Pediatric Surgical Speciality
30 Years of Clinical Practice
Dr. Ramesh Santhanakrishnan, a senior Pediatric Surgeon with nearly 30 years of clinical practice in Bangalore.
☑️ Specialized Pediatric Care: Focuses on advanced pediatric surgery and medical services.
☑️ Experienced Team: Led by Dr. Ramesh Santhanakrishnan with over 30 years of experience.
☑️ Comprehensive Services: Includes Pediatric Surgery, Urology, Neurology, ENT, Gastroenterology, and more.
☑️ Compassionate Care: Committed to providing ethical, child-friendly treatment.
☑️ Modern Facilities: Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment for pediatric needs.
A Sneek Peak into our Clinic
Why Choose Our Pediatric Speciality Services
☑️ Three decade long legacy
☑️ Best-in-class tools and technology to deliver advanced pediatric surgical services
☑️ Brought thousands of children out of Pediatric conditions enabling them to live a happy and healthy life
☑️ Being empathetic and humane are integral to our approach
☑️ We relentlessly pursue our passion for excellence
Services Offered: Pediatric Surgical Super Specialities
☑️ General Pediatric Surgery
☑️ Advanced Minimal Access Surgery
☑️ Pediatric Urology
☑️ Pediatric ENT Surgery
☑️ Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery
☑️ Pediatric Onco-Surgery
☑️ Hepato-Biliary and Colorectal Surgery
☑️ Pediatric Thoracic Surgery
☑️ Pediatric Neurosurgery
☑️ Pediatric Plastic Surgery
☑️ Pediatric Dentistry
☑️ Antenatal Counselling
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Pediatricians have undergone special training in the health and illnesses of infants, teens and young adults.
In the five year course leading to the basic medical degree, paediatrics is only a small part. To specialise in children’s disorders (that has a course different from an adult) it takes an
additional three years. Pediatricians specialize in the physical, emotional, and social health of
children from birth to young adulthood. Children deserve to be examined by someone who has
studied their health and disease separately and gained expertise in them.
Some of the ley criteria in choosing the right pediatrician for your child are: Qualification and
Experience of the Doctor; Ethos and Values of the Doctor; Tools, Technology and Equipments
used; Proximity and Availability; Social Proof/Testimonials from Patients and Parents.
Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness. It is also important to schedule
well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy. Also called well-care visits or checkups,
these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress
of your child's physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to
detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations, and to get to know one
another.We recommend the following schedule for routine well-care visits:
3 to 5 days; 1 month; 2 months; 4 months; 6 months; 9 months; 12 months; 15 months; 18
months; 2 years; 2 1/2 years; 3 years; 4 years; 5 years; And every year thereafter for an annual
health supervision visit that includes a physical exam as well as a developmental, behavioral,
and learning assessment.
Our Clinic is open 5 PM – 7 PM Monday – Friday.
You can schedule an appointment by calling our office/scheduling an appointment or sending
us a consultation request on our website.
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Pediatric Neuro Surgeon
Pediatric neurosurgery is a subspecialty of neurosurgery that is involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of childhood neurologic disorders. These conditions can affect the brain, spine, or nervous system and may require delicate, high-precision surgical procedures tailored to the child’s growing body.
Unlike others, we are trained in addressing the needs of children, both in terms of physical care and emotional and developmental needs, in ways that are not part of general neurosurgical training. They function in an interdisciplinary team , cooperating with pediatricians, neurologists, oncologists, and rehabilitation specialists, which promotes comprehensive and child-friendly care.
Children are not simply “small adults” — their immunological systems are still developing, and many conditions they suffer from are entirely different from those of adults. So it’s important to discuss with a pediatric neurosurgeon who has experience dealing with conditions such as hydrocephalus, brain tumors, spina bifida, epilepsy, and congenital brain malformations.
Over the past several years, Bangalore has emerged as a powerhouse in paediatric brain surgery in India, thanks to its state-of-the-art hospitals, cutting-edge neurotechnology, and a growing cadre of internationally trained paediatric neurosurgeons. Whether it is minimally invasive endoscopic surgeries or complex cranial surgeries, children’s neurosurgery in Bangalore today is at par with global standards in both care and results.
Who is a Pediatric Neurosurgeon?
A pediatric neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who has been specifically trained to work on children from birth to adolescence. Unlike the average neurosurgeon, these professionals are especially equipped and trained to address the fragile and rapidly changing nature of a child’s growing nervous system. Both are regarded as child brain surgeons and neurological experts who diagnose and surgically treat complex disorders such as brain tumors, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, epilepsy, and head injuries.
