Expert Robotic Surgery (TORS) in Chennai - Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar
Fellowship-trained robotic surgeon offering Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) with da Vinci Xi system - No visible scars, faster recovery, better outcomes
Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar is a certified robotic surgeon and Fellow of the Indian College of Robotic Surgeons (FICRS), specializing in Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for head and neck cancers. Trained in Australia on the latest da Vinci Xi robotic system, he brings cutting-edge minimally invasive surgical techniques to Chennai, offering patients cancer treatment with no external scars and superior functional outcomes.
As one of the few surgeons in Chennai performing TORS, Dr. Vidhyadharan combines his extensive oncologic training with advanced robotic surgical skills. His fellowship training at Royal Adelaide Hospital and certification in robotic surgery ensure that patients receive world-class minimally invasive cancer treatment with the latest technology.
Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar ENT & Head Neck Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vidhyadharan's Expertise
FICRS certified robotic surgeon | Extensive TORS experience | Fellowship-trained in Australia | da Vinci Xi expert | No external scars | Faster recovery than traditional surgery | Better speech and swallowing outcomes
Cancers Dr. Vidhyadharan Treats with Robotic Surgery
Oropharyngeal Cancer (Tonsil, Tongue Base)
HPV-Related Throat Cancers
Early-Stage Tongue Cancer
Supraglottic Laryngeal Cancer
Selected Hypopharyngeal Cancers
Benign Tumors of Throat and Tongue Base
Parapharyngeal Space Tumors
Selected Thyroid Cancers
Recurrent Throat Cancers (Salvage Surgery)
Radiation Failure Cases
Are You a Candidate for Robotic Surgery?
Consult Dr. Vidhyadharan if you experience any of these symptoms:
Early-stage throat or tongue base cancer
Persistent sore throat or ear pain
Difficulty swallowing
Lump in throat sensation
Unexplained weight loss
HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer
Desire for organ-preserving surgery
Wanting to avoid external scars
Seeking faster recovery than traditional surgery
Previous radiation with recurrence (select cases)
Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes
Dr. Vidhyadharan's Robotic Surgery Techniques
TORS Tumor Resection
Precise removal of throat and tongue base cancers through the mouth using the da Vinci Xi robot. 3D magnified vision and robotic precision allow complete tumor removal with preservation of surrounding healthy tissue. No external incisions mean faster healing and better cosmetic outcomes.
Minimally Invasive Neck Dissection
When lymph node removal is needed, robotic-assisted techniques minimize scarring and surgical trauma. Smaller incisions, faster recovery, and excellent oncologic outcomes compared to traditional open surgery.
Organ-Preserving Approach
TORS allows precise tumor removal while preserving critical structures for speech and swallowing. Many patients avoid the need for total laryngectomy or extensive pharyngectomy, maintaining better quality of life.
Robotic Salvage Surgery
For patients with recurrent cancer after radiation therapy, TORS offers a minimally invasive option for tumor removal. Less morbid than traditional salvage surgery with better functional outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. Vidhyadharan for Robotic Surgery
Fellow of Indian College of Robotic Surgeons (FICRS) - highest certification in robotic surgery
Extensive training on da Vinci Xi robotic system in Australia
Extensive experience in TORS procedures with excellent outcomes
One of the few surgeons in Chennai offering TORS for cancer
Multidisciplinary cancer care approach with experienced oncology team
Access to latest da Vinci Xi robotic system at THANC Hospital
Proven track record of organ preservation and functional outcomes
Comprehensive pre-operative assessment to determine TORS candidacy
Advanced Technology & Techniques
da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System3D High-Definition VisualizationWristed Instruments with 7 Degrees of FreedomAdvanced Energy DevicesIntraoperative ImagingMinimally Invasive Instrumentation
Certified
FICRS Certification
Australia
Fellowship Training
Expert
da Vinci Xi System
2-4 days
Typical Hospital Stay
Your Robotic Surgery Journey with Dr. Vidhyadharan
Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for treatment
1
TORS Candidacy Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation including flexible laryngoscopy, imaging (CT/MRI/PET), biopsy results review, and mouth opening assessment. Not all tumors are suitable for TORS - Dr. Vidhyadharan will determine if you are an ideal candidate.
2
Pre-operative Planning
Dental evaluation, speech and swallowing baseline assessment, anesthesia clearance. Discussion of expected outcomes, potential complications, and comparison with other treatment options. Virtual surgical planning using imaging.
3
Robotic Surgery Day
Surgery performed under general anesthesia, typically 2-4 hours. The da Vinci robot is positioned at your mouth, and tumor is removed through natural opening with no external cuts. ICU monitoring overnight, then transfer to ward.
4
Recovery & Discharge
Most patients start liquids within 24 hours. Hospital stay typically 2-4 days (much shorter than traditional surgery). Pain is minimal compared to open surgery. Feeding tube rarely needed. Most patients discharge eating soft diet.
