Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar is a fellowship-trained head and neck surgeon with specialized expertise in managing complex airway problems. From life-threatening airway emergencies to chronic stenosis, he provides comprehensive airway care using advanced endoscopic and surgical techniques. His experience includes tracheostomy management, airway reconstruction, and treatment of post-intubation stenosis.
With extensive training in airway management and access to state-of-the-art facilities at THANC Hospital, Dr. Vidhyadharan offers both emergency and elective airway care. His multidisciplinary approach involves pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, and critical care specialists to ensure optimal outcomes for patients with complex airway problems.
Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar ENT & Head Neck Surgical Oncologist
Warning Signs - When to Seek Urgent Airway Evaluation
Consult Dr. Vidhyadharan if you experience any of these symptoms:
Progressive breathing difficulty
Noisy breathing (stridor)
Shortness of breath with exertion
Difficulty lying flat
Recurrent croup or respiratory infections
Feeling of throat closing
Inability to remove tracheostomy tube
Exercise intolerance
Sleep disturbances due to breathing
Wheezing not responsive to inhalers
Post-intubation breathing problems
Previous neck surgery with breathing changes
Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes
Dr. Vidhyadharan's Airway Treatment Approaches
Endoscopic Airway Surgery
Minimally invasive treatment of airway stenosis using laser, balloon dilation, or cryotherapy. Performed through the mouth or tracheostomy site without external incisions. Faster recovery and repeatable if needed.
Airway Reconstruction
For severe stenosis, open surgical reconstruction to restore normal airway diameter. Techniques include cricotracheal resection, laryngotracheal reconstruction with cartilage grafts, and tracheal resection with end-to-end anastomosis.
Tracheostomy & Decannulation
Expert tracheostomy placement for long-term airway management. Specialized decannulation protocols to safely remove tracheostomy when no longer needed. Management of tracheostomy complications.
Emergency Airway Management
Immediate intervention for acute airway obstruction. Expertise in emergency cricothyrotomy, urgent tracheostomy, and management of difficult airways. Available for consultation in critical situations.
Why Choose Dr. Vidhyadharan for Airway Problems
Fellowship-trained with 15+ years of airway management experience
Expertise in both endoscopic and open airway surgery
Access to advanced facilities including laser and balloon dilation equipment
Multidisciplinary approach with pulmonology and critical care teams
Experience with complex and revision airway cases
Emergency airway expertise for urgent situations
Comprehensive follow-up and long-term management
High success rates in airway reconstruction and decannulation
Advanced Technology & Techniques
CO2 Laser for Airway SurgeryBalloon Dilation SystemsRigid & Flexible BronchoscopyMicrodebrider TechnologyCryotherapy EquipmentAdvanced Endoscopic Imaging
15+
Years of Experience
Head & Neck
Fellowship Training
Laser, Balloon
Specialized Techniques
4.8/5
Patient Satisfaction
Your Airway Treatment Journey with Dr. Vidhyadharan
Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for treatment
1
Comprehensive Airway Assessment
Detailed history including previous intubations or surgeries. Flexible laryngoscopy to assess airway. CT imaging if needed. Pulmonary function tests to quantify obstruction. Multidisciplinary evaluation for complex cases.
2
Treatment Planning
Discussion of diagnosis, severity, and natural history. Explanation of treatment options (observation, endoscopic intervention, or open surgery). Risk-benefit discussion. Shared decision-making based on individual needs and goals.
3
Intervention
Endoscopic procedures typically done as day surgery or short stay. Open reconstruction requires 5-7 day hospitalization. Emergency procedures performed immediately. Close monitoring in recovery period.
4
Recovery & Monitoring
Regular follow-up with endoscopic examination to assess healing. Repeat dilation if stenosis recurs. Voice and swallowing therapy if needed. Gradual return to normal activities based on procedure type.
5
Long-term Management
Ongoing surveillance for recurrence. Decannulation planning for tracheostomy patients. Management of voice or swallowing issues. Long-term success monitoring and quality of life assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes airway stenosis?
