Spina Bifida Treatment Cost in India

Cost of Spina Bifida Surgery In India

The estimated cost of Spina Bifida surgery in India is relatively cheap and can even cost as low as 4200 USD although it can even go up to 8000 USD. this will depend on charges levied by the hospital and the surgeon’s fees. Usually, this price does not include the post-operational physiotherapy program. Other expenses also include the diagnostic that the patient undergoes before the surgery and consultation before the start of the operation.

An Overview of Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a neural tube disorder whereby the spinal column does not close fully before the baby is born. It is among the neural tube disorders. The neural tube is the formation that in further development becomes the baby’s brain and spinal cord, and tissues that cover it.

Usually, the neural tube develops at the early stage of pregnancy and it is closed by the 4th week of pregnancy. However, in babies with spina bifida, it is similar to anencephaly in that at some stage of human development, a portion of the neural tube does not close or develop appropriately, and thus the spinal nerves and the bones of the spine are affected.

Spina bifida varies in severity, starting with a small opening in the spinal cord and coccyx area, resulting in increased spasticity in the legs and bowel and bladder dysfunction for severe cases of spina bifida. However, if needed early intervention such as surgery may be called for in the case of spina bifida even though the problem is not always fully addressable.

What Are The Different Types of Spina Bifida?

Spina Bifida Occulta: It is a less severe form of spina bifida and is often asymptomatic. Occulta means concealed, in this instance, the defect is concealed with skin. There may be a little patch of hair on the part of the skin that overlies the lower spine, a birthmark, or a little dimple between the two rounds of the buttocks. In most cases, children with spina bifida occulta do not experience complications with their overall well-being and development.

Meningocele spina bifida: It is characterized by the meningocele spinal fluid as well as the meninges herniate through an abnormally formed vertebral opening, forming a sac filled with spinal fluid. This sac is clearly noticeable on the head, neck, or back of a baby. Although some patients with meningocele may not exhibit signs of genetic disability, others may present with symptoms as severe as quadriplegia with incontinence of urine/ stool.

Myelomeningocele: Commonly referred to as open spina bifida, represents the most severe manifestation of this condition. It involves the spinal canal being exposed along multiple vertebrae in the lower or middle back, leading to either partial or complete paralysis of the body parts located below the spinal opening. Individuals affected by myelomeningocele may experience significant impairments, such as the inability to walk and issues with bladder and bowel control. Additionally, it is frequent for infants with this condition to develop hydrocephalus.

Spina Bifida Treatment Cost in India

Spina Bifida Treatment Cost in India usually starts from Rs. 3.50 Lakhs to Rs. 6.70 Lakhs ($4200 to $8000). The price typically includes necessary preoperative tests, the treatment itself, and consultation with the doctor. However, please note that accommodation and transfers are not included in this cost.

Factors that can Affect the Cost of Spina Bifida Treatment in India

Various factors can affect the cost of spina bifida in India. Your budget is greatly impacted by numerous elements that fail under pre and post-treatment costs. Below are the various factors that can affect spina bifida cost in India. 

• Medication costsPatient Condition 
• Duration of treatment
• Geographical location
• Hospitalization expenses
• Government policies and subsidies
• Medical tourism packages
• Hospital reputation and infrastructure
• The expertise and experience of medical professionals
• The type and frequency of diagnostic procedures
• The choice of treatment modality.

Cost Comparison with Different Countries vs India

How is Spina Bifida Treated in India?

Spina bifida is treated by either performing surgery on the fetus before the baby is born or soon after the baby is born.

Spina Bifida surgery is conducted after birth (Postnatal Operation of Spina Bifida).

Spina bifida operation is done after delivery, and the pregnancy is checked before delivering through a cesarean section at 37 weeks.

• Mostly, spina bifida may be operated on, soon after the birth of the baby within 24 to 48 hours.
• General anesthesia will be administered to your child.
• If present, the myelomeningocele (MMC) sac is shaved off during surgery by a pediatric neurosurgeon.
• To secure the spine, the specialist sutures the rest of the tissue and skin over the opening.
• The baby who undergoes surgery is then administered to the Neonatal/Pediatric Intensive Care Unit or N/IICU.

Prenatal Spina Bifida Surgery (Prenatal Spina Bifida Repair)

Prenatal SPB surgery is the surgical intervention done during pregnancy to correct an opening in the spine as well as other structures and tissues of the fetus. Preventive surgery on MMC helps prevent further harm as spinal cord damage rises during pregnancy.

Prenatal repair is preferable to postnatal repair, and one can obtain rather good results from the prenatal intervention.

• This assists in preventing ventricular shunting by means of avoiding the buildup of fluid in the brain.
• It lowers the risk of occurrence, and/or the severity of the neurological complications with regard to the motor and sensory functionality of the lower limbs.
• This enhances its ability to move and thus the probability of achieving the ultimate goal of walking on its own will be actualized.
• It corrects the anterior brain herniation part of the Arnold Chiari II dysraphism.

Why Patients Choose India for Spina Bifida Treatment?

India has gained a reputation for its world-class healthcare services, providing cutting-edge treatment options and state-of-the-art facilities that rival those found in other developed countries. This has made India a popular destination for medical tourists seeking high-quality care at a fraction of the cost they would incur in their home countries

• Complete treatment transparency.
• Have the greatest multidisciplinary team of specialists.
• Known as the best according to international standards. 
• Reasonable Price.
• Utilizing top-notch services to ensure infection-free status.

Best Hospitals for Spina Bifida Treatment in India

There are many good hospitals in india that provide some pof the best treatment care for patients. Here is a list of the top best hospitals for spina bifida treatment in India: 

• BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
• Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
• Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurgaon
• Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
• Medanta Hospital, Gurgaon
• Jaypee Hospital Noida
• Fortis Hospital Noida
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital Delhi