5
Follow-up & Adjuvant Treatment
Pathology review determines need for radiation. Speech and swallowing therapy if needed. Regular surveillance with scopes and imaging. Most patients return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks - much faster than traditional surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TORS and how is it different from traditional surgery?
TORS (Transoral Robotic Surgery) uses the da Vinci robotic system to remove tumors through the mouth with no external incisions. Unlike traditional surgery which requires cutting through the neck or jaw, TORS accesses tumors through natural openings. Benefits include no visible scars, faster recovery, less pain, better speech and swallowing preservation, and shorter hospital stay.
Am I a candidate for robotic surgery?
Ideal candidates have early-stage oropharyngeal cancers (tonsil, tongue base), selected laryngeal cancers, or early tongue cancers. Tumor size, location, and your mouth opening are important factors. Patients with very large tumors, poor mouth opening, or tumors extending beyond reach may not be candidates. Dr. Vidhyadharan will perform detailed assessment to determine suitability.
What are the advantages of TORS over traditional surgery?
TORS offers multiple advantages: No external scars or facial disfigurement, faster recovery (2-4 days vs 7-14 days hospitalization), less pain, better preservation of speech and swallowing, reduced need for tracheostomy and feeding tubes, lower complication rates, and potential to avoid radiation therapy in select early-stage cases.
How long is the recovery after robotic surgery?
Recovery is significantly faster than traditional surgery. Most patients are discharged in 2-4 days eating soft diet. Return to normal diet in 2-3 weeks. Return to work in 3-4 weeks. Complete healing takes 6-8 weeks. Speech and swallowing function returns to near-normal in most patients within 2-3 months.
Will I need radiation therapy after TORS?
Not always. One major advantage of TORS is potential to avoid radiation in select early-stage cases with negative margins and no lymph node involvement. However, if final pathology shows positive margins, perineural invasion, or lymph node metastases, adjuvant radiation with or without chemotherapy may be recommended. Decision is individualized based on pathology results.
What are the risks and complications of TORS?
TORS is generally safe with lower complication rates than traditional surgery. Possible risks include bleeding (1-2%), infection, temporary swallowing difficulty, taste changes, tongue weakness (rare), and need for temporary feeding tube (uncommon). Serious complications like airway compromise are rare. Dr. Vidhyadharan's experience minimizes these risks.
How much does robotic surgery (TORS) cost in Chennai?
TORS costs depend on tumor complexity, extent of surgery required, need for neck dissection, hospital stay duration, ICU requirements, and individual patient factors. While robotic surgery involves advanced technology, the shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and reduced complications often balance the costs. THANC Hospital and Dr. Vidhyadharan provide world-class robotic cancer surgery with the da Vinci Xi system at economical costs. Detailed cost estimates are provided during consultation based on your specific case.
Can TORS be used for recurrent cancer after radiation?
Yes, in selected cases. TORS is an excellent option for salvage surgery after radiation failure. It is less morbid than traditional salvage surgery and offers better functional outcomes. However, post-radiation tissue changes make surgery more challenging. Dr. Vidhyadharan will assess whether TORS salvage surgery is feasible based on tumor extent and radiation dose.
What is HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer and why is TORS ideal for it?
HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, typically affecting tonsil and tongue base, is increasingly common and has better prognosis than HPV-negative cancers. These tumors are particularly suited for TORS because they are often small, well-localized, and respond excellently to surgery. TORS allows complete tumor removal while preserving swallowing and speech function, and many patients can avoid or minimize radiation therapy, reducing long-term side effects.
How experienced is Dr. Vidhyadharan with robotic surgery?
Dr. Vidhyadharan is a Fellow of the Indian College of Robotic Surgeons (FICRS), the highest certification in robotic surgery in India. He completed advanced training on the da Vinci Xi system during his fellowship in Australia and has extensive experience performing TORS procedures. He is among the few surgeons in Chennai offering robotic head and neck cancer surgery, with proven outcomes in organ preservation and functional recovery.
What is the success rate of TORS for throat cancer?
TORS has excellent success rates for appropriately selected patients. Early-stage oropharyngeal cancers have 85-95% disease-free survival at 5 years. Functional outcomes are superior to traditional surgery, with 90-95% of patients maintaining good swallowing and speech. Complete tumor removal rates exceed 95% in experienced hands. Dr. Vidhyadharan's expertise ensures optimal oncologic and functional outcomes.
Is the da Vinci robot performing the surgery on its own?
No, the da Vinci robot does not operate autonomously. Dr. Vidhyadharan controls every movement of the robotic instruments from a console, using hand and finger movements that translate to precise surgical actions. The robot provides 10x magnification with 3D high-definition vision, tremor elimination, and 7 degrees of freedom in instrument movement, enhancing the surgeon's capabilities but always under complete human control.