Role & Responsibilities
The safe and effective surgical treatment of a large number of pediatric neurosurgical diseases is the primary mission of the child neurosurgeon. These include:
Operations on the brain for tumors, cysts, or malformations of blood vessels
Spinal surgeries for deformities such as scoliosis or a tethered spinal cord
Emergency operations for trauma or complications during childbirth
Pediatric neurosurgeons collaborate with pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, cancer specialists, neonatologists, and rehabilitation specialists. This interdisciplinary model also provides the child with surgical care, as well as medical, developmental, and emotional support, both before and after surgery.
Child-Friendly Care
One of the qualities of a children’s neurosurgeon is the ability to create a warm, reassuring environment for these young children. They rely on child-size surgical tools, child-friendly anesthesia practices, and design operating and recovery rooms to minimize fear and distress. From things to look at while being treated to happy play areas, the whole care experience is tailored to the mental and physical needs of children.
For families seeking a pediatric neurosurgeon near them, finding a doctor who offers the best medicine combined with a culture of compassion and a child-first philosophy is crucial.
What Conditions does Pediatric Neurosurgery Treat?
Pediatric neurosurgeons are specialists who treat children with complex neurological conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves. In contrast to adult neurosurgical cases, most pediatric cases result from congenital anomalies or developmental problems, which need to be addressed early on for a child’s positive outcome in terms of growth and neurological development.
Congenital Malformations
These are abnormalities in the structure of the brain and spinal cord that a baby is born with:
Spina Bifida: A disorder in which the spinal cord fails to develop correctly, and often needs surgery in the first weeks after birth.
Chiari Malformation: A Structural abnormality of the brain, which can cause balance difficulties, headaches, and coordination problems.
Craniosynostosis: A skull deformation that occurs when the bones meet too soon, causing the head to develop abnormally and potentially putting pressure on the brain.
Hydrocephalus
One of the most frequent pediatric neurosurgical disorders is a condition called hydrocephalus, when too much cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain. Treatment often involves surgically placing a shunt system to drain fluid and relieve pressure. This treatment for hydrocephalus in kids is usually life-saving and can help avoid brain injury.
Tumors of the Brain and Spinal Cord
Pediatric neurosurgeons manage the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in children. These are tumors, some of which are benign and some malignant, that can affect the essential functions of the nervous system. Spinal tumors are also treated based on the child’s condition, either with minimally invasive or open surgery.
In children, traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from falls, accidents, or birth trauma is frequent. Neurosurgeons repair skull fractures, brain bleeds, and other life-threatening injuries to stabilize the child and prevent long-term neurological damage.
Epilepsy Requiring Surgery
If medications don’t work, pediatric neurosurgeons can perform treatments such as lobectomies, corpus callosotomies, or the implantation of vagus nerve stimulators to treat severe epilepsy.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Surgery in children with severe spasticity caused by cerebral palsy. Surgical procedures such as selective dorsal rhizotomy can be offered to improve mobility, reduce muscle tightness, and aid functional abilities in children with cerebral palsy.
Other Conditions
Birth Injuries: Nerve damage leading to brachial plexus injury that may need to be surgically repaired.
Tethered Spinal Cord: Abnormal attachment of the spinal cord, impeding mobility and resulting in symptoms related to the nervous system.
Vascular Anomalies: Conditions such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) that require microvascular treatment.
Walking Disturbances: Many of the above conditions can make it difficult or painful to move around, limiting a person’s ability to walk.
Children’s Hospital pediatric neurosurgeons offer individualized, comprehensive care for these and other pediatric neurosurgery problems , giving kids their best opportunity for a healthy, active life.
Training, Accreditation, and Experience of the Pediatric Neurosurgeon
It takes a long time to become a pediatric neurosurgeon, and there is coursework and training specific to the care of childhood neurological conditions that are necessary to reach the level of expertise required to treat these children.
Educational Pathway
The path to becoming a pediatric neurosurgery specialist usually begins with an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), which is typically a five-and-a-half-year course. This is then followed by 1 year of general surgery internship to experience all kinds of surgery firsthand.
After that, a future pediatric neurosurgeon undergoes residency training in neurosurgery, which can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years, learning both adult- and pediatric-specific neurosurgical procedures. This fellowship provides in-depth instruction in advanced surgical procedures, including cases such as brain surgery, spine surgery, and peripheral nerve surgery.
