Brachial Plexus Surgery Cost in India

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Any damage to these nerves will result in brachial plexus injuries. Trauma to these nerves is caused when these nerves are stretched or squeezed together. Symptoms of brachial plexus injury include numbness and weakness in the arm, a burning sensation or a feeling of electric shock spreading down the arm. In severe cases, symptoms include loss of sensation in the arm, hand, and shoulder, and intense pain along with difficulty in holding things with the hands. 

Mild injuries of the brachial plexus can be managed with medications and physical therapy. Severe cases of injury need brachial plexus surgery to relieve pain and restore normal functioning.

The brachial plexus surgery cost in India varies in different cities depending on the injury's severity, the patient's health status, the hospital chosen for the surgery, hospital charges, diagnostic tests, surgeon’s fee, insurance plans, and post-operative rehabilitation methods. On average, brachial plexus surgery cost in India varies from INR.150000- INR 500000.

What Is Brachial Plexus Surgery?

Brachial plexus surgery is a surgical procedure done to repair or reconstruct the damaged nerve plexus to relieve pain, restore function and sensation, and improve the quality of life.

What Are The Indications of Brachial Plexus Surgery?

Following are the conditions when your doctor recommends you to undergo brachial plexus surgery:

• Trauma in the neck or shoulder that results in severely torn or severely stretched nerves in the brachial plexus.
• Continuing intense pain with loss of sensation in the arm after a trauma
• Scarring of nerves that results in the formation of tumors called neuromas
• Nerve tumors in the brachial plexus which are not occurring as a result of trauma. (Examples such as schwannomas and neurofibromas.)

What Are The Different Types Of Brachial Plexus Surgeries:

The following are the different types of brachial plexus surgeries:

• Brachial plexus nerve repair: It is usually done when the nerve ends are damaged by sharp objects such as knives. The surgeon will reconnect the nerve endings by sewing them. 
• Brachial plexus decompression and neurolysis: It is usually done when the nerve is compressed but otherwise intact to relieve pain and to restore nerve functioning. This procedure helps to free up the nerves from scar tissue. 
• Nerve grafting surgery for brachial plexus injuries: In this technique, your surgeon will replace the damaged nerve part with an expandable sensory nerve obtained from other parts of the body (mainly obtained from a sural nerve in the legs). Nerve graft helps to create a bridge for new nerve growth over time.
• Brachial plexus nerve transfer surgery: In this type of surgery, your surgeon will connect a nearby functioning nerve which is performing noncritical functions to the injured nerve allowing for new nerve growth.
• Tendon transfer surgeries for brachial plexus injuries: In this technique, your surgeon will place a functioning and expandable tendon attached to a paralyzed tendon. After this procedure, the functional tendon will pull on the paralyzed tendon and help to restore the lost functions.
• Functional muscle transplant for brachial plexus injuries: In this technique, your surgeon will remove a less important muscle from any parts of your body (mainly thighs) and transfer it into the arm, shoulder or hand and reconnect the muscles and nerves to the muscle. 

Brachial Plexus Surgery - Procedure:

To diagnose the severity of the condition your doctor will ask you to carry out diagnostic tests like x-rays, computerized tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging scans, and nerve conduction studies. After this, your neurologist will plan the adequate treatment type for you.

During brachial plexus surgery, you will be given general anesthesia. A team of doctors will monitor your nerve functioning using a technology called evoked potentials. The specific procedures performed during brachial plexus surgery depend on what the surgeon discovers when he or she examines the injury up close. 

In most cases, an incision is made above the collarbone. If the damage persists, they will do a second operation by having an incision near the shoulder. The procedure is carried out with the help of modern tiny tools and a high-powered microscope.

What Are The Complications of Brachial Plexus Surgery:

The following are the complications resulting from brachial plexus surgery:

• Excessive blood loss and formation of blood clots
• Infections
• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia medicine
• Chronic pain
• In severe cases stroke, and heart attack

Recovery After Brachial Plexus Surgery:

The recovery period depends upon the type and severity of the injury. Healing of the tissues happens in a shorter period but functional recovery may take a little longer depending on the extent of the injury and the procedure you had. After surgery, your doctor will ask you to wear a splint or sling to keep the affected arm in a stable position that helps to speed up the recovery. Physical therapy also plays a crucial role in recovery.

Brachial plexus surgery cost in India:

The cost of Brachial plexus surgery varies for different people according to the type of surgery done and the severity of the injury. On average, Brachial plexus surgery costs around INR 150000 to INR 500000.

What Are The Factors Affecting Brachial plexus Surgery?

The following are the factors affecting the brachial plexus surgery cost:

• The severity of the injury
• Admission fees in the hospital
• surgeon’s fees
• Surgeon’s experience
• Type of hospital and the infrastructure in the hospital
• Duration of hospital stay
• Diagnostic tests performed
• Age of the patient and health status 
• Insurance coverages 
• Postoperative follow-ups and medication charges

Conclusion:

Brachial plexus injuries happen as a result of trauma to the nerves in the brachial plexus. Mild injuries will heal themself over some time with medications and physiotherapy whereas severe brachial plexus injuries need surgery to restore the functions. Nerves heal very slowly so the recovery from brachial plexus surgery may take a longer period. Always keep a positive mindset and keep belief in your treatment plan. Following a healthy lifestyle, practicing physical therapy and regular checkups helps to improve the condition. Healthcare providers are also available to offer support and comprehensive treatment plans for you.  Visit IBS hospital to get the best treatments in neurology, book your consultation now.

FAQs

Q: How much does brachial plexus surgery cost in Delhi?

A: The brachial plexus surgery cost in India varies in different cities depending on the severity of injury, health status of the patient, hospital chosen for the surgery, hospital charges, diagnostic tests, surgeon’s fee, insurance plans, and post-operative rehabilitation methods. On average, it costs around INR 250000 at the lower range to INR 100000 at the higher range in Delhi.

Q: Do all brachial plexus injuries require surgery?

A: Mild to moderate injuries can be managed with physical therapy and other rehabilitation methods. Severe brachial plexus injuries will not heal themselves and require surgery to heal. If surgery is planned, it should be done within 6 months of injury.

Q: How successful is brachial plexus surgery?

A: The success rate of brachial plexus surgery depends on the severity of the injury and the expertise of the medical team performing the surgery. In general, 80-90% of people who undergo surgery notice an improvement in nerve functioning and symptom relief. 

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | April 18, 2024 | 9 Min Read