procedure

The Glenn procedure, also known as the bidirectional Glenn, is a surgical intervention designed to enhance blood circulation in a heart with underdeveloped left or right sides, which may involve either the valve connecting the upper and lower chambers or the pumping chamber itself. By linking the superior vena cava directly to the pulmonary arteries, this operation enables oxygen-depleted blood to flow directly to the lungs for oxygenation.

The superior vena cava is responsible for returning oxygen-poor blood from the upper body. Typically, this blood would pass through the heart’s chambers before reaching the pulmonary artery for oxygen. However, the Glenn surgery facilitates a bypass around the affected area of the heart, allowing the oxygen-poor blood to reach the lungs more efficiently.

This procedure is often performed following one or more surgeries that infants may undergo shortly after birth. Subsequently, children may require additional surgery a few years later to establish a more permanent solution.

Glenn Procedure Cost in Turkey

The cost of a Glenn procedure in Turkey, a crucial intervention in pediatric cardiology, typically starts from around 21,000 USD to 25,000 USD. Below are some of the reasons which can affect Glenn procedure cost in Turkey.

Factors That Can Affect Glenn Procedure Cost in Turkey

Several important factors affect the expenses related to the Glenn Procedure in Turkey:

• Location of the hospital or clinic: Typically, the costs at private hospitals or clinics are higher compared to those at public facilities.
• Medication expenses: The prices of specific medications can significantly impact the total cost of the Glenn Procedure in Turkey.
• Patient’s health status: The complexity of a patient’s health condition can influence the length of treatment, thereby affecting the overall cost of Glenn procedure in Turkey.
• Length of treatment: Extended treatment periods that require multiple appointments can result in increased total expenses of Glenn procedure cost in Turkey.
• Qualifications and experience of healthcare professionals: Renowned cardiac surgeons with substantial experience often charge higher fees, which adds to the overall treatment cost of Glenn procedure in Turkey.

Glenn Procedure Cost in Different Cities in Turkey

Types of Condition Treated By Glenn Procedure

Below are the conditions that a healthcare professional conduct to address the following cardiac anomalies:

• Pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum.
• Tricuspid atresia is characterized by the absence of a properly formed tricuspid valve between the heart chambers.
• Double inlet ventricle, whether left or right.
• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
• Unbalanced atrioventricular canal defects.

Certain types of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, where the pulmonary artery and aorta are mispositioned, lead to improper connections between the valves and ventricles.

Diagnosis and Procedure For Glenn Procedure in Detail

The Glenn procedure is primarily conducted on children, often as part of a multi-step approach to treat congenital heart defects, including single ventricle conditions like hypoplastic left heart syndrome or tricuspid atresia. This surgery is generally performed when the child is between 4 to 6 months old, to redirect blood flow from the upper body to the lungs to enhance oxygenation.

Before the Glenn procedure, a series of diagnostic evaluations are carried out to examine the child’s cardiac health and overall condition. These assessments include:

• Echocardiogram (ECHO): This imaging technique offers detailed views of the heart’s structure and function, aiding in the evaluation of blood flow and the identification of any abnormalities.
• Cardiac Catheterization: This procedure measures the pressures within the heart and lungs while also assessing the anatomy of the heart and its blood vessels.
• Chest X-ray: This imaging helps to visualize the heart and lungs’ size and shape, ensuring there are no irregularities present.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): This test monitors the heart’s electrical activity to detect any arrhythmias or conduction issues.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)/CT Scan: These imaging modalities provide comprehensive 3D representations of the heart and its surrounding structures, facilitating better surgical planning.
• Blood Tests: These tests are conducted to screen for infections, anemia, and other metabolic or organ-related issues.

These evaluations are crucial in determining the child’s suitability for the Glenn procedure and in identifying any potential risks.

Helpful:- Glenn Procedure Cost in India

Step-by-Step Process of Glenn Procedure

The Glenn procedure is a surgical intervention primarily aimed at children with single ventricle defects, designed to enhance blood flow to the lungs. Below is a comprehensive step-by-step overview:

• The child is placed under general anesthesia to ensure they remain completely unconscious and free from pain throughout the surgery.
• A median sternotomy is performed, involving an incision in the center of the chest to gain access to the heart.
• The sternum is divided to provide a clear view of the heart and its major blood vessels.
• The child is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine, which temporarily takes over the roles of the heart and lungs, ensuring proper circulation and oxygenation during the operation.
• The superior vena cava (SVC), responsible for transporting deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the heart, is carefully detached from the heart.
• The SVC is then surgically reattached (anastomosed) directly to the pulmonary artery, allowing blood from the upper body to bypass the heart and flow directly to the lungs for oxygenation.
• The heart-lung bypass machine is gradually turned off, enabling the heart to return to its normal function.
• The surgeon checks for any bleeding before closing the chest. The sternum is reconnected with wires, and the incision is sutured.
• The child is then moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close observation.
• Temporary mechanical ventilation may be employed to assist with breathing.
• Pain relief and medications to prevent clotting and regulate blood pressure are provided.
• The typical hospital stay lasts between 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the child’s recovery progress.

Regular Follow-ups: Ongoing follow-up appointments with a pediatric cardiologist are essential to monitor heart function and determine if further procedures, such as the Fontan procedure, are necessary.

Also Read:- Best Cardiologists in Turkey

Bottom Line

The Glenn procedure is a critical surgery primarily performed on children with single ventricle defects to improve blood flow to the lungs. It serves as an intermediate step before the Fontan procedure and significantly enhances the child’s quality of life. Close monitoring and regular follow-ups are essential to ensure optimal outcomes.

Medsurge India is a medical tourism platform tailored for patients seeking comprehensive treatment packages while traveling to distant locations. The company partners with top hospitals and healthcare professionals worldwide. If you or your loved ones are interested in an affordable Glenn procedure in Turkey, please reach out to us.