In conclusion, the final step to becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon is to complete a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery (1-2 years). This type of fellowship is essential because the subspecialist has the opportunity to focus on specific skills related to the needs of children, taking into account both anatomical and developmental considerations.
Certifications Experience
After completing these long training games, the candidate should obtain board certification (most often MCh neuro or DNB neuro). Further subspecialization in paediatric neurology and paediatric surgery is also frequently carried out to make the surgeon capable of handling both operative and non-operative paediatric neurosurgical cases effectively.
Pediatric neurosurgeons have 8 to 10 years of training before they can practice independently, and that knowledge is brought to bear on each case.
Pediatric neurologist vs Pediatric neurosurgeon.
Both specialists are involved in the management of neurological conditions in children. However, the process differs:
Child neurologists specialize in the non-operative treatment of pediatric conditions, such as epilepsy.
Pediatric neurosurgeons concentrate on surgical procedures, namely on diseases such as brain tumors, hydrocephalus, and spinal deformities.
Best Pediatric Neurosurgeons in Bangalore
Some of the most experienced pediatric neurosurgeons in the nation are based in Bangalore, providing world-class care to children with neurological disorders. Here are the top pediatric neurosurgeons in Bangalore:
Dr. Manmeet Singh Chhabra – Sakra World Hospital
Dr. Manmeet Chhabra is a Senior Consultant of Orthopedics at the Sakra World Hospital in Bangalore Well-known for the treatments of Knee and Hip replacement He is also among the most experienced Knee replacement surgeons in India and has been constantly updating himself as per the latest innovations in the field of Knee and Hip surgery at the various hospitals abroad.
Dr. Manmeet Singh Chhabra is one of the finest pediatric surgeons in Bangalore and is highly recognized for his expertise in performing complex brain and spine procedures in children. He brings more than 15 years of experience and is recognized for his patient-centered care, which encompasses the medical and emotional well–being of both children and their families. He is available for consultation at Sakra World Hospital, one of the premier hospitals in the city.
Dr. Deepak A N – Rainbow Hospitals
With expertise in pediatric brain tumor surgery, hydrocephalus treatment, and spinal deformities, Dr. Deepak A. N. has over 12 years of experience. He specializes in children’s surgery, utilizing excellent surgical skills and compassionate care to provide state-of-the-art treatments through his work at Rainbow Hospitals, one of the leading children’s hospitals in Bangalore.
Dr. Ganesh K Murthy – Aster CMI Hospital
Dr. Ganesh K. Murthy is a pediatric neurosurgeon with over 18 years of experience. He is experienced in the treatment of brain tumors, spina bifida, and pediatric traumatic brain injuries. His specialty at Aster CMI Hospital involves the utilization of cutting-edge diagnostics and delivering child-friendly care.
Dr. Vijaykumar S Shabadi of Cloudnine Hospitals.
Dr. Vijaykumar S Shabadi is one of the best pediatric neurosurgeons who has vast experience in the management of hydrocephalus, epilepsy, and spinal deformities in children. Since then, he has been practicing for over 15 years and holds a membership at Cloudnine Hospitals, a renowned institution recognized for its excellent pediatric care.
Dr. Anantha Kishan -Manipal Hospitals
Dr. Anantha Kishan, with over 13 years of clinical experience, is a seasoned pediatric neurosurgeon specializing in neuro-oncology, spinal deformities, and brain trauma. He is a well-known pediatrician in Bangalore, practicing at Manipal Hospitals.
Dr. Umesh Srikantha – Sakra World Hospital
Dr. Umesh Srikantha is a senior pediatric neurosurgeon offering his services with extensive skills in complex spinal surgeries and brain tumors. A seasoned specialist with over 12 years of experience, he provides the best care and treatments for your child at Sakra World Hospital.
Top Pediatric Neurosurgery Hospitals in Bangalore
Rainbow Children’s Hospital: Renowned for its specialized pediatric neurosurgery, Rainbow Hospital is equipped with a department focusing exclusively on pediatric neurological disorders.
Sakra World Hospital: Sakra World Hospital boasts world-class pediatric neurosurgeons and is equipped with the latest technology, making it one of the best destinations for child brain and spine surgeries.
Manipal Hospital is inarguably one of the best hospitals in Bangalore, with world-class infrastructure for pediatric neurosurgery and highly specialized doctors.
Narayana Health City: A multi-specialty hospital offering a comprehensive range of pediatric neurosurgery services.
