Pollicization Surgery Cost in Bangalore, India

Pollicization is surgery that turns a child's index finger into a working thumb, for children born without a functional thumb.

The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) explains that pollicization is used for children who lack a functional thumb because it did not develop fully (thumb hypoplasia) or is absent, and sometimes after injury.

HSS describes a typical minimum age of about 18 months, preferably before preschool. The index finger is shortened, rotated into the thumb position and its muscles and tendons rearranged.

The operation takes under two hours, and the hand stays in a cast for about four weeks. HSS describes therapy twice a week for about two months, with a night splint.

The new thumb grows with the hand. Risks include stiffness, length problems, scarring and infection, and loss of the thumb is rare.

Flying home: there is no single aviation figure for bone and joint surgery, but leg operations raise the risk of clots on long flights, so ask about clot prevention; the UK Civil Aviation Authority's guidance for doctors advises 24 to 48 hours after a plaster cast is applied.

The cost of pollicization surgery in Bangalore typically ranges from $1,700 to $6,350 USD (about ₹1.61 lakh to ₹6.02 lakh), depending on the hospital, room category and type of procedure.

What you pay depends mainly on your own case. If a standard implant is used and you stay in a shared room, your bill is likely to be closer to $1,700 (about ₹1.61 lakh). It is likely to be nearer $6,350 (about ₹6.02 lakh) if a specialised implant is used, both sides are treated, it is a repeat operation or you choose a private room.

When comparing Bangalore packages for pollicization surgery, check whether each quote includes:

• Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
• Operating theatre or procedure room
• Implants, plates or screws
• Physiotherapy
• Hospital stay and room category
• Medicines and consumables
• Follow-up visits before you fly home

Bangalore hospitals usually put together an estimate for pollicization surgery from these elements:

• Pre-operative evaluation: X-rays, scans and fitness checks.
• Theatre and anaesthesia charges: which rise with operating time.
• Implants: brand and type of joint, plates or screws.
• Physiotherapy: in hospital and after discharge.
• Child's age: and hand anatomy.
• Children's anaesthesia: and hospital stay.
• Cast: for about four weeks.
• Hand therapy: for about two months.

Ask for an itemised Bangalore quote showing any implant, surgeon, theatre, stay and hand therapy or physiotherapy, so that hospitals can be compared fairly.

Bengaluru has a broad base of orthopaedic departments with joint replacement, arthroscopy and trauma teams, as well as in-house physiotherapy for early rehabilitation.

Accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), part of the Quality Council of India, is India's main hospital quality standard, and the NABH website shows whether a Bangalore hospital's accreditation is current.

Some Bengaluru hospitals also hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, an international standard, and JCI's public directory lets you confirm a hospital's status before you book.

Patients travelling from abroad can apply online for India's e-Medical visa, and accompanying family members for an e-Medical Attendant visa; check the current conditions on the official Indian visa portal before booking.