Cost
$4,000 - $8,000
Procedure Type:
Surgical Procedure
Hospitalization Days:
7-14 days
Procedure Duration:
3-5 hrs
Success Rate:
90-95%
Some babies are born with complex congenital heart defects where only one side of the heart is strong enough to pump blood. In such cases, a normal heart circulation cannot be achieved with a single surgery. Instead, doctors follow a staged surgical approach to gradually improve blood flow and oxygen levels.
The Glenn procedure is a crucial second-stage heart surgery in this staged treatment plan. It significantly reduces strain on the heart and improves oxygen delivery to the body. The Glenn procedure in India is widely chosen by international families due to high surgical expertise, advanced pediatric cardiac ICUs, excellent survival rates, and much lower treatment costs compared to Western countries. The cost of the Glenn procedure in India ranges from USD 4,000 to USD 8,000. With proper timing and expert care, the Glenn procedure plays a life-stabilizing role for children with single-ventricle heart defects.
The Glenn procedure is a palliative cardiac surgery performed in infants and young children who have single-ventricle congenital heart disease, meaning only one ventricle can pump blood effectively.
In a normal heart:
In children needing a Glenn procedure, this pathway does not work properly. During the Glenn procedure:
This reduces the workload on the heart and improves oxygen saturation. The Glenn procedure is usually done as the second stage, following an initial surgery shortly after birth, and before the final Fontan procedure. The Glenn procedure creates a more efficient circulation and prepares the child for long-term heart management.
Over the years, surgical techniques for the Glenn procedure have evolved to improve oxygen levels, reduce complications, and support better long-term outcomes. The choice of procedure depends on heart anatomy, lung pressures, and previous surgeries.
This is the most commonly performed Glenn procedure today.
This technique has largely replaced older Glenn methods due to better long-term results.
This older method directs blood to only one lung.
This is a modified version used in some centers as a bridge to the Fontan procedure.
Modern Glenn techniques focus on balanced lung blood flow and safer progression to the Fontan stage.
Not every child with congenital heart disease is suitable for the Glenn procedure. Careful selection is essential to ensure safety and long-term success.
A child may be considered a good candidate if:
Doctors also evaluate:
Timing is critical as performing the Glenn too early or too late can increase risks. Strict medical evaluation ensures the Glenn procedure is performed at the safest and most effective time.
Before Glenn surgery, a detailed assessment is required to confirm that the child’s heart and lungs are ready for this stage.
Common tests include:
Parents receive counseling regarding:
Thorough diagnostics reduce complications and improve surgical outcomes.
Glenn procedure packages in India are structured to cover all essential hospital-based services during surgery and recovery.
Typically included:
Not usually included:
Transparent packages help families plan treatment with financial clarity.
India has become a trusted global destination for complex pediatric heart surgeries, including staged single-ventricle repairs. Indian hospitals were among the early adopters of modern bidirectional Glenn techniques, advanced pediatric cardiac anesthesia, and specialized pediatric ICUs. Today, leading centers perform hundreds of congenital heart surgeries annually.
Key advantages include:
India combines surgical expertise, advanced technology, and affordability for world-class Glenn surgery.
Families traveling to another country for a complex pediatric heart surgery like the Glenn procedure need strong logistical, financial, and emotional support, not just medical care. Indian medical facilitators offering Glenn surgery have dedicated international patient coordination teams that work closely with families from the first consultation until the child is stable enough to return home.
Insurance coverage for pediatric heart surgery varies widely depending on the country and policy. Hospital teams help families by preparing detailed medical summaries, diagnosis notes, treatment plans, and cost estimates that are often required for insurance approval or post-treatment reimbursement. While many international patients opt for self-payment, proper documentation helps families avoid confusion and plan finances more clearly.
For children undergoing heart surgery, timely visa processing is critical. Hospitals issue official medical visa invitation letters mentioning the child’s condition, the urgency of treatment, and the expected duration of stay. Support is also provided for attendant visas for parents or guardians and for visa extensions if the child’s recovery requires a longer stay in India.
Managing travel with a medically fragile child can be overwhelming. Hospitals assist families with:
Many centers also help families connect with local pharmacies, food services, and emergency contacts during the stay.
With comprehensive insurance guidance, hands-on visa assistance, and end-to-end travel and stay coordination, Indian hospitals ensure families can focus entirely on their child’s recovery rather than logistical challenges.
The cost of the Glenn procedure in India is significantly lower than in many developed countries, without compromising quality or safety. The cost of the Glenn procedure in India ranges from USD 4,000 to USD 8,000.
Approximate costs include:
Costs generally include surgery, ICU stay, and hospital care. India offers affordable, transparent pricing for Glenn surgery with excellent outcomes.
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Several medical and logistical factors influence the final cost.
These include:
Each child receives a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate.
Comparing international treatment costs highlights India’s strong value advantage.
| Country | Approximate Cost (USD) |
| India | USD 4,000 - 8,000 |
| USA | USD 80,000 - 150,000 |
| UK | USD 70,000 - 120,000 |
| UAE | USD 50,000 - 90,000 |
| Thailand | USD 35,000 - 70,000 |
India continues to be among the world’s most affordable locations for Glenn surgery.
The Glenn procedure is a major pediatric heart surgery that requires careful surgical planning, intensive post-operative monitoring, and gradual rehabilitation. Understanding each phase helps families prepare realistically for the treatment journey and recovery period.
The Glenn procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 3-5 hours, depending on the child’s anatomy and any additional repairs needed. During surgery, the child is placed on a heart-lung bypass machine so the surgeon can safely redirect blood flow. The superior vena cava connects directly to the pulmonary artery, which allows blood from the upper body to flow passively to the lungs. Throughout the operation, advanced monitoring systems track heart function, oxygen levels, and blood flow to ensure safety.
After surgery, the child is transferred to a specialized pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) for close observation.
Parents are gradually involved in feeding, handling, and basic care as the child stabilizes.
Rehabilitation begins in the hospital itself. Feeding is reintroduced slowly, oxygen support is reduced as tolerated, and gentle movement is encouraged. Nurses and physiotherapists guide parents on safe handling, breathing support if needed, and signs to watch for after discharge. By discharge, most children are stable, feeding well, and maintaining improved oxygen levels.
Recovery after the Glenn procedure is gradual and closely monitored.
Aftercare includes medications, oxygen monitoring, nutrition support, infection prevention, and regular cardiology follow-ups. Proper aftercare ensures stability and prepares the child for future surgical stages.
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It reduces the workload on the heart and improves oxygen levels in children with single-ventricle heart defects.
No, it is a staged surgery that prepares the child for the Fontan procedure.
It is usually done between 4 and 12 months of age.
The surgery typically takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on complexity.
Risks include bleeding, infection, and rhythm problems, which are managed in specialized centers.
ICU stay usually lasts 3 to 5 days, depending on recovery.
Yes, most children show improved oxygen levels after the Glenn procedure.
Children usually feel better, but long-term follow-up and further surgery are required.
Most families stay 3 to 5 weeks, including recovery and follow-up.
You can begin by sharing the child’s medical reports for expert evaluation and treatment planning.
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