For the first time in India, Amrita Hospital in Kochi, Kerala has introduced cosmetic heart surgery for children – a procedure that has gained popularity in Europe in the last decade. Cosmetic heart surgery means cardiac surgery with an alternative approach through minimally invasive procedure. “The advantage of this advanced surgical procedure is that, the incision is not visible either from the front or from back, no major chest muscles are cut and hence the child has no long-term functional problems. No bones are cut and hence recovery is fast. The incision is kept to less than 5 cms and hence cosmetically appealing and finally even if the child undresses fully, the scar is not visible in normal posture,” said Dr. Brijesh Kottayil.
“This approach will reduce the lifelong psychological trauma from a visible surgical scar. The hospital would incorporate robotic assistance in cosmetic heart surgery for children shortly” said Dr. Brijesh.
Already six children have successfully undergone this procedure so far at Amrita Hospital, Kochi.