Aster CMI: This hospital combines leading pediatric neurosurgeons with the latest technology to cater to a wide range of pediatric neurological disorders in children.
How to Choose the Best Pediatric Neurosurgeon in Bangalore
Choosing the appropriate pediatric neurosurgeon can be one of the most important decisions when your child requires neurosurgery. Here is what you should look for in the best neurosurgery specialists for kids in Bangalore:
Credentials and Board Certifications
Make sure the pediatric neurosurgeon is board-certified in pediatric neurosurgery (MCh or DNB). Board-certified specialists have years of training and follow national treatment guidelines, ensuring your child receives the best care possible.
Hospital Buildings & Child-Specific Facilities
The best pediatric neurosurgeons operate in hospitals that have advanced medical facilities, including state-of-the-art imaging machines, specially designed pediatric operating rooms, and recovery rooms specifically designed for children. Ensure the hospital has space that children will find non-threatening and that allows for recovery to be as comfortable as possible.
Patient Testimonials and Comments
Check patient feedback on sites such as Google and Practo to see what other families have experienced with the treatment there. Good word-of-mouth for results and a good bedside manner are promising signs of a good surgeon.
Multidisciplinary Teams Being Accessible
Select a pediatric neurosurgeon who operates in a health facility that provides support from a multidisciplinary team: a pediatric neurologist, an anesthetist, an oncologist, and a physiotherapist. Team Model Care improves care for you and approaches your child as a whole person.
History of Follow-Up Availability
Ensure the pediatric neurosurgeon provides easy follow-up. Open communication, convenient scheduling, and the capacity for post-operative follow-up consultations will all be essential for effective follow-up care.
What to Expect When You Consult and Undergo the Surgery
First Consultation
When you first see a pediatric neurosurgeon, they will perform a comprehensive neurological exam to determine your child’s condition. The doctor will assess how well your child is moving, their reflexes, coordination, and sensation. Suppose your child’s symptoms and medical history seem to fit. In that case, the pediatric neurosurgeon may order imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan, or EEG, to evaluate the anatomy and function of the brain or spinal cord. After the tests, the surgeon will discuss the diagnosis and recommend the best treatment options.
Surgical Process
Surgery is initiated only after meticulous preoperative planning has been conducted to determine the safest and most effective surgical procedure. For most conditions, pediatric neurosurgeons use minimally invasive procedures, such as endoscopic surgery, which speeds recovery and lowers the risk associated with open surgery. The procedures can result in smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery in children.
Family counseling is also performed, in which the surgeon will describe the surgical plan and the expected outcomes and risks. It helps families feel prepared and informed.
Child-Centric Environment
Your child will be provided with sedation and anesthesia to make sure they have the best experience possible while they undergo surgery. A specialist in Pediatric Neurosurgery and the anesthesia department is well-trained to cater to the special requirements of children undergoing surgery. After surgery, your child’s pain will be controlled with careful pain relief measures.
Furthermore, some post-operative psychological support is often offered to children to help them process the emotional stress and help parents with coping mechanisms.
The Aftermath of Surgery; Recovery & Rehab
Hospital Stay Duration
How long will your child need to stay in the hospital after pediatric neurosurgery? The amount of time your child will spend in the hospital following pediatric neurosurgery is related to the complexity of the surgery and your child’s general health. The majority of children will be in the hospital for 3 to 7 days for recovery and observation. Your child’s vital signs are kept stable, and she is made as comfortable as possible by the medical team.
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Physical therapy and occupational therapy may be recommended after surgery to help your child regain strength, coordination, and mobility. These are individualized treatments, depending on the child’s age and status, and are essential for recovery, progress in motor function, and return to daily activities.
Follow-up Schedule
Frequent follow-up visits are crucial for post-surgical care. The visits will be scheduled during the follow-up. Follow-up will monitor recovery, carry out imaging studies, and resolve any doubts, indicating to the Pediatric Neurosurgeon the days for check-ups (1 week, 1 month , and 6 months after the surgery).
Nutritional and Mental Health Support
“Good nutrition is the key to recovery.” A nutritionist specialising in paediatrics may provide advice on a healthy diet that promotes healing. Psychological support may also be invaluable for children following neurosurgery. Emotional counseling can assist your child in dealing with any anxiety or stress, and family support is vital in the healing process.
Pediatric Neurosurgery Cost in Bangalore & Insurance
Consultation Charges
The fees of a pediatric neurosurgeon in Bangalore range between INR 800 and 1500. And there’s already been an exam for that, a diagnosis, and the recommended best course of action, including, if severe enough, surgery.
