Expert Head Neck Cancer Oncologist - Chennai, India

Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar is a highly accomplished Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist with over 15 years of international experience spanning India, Australia, and the UK. He is a Rising Star Award winner and serves as Clinical Director & Consultant at THANC Hospital, Chennai. Dr. Vidhyadharan holds multiple advanced qualifications including MCh (Head & Neck Surgery), ASOHNS Fellowship in Robotic Surgery from Australia, and is a Fellow of the European Board of Otorhinolaryngology.

Dr. Vidhyadharan practices at The Head And Neck Centre & Hospital (THANC Hospital) in Chennai, India, where he serves as Clinical Director & Consultant. THANC Hospital is a specialized center dedicated to head and neck conditions, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for robotic surgery, advanced diagnostics, and comprehensive cancer care.

Dr. Vidhyadharan specializes in four key areas: (1) Minimally Invasive Head & Neck Surgery using robotic and laser techniques (TORS), (2) Head & Neck Surgical Oncology with microvascular reconstruction, (3) Laryngology and Deglutology (voice and swallowing disorders), and (4) Skull Base Surgery. He is particularly renowned for his expertise in transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for treating throat, tongue, and neck cancers without external incisions.

Patients choose Dr. Vidhyadharan for his unique combination of international training, cutting-edge surgical expertise, and compassionate care. He is one of the few surgeons in India trained in robotic head and neck surgery from Australia's premier ASOHNS program. His approach focuses on minimally invasive techniques that preserve function, minimize scarring, and accelerate recovery. Additionally, his dual expertise in cancer surgery and swallowing disorders (dysphagia) allows him to provide comprehensive, holistic care for head and neck conditions.

Dr. Vidhyadharan holds comprehensive medical qualifications: MBBS from Sri Ramachandra Medical College (2002), MS in ENT from Rajah Muthiah Medical College with First Rank & Gold Medal (2009), DNB in ENT from National Board of Examinations (2009), and MCh in Head and Neck Surgery from Amrita Institute (2015). He also holds the prestigious Fellow of the European Board of Otorhinolaryngology (FEB-ORL HNS) certification and is a Fellow of the Indian College of Robotic Surgeons (FICRS).

Dr. Vidhyadharan has trained across 7 countries at world-renowned institutions. His international fellowships include: ASOHNS Clinical Fellowship in Robotic Surgery from Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia (2016-2017); Clinical Fellowship in Advanced Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Oncology from Royal Adelaide Hospital (2010-2011); Reconstructive Microsurgery training at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan (2017); Sleep Surgery Mini-Fellowship in Singapore (2019); and specialized training at Tata Memorial Hospital (India's premier cancer center), Toronto General Hospital (Canada), and Yonsei University (South Korea).

Dr. Vidhyadharan has over 15 years of specialized experience in ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, and Surgical Oncology. His experience spans multiple countries including India, Australia, and the UK, where he has worked in leading medical institutions. This includes 4 years as Clinical Assistant Professor at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (2015-2019), where he also served as Clinical Lead Consultant for the Swallowing Disorders Centre.

Dr. Vidhyadharan has received numerous prestigious awards: Rising Star Award for work on Onco-Phagosurgery (2019), Top Downloaded Paper recognition in The Laryngoscope journal (2018-2019), Best Podium Presentation medal at the 13th National FHNO Conference, Best Poster (Silver) at the IFHNOS World Tour and 18th National FHNO Conference (2018), and First Rank & Gold Medal in his MS (ENT) degree. He is also the Editor of the Comprehensive Management of Head & Neck Cancers textbook and has over 50 peer-reviewed publications.

TORS (Transoral Robotic Surgery) is an advanced, minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to remove tumors in the throat, tongue base, and tonsils through the mouth without any external incisions. Using the da Vinci robotic system, surgeons can access hard-to-reach areas with 3D high-definition vision and wristed instruments that provide greater precision than traditional surgery. Benefits include no visible scars, faster recovery (3-4 days hospital stay vs. weeks), preserved ability to speak and swallow, less pain, and lower risk of complications.

Dr. Vidhyadharan treats a comprehensive range of head and neck conditions including: oral cavity cancers (tongue, floor of mouth, gums), throat cancers (tonsil, pharynx, larynx), thyroid and parathyroid disorders, salivary gland tumors, neck masses and lumps, voice disorders and vocal cord lesions, swallowing disorders (dysphagia), obstructive sleep apnea, skull base tumors, and reconstructive procedures after cancer surgery. He specializes in both malignant (cancerous) and benign conditions affecting the head and neck region.

Dr. Vidhyadharan is recognized as a leading expert in dysphagia (swallowing disorders) with specialized training and leadership roles. He served as Clinical Lead Consultant of the Swallowing Disorders Centre at Amrita Institute (2015-2019) and currently serves as Lead Academic and Research Coordinator for the Foundation for Dysphagia Research and Education. He is the National Observer representing India for the Asian Dysphagia Society. His expertise is particularly valuable for cancer patients who often face swallowing difficulties after treatment, as he can provide both surgical and rehabilitative care.

Yes, Dr. Vidhyadharan is highly skilled in microvascular reconstructive surgery, having received specialized training at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, one of the world's leading centers for reconstructive microsurgery. This expertise is crucial for patients undergoing extensive cancer surgery, as it allows him to reconstruct defects using tissue from other parts of the body (free flaps) with microsurgical techniques. This ensures both functional restoration (ability to eat, speak, breathe) and aesthetic outcomes after complex head and neck cancer surgeries.

While a referral from another doctor can be helpful in providing medical history and previous test results, it is not mandatory to see Dr. Vidhyadharan. Patients can directly book a consultation at THANC Hospital. However, bringing previous medical records, imaging studies (CT scans, MRIs), biopsy reports, and a list of current medications will help Dr. Vidhyadharan provide the most comprehensive evaluation during your first visit.

Robotic surgery offers several advantages over traditional open surgery: (1) No external incisions means no visible scars, (2) 3D high-definition magnified vision provides superior visualization, (3) Wristed instruments allow greater precision in tight spaces, (4) Less trauma to surrounding tissues results in faster healing, (5) Reduced pain and shorter hospital stays (3-4 days vs. 2-3 weeks), (6) Better preservation of speech, swallowing, and quality of life, (7) Lower risk of complications and infections, and (8) Ability to access tumors that would otherwise require jaw-splitting or major reconstruction.

You can book a consultation with Dr. Vidhyadharan at THANC Hospital by calling +91 73977 68795 or through the online appointment booking form on this website. The clinic is located in Chennai, India. For patients coming from outside Chennai or international patients, the hospital can assist with travel arrangements and coordination of diagnostic tests to make your visit efficient and convenient.