Pollicization Surgery Cost in United Arab Emirates

The cost of pollicization surgery in the UAE typically ranges from $5,500 to $20,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Pollicization moves and reshapes the index finger so that it works as a thumb, for children born without a functioning thumb. In the UAE, the cost depends on:

• Paediatric hand surgeon: a highly specialised operation.
• Anaesthesia and theatre time: under two hours.
• Cast and splints: after surgery.
• Hand therapy: twice-weekly sessions for months.

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York states that children are usually at least 18 months old, and surgery is preferably done before preschool so the hand develops with the new thumb.

HSS describes a cast for about four weeks, then therapy twice a week for around two months with a night splint. The new thumb grows with the child's hand.

Stiffness, a thumb that is too long or short, scarring and infection are possible; loss of the new thumb is rare.

Coverage of congenital hand surgery depends on the child's insurance plan; planned surgery needs prior approval.