Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar is a fellowship-trained Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon with specialized expertise in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. With extensive surgical experience and advanced training from Australia, he offers the highest level of surgical care using state-of-the-art techniques including intraoperative nerve monitoring for voice preservation.
Having completed his MCh with First Rank and Gold Medal, followed by clinical fellowships at Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia, Dr. Vidhyadharan brings internationally recognized expertise to Chennai. His meticulous surgical approach and use of advanced technology ensures optimal outcomes with minimal complications.
Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar ENT & Head Neck Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vidhyadharan's Expertise
Extensive thyroid surgery experience | Fellowship-trained in Australia | Routine use of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) for voice preservation | Expertise in complex and revision cases
Conditions Dr. Vidhyadharan Treats
Thyroid Cancer (Papillary, Follicular, Medullary, Anaplastic)
Thyroid Nodules & Goiter
Hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease)
Thyroid Enlargement (Multinodular Goiter)
Recurrent Thyroid Cancer
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Parathyroid Adenoma
Secondary & Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism
Parathyroid Cancer (Rare)
Thyroglossal Duct Cysts
Complex Thyroid Conditions
Substernal Goiter (Thyroid extending into chest)
When to Seek Expert Evaluation
Consult Dr. Vidhyadharan if you experience any of these symptoms:
Lump or swelling in the neck
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Voice changes or hoarseness
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Persistent cough not related to cold
High calcium levels in blood tests
Kidney stones or bone pain (parathyroid)
Family history of thyroid cancer
Previous radiation exposure to head/neck
Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes
Dr. Vidhyadharan's Advanced Surgical Techniques
Thyroidectomy (Total/Partial)
Complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland for cancer, large nodules, or hyperthyroidism. Performed with meticulous technique to preserve surrounding structures and minimize complications.
Voice-Preserving Surgery
Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) is used to identify and protect the recurrent laryngeal nerves during surgery, significantly reducing the risk of voice changes and preserving vocal cord function.
Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy
Targeted removal of parathyroid adenomas through small incisions using advanced localization techniques. Results in faster recovery, minimal scarring, and same-day discharge in many cases.
Central & Lateral Neck Dissection
Comprehensive removal of lymph nodes in the neck for thyroid cancer that has spread. Essential for complete cancer removal and reducing risk of recurrence.
Why Choose Dr. Vidhyadharan for Thyroid Surgery
Fellowship training in Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery with specialized thyroid cancer expertise
High-volume thyroid surgeon with extensive experience in complex and revision cases
Routine use of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) for voice preservation
Expertise in minimally invasive and scarless thyroid surgery techniques
Comprehensive multidisciplinary approach with endocrinologists and nuclear medicine specialists
Access to advanced facilities at THANC Hospital for comprehensive thyroid care
Expertise in managing recurrent thyroid cancer and difficult cases
Focus on cosmetic outcomes with minimal visible scarring
Your Thyroid Surgery Journey with Dr. Vidhyadharan
Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for treatment
1
Initial Consultation & Evaluation
Comprehensive clinical examination, review of imaging studies (ultrasound, CT/MRI), blood tests (thyroid function, calcium levels), and discussion of biopsy results (FNAC). We will explain your diagnosis and discuss all treatment options.
2
Pre-operative Planning
Detailed surgical planning including vocal cord examination (laryngoscopy), cardiac clearance if needed, and coordination with endocrinology team. We ensure you understand the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
3
Surgery Day
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, typically taking 2-4 hours depending on complexity. Intraoperative nerve monitoring is used throughout to protect your voice. Most patients stay overnight for observation.
4
Recovery & Follow-up
Post-operative voice and calcium level monitoring. Drain removal within 24-48 hours if placed. Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. Regular follow-up for thyroid hormone replacement and cancer surveillance if needed.
5
Long-term Care
Ongoing thyroid hormone management, periodic ultrasound surveillance, and blood tests. For thyroid cancer patients, coordination with nuclear medicine for radioactive iodine therapy if required and long-term cancer monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need to take thyroid hormone replacement after surgery?
If your entire thyroid gland is removed (total thyroidectomy), you will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement with levothyroxine. This is a simple daily medication that replaces the hormone your thyroid normally produces. If only part of your thyroid is removed (hemithyroidectomy), about 70-80% of patients do not require hormone replacement as the remaining thyroid tissue produces sufficient hormone.
