Expert Airway Management Clinic in Chennai

You should consult an airway specialist if you experience progressive breathing difficulty, noisy breathing (stridor), persistent wheezing not responding to inhalers, or breathing problems after prolonged intubation or ICU stay. Early evaluation is crucial if you have difficulty lying flat, exercise intolerance, or a history of neck surgery with new breathing changes. Dr. Vidhyadharan can assess your airway condition and recommend appropriate treatment before symptoms become severe.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, many patients achieve permanent cure with appropriate treatment. Open surgical reconstruction has cure rates of 85-90% for suitable cases. Endoscopic treatments may require repeat procedures but can provide excellent long-term control. Success depends on stenosis severity, location, and cause. Dr. Vidhyadharan will evaluate your specific condition and recommend the treatment approach with the best chance of permanent resolution.

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.

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.

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.

Hospital stay depends on the procedure type. Endoscopic airway procedures like laser surgery or balloon dilation are typically day-surgery or require 1-2 days stay. Open airway reconstruction surgery requires 5-7 days hospitalization with ICU monitoring for the first 24-48 hours. Emergency tracheostomy patients usually stay 3-5 days. Dr. Vidhyadharan and his team will provide a detailed recovery plan based on your specific procedure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.