Meet Chennai's Leading Swallowing Disorder Specialist
Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar is a fellowship-trained head and neck surgeon with specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders (dysphagia). Using advanced techniques including FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) and videofluoroscopy, he provides comprehensive care for patients with swallowing difficulties from various causes including stroke, cancer treatment, and neurological conditions.
With extensive experience in managing complex swallowing disorders, Dr. Vidhyadharan employs a multidisciplinary approach involving speech therapists, nutritionists, and rehabilitation specialists. His expertise includes both diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic interventions to restore safe swallowing and improve quality of life.
Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar ENT & Head Neck Surgical Oncologist
Consult Dr. Vidhyadharan if you experience any of these symptoms:
Difficulty swallowing solids or liquids
Coughing or choking while eating
Food sticking in throat
Recurrent pneumonia
Weight loss due to eating difficulty
Pain when swallowing
Drooling or difficulty managing secretions
Voice change after swallowing
Prolonged meal times
Avoidance of certain foods
Sensation of lump in throat
Regurgitation of food
Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes
Dr. Vidhyadharan's Swallowing Treatment Approaches
FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation)
Direct visualization of swallowing using flexible endoscope. Identifies aspiration, residue, and swallowing mechanism problems. Safe, can be done at bedside, and provides immediate results for treatment planning.
Swallowing Therapy & Rehabilitation
Customized swallowing exercises, posture modifications, and diet texture adjustments. Collaboration with speech therapists for comprehensive rehabilitation program. Improves swallowing safety and efficiency.
Surgical Interventions
For structural problems, surgical options include cricopharyngeal myotomy for CP dysfunction, Zenker's diverticulum repair, or aspiration prevention procedures. Minimally invasive techniques when possible.
Aspiration Management
Strategies to prevent food/liquid entering airway. Includes diet modifications, swallowing maneuvers, positioning techniques, and in severe cases, temporary or permanent feeding tube placement with continued rehabilitation.
Why Choose Dr. Vidhyadharan for Swallowing Disorders
Fellowship-trained with extensive dysphagia management experience
Multidisciplinary team approach with speech therapists and nutritionists
Experience with post-stroke and post-cancer dysphagia
Both conservative and surgical treatment options
Focus on aspiration prevention and pneumonia reduction
Comprehensive rehabilitation programs
State-of-the-art facilities at THANC Hospital
Advanced Technology & Techniques
FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS)High-Definition Flexible EndoscopyManometryAdvanced Swallowing Therapy Equipment
15+
Years of Experience
Head & Neck
Fellowship Training
FEES, VFSS
Diagnostic Techniques
4.8/5
Patient Satisfaction
Your Swallowing Treatment Journey with Dr. Vidhyadharan
Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for treatment
1
Comprehensive Swallowing Assessment
Detailed history of swallowing problems, clinical swallowing examination, and determination of need for instrumental evaluation (FEES or videofluoroscopy). Assessment of aspiration risk and nutritional status.
2
Instrumental Evaluation
FEES or videofluoroscopy performed to directly visualize swallowing mechanism. Testing with different food textures and liquid consistencies. Identification of specific swallowing problems and aspiration risk.
3
Treatment Plan Development
Based on findings, development of individualized treatment plan. May include diet modifications, swallowing strategies, therapy exercises, or surgical intervention. Discussion of timeline and expected outcomes.
4
Therapy & Intervention
Implementation of swallowing therapy with speech therapist. Regular monitoring of progress. Adjustment of diet texture and safety strategies. Surgical intervention if needed for structural problems.
5
Long-term Management
Regular follow-up to monitor progress. Gradual advancement of diet as swallowing improves. Maintenance exercises. Re-evaluation as needed. Goal of safe oral feeding and prevention of complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dysphagia and how serious is it?
Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing. It can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening aspiration pneumonia. Serious complications include malnutrition, dehydration, and recurrent lung infections from aspiration. Early evaluation and treatment are important to prevent these complications.