What is the risk of voice changes after thyroid surgery?
With modern surgical techniques and intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM), the risk of permanent voice changes is less than 1-2% in experienced hands. Temporary voice changes or hoarseness may occur in 5-10% of patients but typically resolve within a few weeks. Dr. Vidhyadharan uses IONM routinely to minimize this risk and preserve vocal cord function.
How long is the recovery period after thyroid surgery?
Most patients are discharged within 24 hours after surgery. You can typically return to desk work within 5-7 days and resume all normal activities within 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 3-4 weeks. The neck incision heals well with minimal scarring, and most scars fade significantly over 6-12 months.
Will I have a visible scar after thyroid surgery?
Thyroid surgery requires an incision in the lower neck, typically 4-6 cm long in a natural skin crease. With meticulous surgical technique and proper wound care, scars fade significantly and become barely noticeable within a year. For selected patients, minimally invasive or scarless techniques through hidden incisions may be options.
What are the risks of thyroid surgery?
Thyroid surgery is generally very safe when performed by experienced surgeons. Main risks include: temporary or permanent voice changes (1-2%), low calcium levels requiring supplements (temporary in 10-20%, permanent in 1-2%), bleeding (rare), and infection (rare). Dr. Vidhyadharan takes extensive precautions including nerve monitoring and careful parathyroid preservation to minimize these risks.
Do I need surgery if I have thyroid nodules?
Not all thyroid nodules require surgery. Surgery is typically recommended for: confirmed or suspicious thyroid cancer on biopsy, large nodules causing symptoms (difficulty swallowing, breathing, or visible neck swelling), nodules with concerning ultrasound features, or hyperthyroidism not controlled with medication. Many benign nodules can be safely monitored with periodic ultrasounds.
What is parathyroid surgery and when is it needed?
Parathyroid surgery involves removing one or more overactive parathyroid glands that are causing high calcium levels (hyperparathyroidism). This is needed when high calcium causes symptoms like kidney stones, bone pain, osteoporosis, fatigue, or significantly elevated calcium levels. The surgery is usually performed through a small incision and most patients go home the same day.
What happens if thyroid cancer has spread to lymph nodes?
If thyroid cancer has spread to lymph nodes, a neck dissection is performed along with thyroidectomy to remove the affected lymph nodes. This comprehensive approach significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence. Most patients with lymph node involvement still have excellent long-term outcomes, especially when treated appropriately with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy.
What is the difference between papillary and follicular thyroid cancer?
Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type (80-85%), typically spreads to lymph nodes, and has excellent prognosis with proper treatment. Follicular thyroid cancer (10-15%) tends to spread through blood vessels to lungs or bones rather than lymph nodes. Both are well-differentiated cancers with high cure rates. Treatment involves total thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine if indicated. Dr. Vidhyadharan provides expert surgical management for all thyroid cancer types.
What is IONM (Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring) and why is it important?
IONM uses specialized electrodes to continuously monitor the recurrent laryngeal nerves controlling vocal cord function during surgery. This technology helps identify and protect the nerves from injury, significantly reducing the risk of voice changes. Dr. Vidhyadharan uses IONM routinely in all thyroid surgeries, providing an additional layer of safety and improving outcomes, especially in complex or revision cases.
How much does thyroid surgery cost in Chennai?
Thyroid surgery costs vary based on the extent of surgery (hemithyroidectomy vs. total thyroidectomy), need for neck dissection, use of intraoperative nerve monitoring, hospital stay duration, and post-operative requirements like radioactive iodine therapy. THANC Hospital and Dr. Vidhyadharan provide comprehensive thyroid surgery with advanced voice-preserving IONM technology at economical costs compared to other metros. Detailed cost estimates are provided during consultation based on your specific condition.
What follow-up is needed after thyroid cancer surgery?
Follow-up includes regular thyroid hormone level monitoring, thyroglobulin tumor marker testing, neck ultrasound every 6-12 months, and periodic whole body scans if radioactive iodine was given. Initial visits are every 3-6 months, then annually once stable. Long-term surveillance is essential as thyroid cancer can recur years later. Dr. Vidhyadharan provides comprehensive long-term monitoring to ensure optimal outcomes.