Common causes include prolonged intubation (breathing tube), tracheostomy complications, external trauma, radiation therapy, autoimmune conditions (Wegener's granulomatosis), and previous airway surgery. Some cases are idiopathic (unknown cause). Post-intubation stenosis is most common, especially after prolonged ICU stays.
How is airway stenosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves flexible laryngoscopy in office to visualize the airway, CT scan to determine extent and location of stenosis, and often bronchoscopy under anesthesia for detailed assessment. Pulmonary function tests may show characteristic flow-volume loop patterns. Severity is graded based on percentage of airway narrowing.
What are treatment options for airway stenosis?
Treatment depends on severity and location. Mild stenosis may only need observation. Moderate stenosis can be treated endoscopically with laser, balloon dilation, or steroid injection. Severe or complex stenosis may require open surgical reconstruction. Multiple procedures may be needed. Success rates are high with appropriate treatment.
Will I need a tracheostomy?
Not all airway problems require tracheostomy. It is needed for severe obstruction, bilateral vocal cord paralysis, or during complex reconstruction. Temporary tracheostomy may be used for safety during treatment. The goal is always eventual decannulation (removal) when safe. Dr. Vidhyadharan has high success rates in tracheostomy removal.
How long is recovery after airway surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure. Endoscopic procedures allow return to normal activity in 1-2 weeks. Open airway reconstruction requires 6-8 weeks for complete healing. Voice rest and activity restrictions are temporary. Most patients notice significant breathing improvement within days to weeks. Long-term outcomes are generally excellent.
What are risks of airway surgery?
All airway surgery carries risks including bleeding, infection, worsening stenosis, need for emergency tracheostomy, voice changes, and swallowing problems. Serious complications are rare with experienced surgeons. Benefits typically far outweigh risks when stenosis is causing symptoms. Dr. Vidhyadharan's experience minimizes complications.
Can airway stenosis recur after treatment?
Recurrence is possible, especially with endoscopic treatment. Rates vary from 10-30% depending on severity and cause. Recurrent stenosis can often be managed with repeat procedures. Open reconstruction has lower recurrence rates (typically <10%). Regular follow-up allows early detection and treatment of recurrence.
Do you handle emergency airway situations?
Yes, Dr. Vidhyadharan has extensive experience with emergency airway management. He is available for urgent consultations at THANC Hospital and can perform emergency tracheostomy or other life-saving airway procedures. The hospital has 24/7 capability for managing acute airway crises.
What is laser airway surgery and when is it recommended?
Laser airway surgery uses CO2 laser to precisely remove scar tissue or lesions causing airway narrowing. It is particularly effective for web-like stenosis, granulation tissue, and early-stage stenosis. The procedure is minimally invasive, performed through a laryngoscope, and offers quick recovery. It may be combined with balloon dilation or steroid injection for optimal results.
How is bilateral vocal cord paralysis treated?
Bilateral vocal cord paralysis causes both vocal cords to remain near midline, severely restricting airflow. Treatment options include tracheostomy for immediate airway, arytenoidectomy to widen the airway, vocal cord lateralization procedures, or reinnervation surgery. Choice depends on breathing severity, voice quality goals, and aspiration risk. Dr. Vidhyadharan will recommend the best approach for your situation.
What is the cost of airway stenosis treatment in Chennai?
Treatment costs depend on the severity of stenosis, type of procedure required (endoscopic vs. open surgery), number of procedures needed, hospital stay duration, and individual patient factors. THANC Hospital and Dr. Vidhyadharan provide comprehensive airway management with advanced laser and balloon dilation technology at economical costs. Our team will provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific condition during consultation.
Can children with airway problems be treated?
Yes, Dr. Vidhyadharan treats pediatric airway disorders including congenital stenosis, laryngomalacia, tracheomalacia, and post-intubation stenosis in children. Pediatric airway surgery requires specialized expertise due to smaller anatomy and different disease patterns. Treatment is individualized, and family counseling is provided to ensure optimal care and outcomes.