Surgery Costs
The cost of pediatric neurosurgery in Bangalore may vary depending on the complexity of the surgery. The price of most of these procedures varies between INR 1.5 lakh and 5 lakh. It is dependent on many factors, such as the type of surgery, the hospital’s name and fame, and the surgeon’s knowledge and skill. Simple procedures, such as minimally invasive surgeries, are affordable. Still, complex procedures like the removal of a brain tumor or spinal surgeries may be on the higher side of the price list.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Hospitals
It’s essential to verify whether the hospital is in-network with your insurance provider, as in-network hospitals are often more cost-effective than out-of-network hospitals. Make sure to inquire about which hospitals are included in your plan before purchasing it.
Check with your hospital while planning for surgery to determine if they can help you maximize your coverage. All hospitals have insurance teams that will assist you in verifying whether your insurance covers pediatric neurosurgery and all related costs, such as the cost of surgery, preoperative evaluations, and postoperative care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The pay for a pediatric neurosurgeon can vary based on location, experience, and the type of hospital or clinic where they work. In India, an experienced pediatric neurosurgeon may earn INR 25,00,000 per annum. In the US, experienced clinicians can earn significantly higher salaries, with annual earnings ranging from USD 400,000 to USD 700,000. Income may also be higher if you work in a private hospital or are engaged in research and teaching.
This usually takes 15–20 years of practice past high school:
MBBS (5.5 years)
General Surgery Resident Internship (1 year)
Residency in Neurosurgery (5–7 years)
Fellowship (1–2 years) Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship
It is this extensive training that prepares the pediatric neurosurgeon to treat many of the most complex neurological problems in children.
Although both a pediatric neurosurgeon and a pediatric neurologist focus on the neurological care of children, they are distinct professions.
Pediatric neurosurgeons specialize in performing the surgical treatments for conditions of the nervous system, primarily as they manifest in children, including brain and spinal surgeries.
Meanwhile, pediatric neurologists specialize in the diagnosis and non-surgical management of both acute and chronic neurological disorders, including epilepsy, ADHD, and neurogenetic disorders.
As a general rule of thumb, if the case requires surgery, care is best directed by a pediatric neurosurgeon; whereas, medication and management of the case are managed by pediatric neurology.
As with all surgery, there are some risks associated with children’s neurosurgery. However, with the advent of new technology and more refined surgical skills, these risks are significantly reduced. Surgeons who treat children have additional training in pediatric care, and facilities that specialize in treating children have the necessary equipment and staff trained to care for them. Among the risks are infection, bleeding, and anesthesia complications; however, these are infrequent when proper precautions are taken. A decision to undergo surgery is always based on a meticulous assessment of the benefits compared to the risks.
Pediatrics is the medical specialty that focuses on the care of children, infants, and adolescents from birth to 18 years of age. Pediatric neurosurgery is dedicated to the treatment of disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord in children.
A pediatric neurosurgeon’s salary can vary significantly from one country to another:
In India, salaries can range from INR 10 lakhs to 45 lakhs per annum, depending on the years of experience, hospital, and location of the surgeon.
In the US, a pediatric neurosurgeon’s salary ranges between $400,000 and $700,000 per year, depending on their reputation, location, hospital, and experience. In big cities or private practice, surgeons make more money.
Suppose you are looking for a pediatric neurosurgeon in your area. In that case, you should check local hospital or clinic websites that perform brain surgeries on children, ensuring they have a specifically designated pediatric neurosurgery division. On these platforms, you can also search on Practo, Google, and hospital websites to find trustworthy pediatric neurosurgeons in your vicinity.
In Bangalore, there are several well-known pediatric neurosurgeons, including Dr. Manmeet Singh Chhabra, Dr. Deepak A. N., and Dr. Ganesh K. Murthy. If you live in cities like Chennai or Delhi, such searches are also available to help you find the best specialists in those cities.
There are well-known hospitals in Chennai and Delhi where you can find pediatric neurosurgery if your child is in that category:
Some of the best hospitals for pediatric neurosurgery in Chennai are MIOT International, Fortis Malar Hospital, and Apollo Hospitals.
In Delhi, top hospitals such as AIIMS, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, and Max Healthcare have pediatric neurosurgeons who are experts in child neurosurgery.
Both cities have professionals with expertise caring for children, such as those who have brain tumors, spina bifida, and hydrocephalus.