What is the difference between FEES and videofluoroscopy?
FEES uses a flexible camera to view swallowing from inside the throat - no radiation, can be done at bedside, and shows actual swallowing in real-time. Videofluoroscopy is an X-ray study showing the entire swallowing process from mouth to stomach. Both are valuable; choice depends on individual patient needs and clinical question.
Will I be able to eat normally again?
Many patients improve significantly with therapy and can return to normal or near-normal diet. Success depends on underlying cause, severity, and ability to participate in therapy. Post-stroke patients often see substantial improvement. Some conditions may require long-term diet modifications for safety. Realistic goals are set based on individual assessment.
Do I need a feeding tube?
Feeding tubes are recommended when oral intake is unsafe or inadequate for nutrition. They may be temporary (NG tube) or long-term (PEG tube). The goal is always to work toward safe oral feeding when possible. Many patients with feeding tubes can still eat small amounts by mouth while maintaining adequate nutrition through the tube.
How long does swallowing therapy take to work?
Response to therapy varies by condition. Post-stroke patients may see improvement in weeks to months. Progressive neurological conditions require ongoing management. Most patients notice some improvement within 4-8 weeks of consistent therapy. Compliance with exercises and strategies is crucial for success.
What is aspiration and how dangerous is it?
Aspiration is when food, liquid, or saliva enters the airway instead of the esophagus. It can cause choking, coughing, and recurrent pneumonia. "Silent aspiration" occurs without coughing and is particularly dangerous. FEES or videofluoroscopy can detect aspiration, and therapy focuses on preventing it.
Can swallowing problems be cured surgically?
Some swallowing problems have surgical solutions - Zenker's diverticulum repair, cricopharyngeal myotomy for CP dysfunction, or dilation for strictures. However, most dysphagia requires therapy-based management. Surgery is considered when structural abnormality is identified or when therapy alone is insufficient.
I had radiation for throat cancer - can you help my swallowing?
Post-radiation dysphagia is challenging but treatable. Dr. Vidhyadharan has extensive experience with post-cancer treatment swallowing problems. Treatment includes aggressive swallowing therapy, dilation of strictures if needed, and nutritional support. Early intervention is important. Many patients achieve functional swallowing with comprehensive rehabilitation.
What is post-stroke dysphagia and how is it treated?
Post-stroke dysphagia occurs in 40-70% of stroke patients due to weakness or incoordination of swallowing muscles. Treatment includes comprehensive swallowing evaluation with FEES, modified diet textures (pureed, soft), swallowing exercises, compensatory strategies (chin tuck, head turn), and close monitoring for aspiration. Many stroke patients show significant improvement with intensive therapy in the first 3-6 months.
What is cricopharyngeal dysfunction and how is it treated?
Cricopharyngeal dysfunction occurs when the upper esophageal sphincter (cricopharyngeus muscle) fails to relax properly during swallowing, causing food to stick in the throat. Treatment options include swallowing therapy, botox injection into the muscle, or cricopharyngeal myotomy (surgical division of the muscle). Dr. Vidhyadharan will determine the best approach based on severity and underlying cause.
How much does dysphagia evaluation and treatment cost in Chennai?
Costs vary depending on the type of evaluation needed (FEES vs. videofluoroscopy), number of therapy sessions required, need for surgical intervention, and individual patient complexity. THANC Hospital and Dr. Vidhyadharan provide comprehensive swallowing disorder management with state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities at economical costs. Our team will provide detailed cost estimates based on your specific condition during consultation.
What diet modifications help with swallowing problems?
Diet modifications depend on swallowing assessment findings. Common modifications include thickened liquids (nectar, honey, pudding consistency) to slow flow and reduce aspiration risk, pureed or soft foods for chewing difficulties, moist foods to ease passage, avoiding mixed consistencies (soup with chunks), and small bite sizes. A speech therapist and nutritionist work together to ensure safe nutrition while maintaining adequate calories.
