The Norwood procedure is a surgical intervention performed on infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a rare congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. The procedure is done to correct the structural defects and to ensure adequate blood flow to the body. Cleveland Clinic states that about 1,000 babies a year are born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome in the United States.
Platforms like Medditour connect the patients seeking Norwood procedure to international hospitals and facilitators for affordable treatments, with no delay in time.
In this article let’s understand the Norwood procedure and its significance and how medical tourism in India, Singapore, and Malaysia has an influence on it.
Norwood procedure: an in-depth view
The Norwood procedure is a three-stage surgery, and the first stage is the most critical. In this stage, the surgeon creates a new aorta, connects it to the right ventricle, and reroutes the blood flow to bypass the underdeveloped left side of the heart. This rerouting is done through a series of arteries and veins, including the pulmonary artery and the superior vena cava. The goal is to make sure that the body is receiving enough oxygen-rich blood to function properly.
The Norwood procedure is significant because it is the first step in a series of surgeries that can provide a long-term solution for HLHS. Without this surgery, infants with HLHS have a very low chance of survival. However, the procedure is complex and carries a high risk of complications, such as bleeding, infection, and neurological injury. The success rate of the procedure depends on many factors, including the skill and experience of the surgical team.
Children’s Wisconsin states that most major pediatric heart centers offer a survival rate of 75 percent or more for Norwood procedures.
Medical tourism for Norwood procedure
Medical tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years, and many families are choosing to travel to countries such as India, Singapore, and Malaysia to receive medical care, including the Norwood procedure.
Cost of medical care in these countries is significantly lower than in countries such as the United States. This is especially important for families with limited financial resources, as the Norwood procedure and follow-up care can be very expensive.
Medical tourism allows families to access highly skilled and experienced surgeons who specialize in performing the Norwood procedure. In countries such as India, Singapore, and Malaysia, there are many world-renowned hospitals and surgical teams that have a proven track record of success.
Medical tourism companies like Medditour provide the families with the opportunity to combine their child’s medical care with a vacation or cultural experience. This can help to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with the procedure and can provide a positive distraction for both the child and the family.
In conclusion, the Norwood procedure is a critical surgical intervention for infants with HLHS, and medical tourism can provide families with access to highly skilled surgical teams at a lower cost.