Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar is a fellowship-trained laryngologist with specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating voice disorders. With advanced training in phonosurgery (microsurgical voice surgery) and vocal cord rehabilitation, he offers comprehensive care for chronic hoarseness, vocal cord paralysis, and professional voice concerns.
Having completed advanced fellowship training in laryngology and vocal cord surgery, Dr. Vidhyadharan uses state-of-the-art videolaryngostroboscopy for precise diagnosis and performs microsurgical procedures to restore voice quality. His approach combines surgical expertise with voice therapy for optimal outcomes.
Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar ENT & Head Neck Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vidhyadharan's Expertise
Fellowship-trained in laryngology | Extensive microsurgical voice surgery experience | Videostroboscopy for precise diagnosis | Professional voice care specialist | Multidisciplinary approach with speech therapists
Voice Conditions Dr. Vidhyadharan Treats
Chronic Hoarseness
Vocal Cord Nodules
Vocal Cord Polyps
Vocal Cord Cysts
Reinke's Edema
Vocal Cord Paralysis (Unilateral/Bilateral)
Spasmodic Dysphonia
Vocal Cord Scarring
Sulcus Vocalis
Laryngeal Papillomas
Professional Voice Problems (Singers, Teachers)
Post-Intubation Voice Problems
Age-Related Voice Changes (Presbylaryngis)
When to See a Voice Specialist
Consult Dr. Vidhyadharan if you experience any of these symptoms:
Hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks
Voice fatigue or strain
Loss of vocal range
Breathiness or weak voice
Voice breaks or cracks
Difficulty projecting voice
Vocal tremor
Complete voice loss
Pain when speaking
Throat clearing or coughing
Professional voice demands
Voice changes after surgery or intubation
Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes
Dr. Vidhyadharan's Voice Treatment Approaches
Microsurgical Phonosurgery
Precise microsurgical removal of vocal cord lesions (nodules, polyps, cysts) using specialized instruments under microscopic vision. Preserves normal vocal cord tissue for optimal voice outcomes.
Vocal Cord Medialization
For vocal cord paralysis, injection or implant procedures to bring paralyzed cord to midline, restoring voice and preventing aspiration. Options include injection laryngoplasty and thyroplasty type I.
Videolaryngostroboscopy
Advanced diagnostic technique using slow-motion video to assess vocal cord vibration. Essential for accurate diagnosis of subtle voice problems and planning treatment.
Voice Therapy & Rehabilitation
Collaboration with specialized speech therapists for voice exercises, vocal hygiene education, and rehabilitation. Essential component of treatment for optimal long-term outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. Vidhyadharan for Voice Care
Fellowship-trained laryngologist with specialized voice surgery expertise
Advanced videolaryngostroboscopy for accurate diagnosis
Microsurgical precision with specialized phonosurgery instruments
Multidisciplinary approach with experienced speech therapists
Professional voice care for singers, teachers, and speakers
Comprehensive treatment from diagnosis to rehabilitation
Your Voice Treatment Journey with Dr. Vidhyadharan
Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for treatment
1
Comprehensive Voice Evaluation
Detailed voice history, videolaryngostroboscopy examination, voice recording and analysis. Assessment of vocal habits, professional voice demands, and underlying causes.
2
Diagnosis & Treatment Planning
Review of findings, discussion of diagnosis, and explanation of treatment options (surgery, voice therapy, or combined approach). Setting realistic expectations for voice improvement.
3
Treatment Implementation
If surgery needed, microsurgical procedure performed with vocal cord preservation. If voice therapy indicated, referral to specialized speech therapist with regular monitoring.
4
Voice Rehabilitation
Post-surgery voice rest period followed by gradual voice use. Voice therapy exercises to optimize results. Regular follow-up with videostroboscopy to monitor healing.
5
Long-term Voice Care
Vocal hygiene education, professional voice techniques, and strategies to prevent recurrence. Ongoing monitoring for professional voice users.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait before seeing a voice specialist?
If hoarseness persists beyond 2-3 weeks, you should consult a voice specialist. For professional voice users (singers, teachers), earlier evaluation is recommended. Sudden voice loss, voice changes with difficulty breathing or swallowing, or voice problems after neck surgery require immediate evaluation.
Will I need surgery for my voice problem?
Not all voice problems require surgery. Many conditions improve with voice therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Surgery is typically recommended for structural lesions (polyps, cysts, nodules not responding to therapy), vocal cord paralysis, or certain chronic conditions. Dr. Vidhyadharan will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your diagnosis.
How long is recovery after voice surgery?
Recovery varies by procedure. Microsurgery for lesions requires 1-2 weeks voice rest, then gradual return to speaking over 2-4 weeks. Full voice recovery takes 6-12 weeks with voice therapy. Vocal cord medialization procedures may have faster recovery. Compliance with voice rest and therapy is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Can my voice return to normal?
Most patients achieve significant voice improvement with appropriate treatment. Early-stage lesions and proper technique yield best results. Long-standing problems or scarring may limit full restoration, but improvement is usually possible. Realistic expectations are set during consultation based on individual findings.
Do you treat professional voice users like singers and teachers?
Yes, Dr. Vidhyadharan has extensive experience treating professional voice users. Understanding unique demands of professional voice is essential. Treatment plans consider performance schedules, voice techniques, and career requirements. Collaboration with voice teachers and coaches when appropriate.
What is videolaryngostroboscopy and why do I need it?
Videolaryngostroboscopy is a specialized examination that uses slow-motion video to assess vocal cord vibration patterns. It reveals subtle abnormalities not visible with regular examination. Essential for accurate diagnosis, surgical planning, and monitoring treatment response. The procedure is quick, painless, and done in office.
Will voice therapy help without surgery?
Voice therapy is highly effective for many conditions including vocal nodules, muscle tension dysphonia, functional voice disorders, and professional voice problems. It is essential even when surgery is performed to optimize outcomes and prevent recurrence. Commitment to therapy exercises is key to success.
What causes vocal cord paralysis and can it be treated?
Vocal cord paralysis can result from surgery (thyroid, chest, spine), viral infections, tumors, or neurological conditions. Treatment depends on whether paralysis is temporary or permanent. Options include voice therapy, injection laryngoplasty, or thyroplasty. Most patients achieve functional voice with treatment.
What are vocal cord nodules and polyps, and how are they different?
Vocal cord nodules are bilateral callous-like thickenings caused by voice overuse or abuse, common in teachers and singers. Polyps are usually unilateral fluid-filled or hemorrhagic lesions from acute vocal trauma or chronic irritation. Nodules often respond to voice therapy, while polyps typically require microsurgical removal. Both benefit from post-treatment voice therapy to prevent recurrence.
What is spasmodic dysphonia and how is it treated in Chennai?
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological voice disorder causing involuntary vocal cord spasms, resulting in strained, strangled voice (adductor type) or breathy, effortful voice (abductor type). Treatment primarily involves botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into vocal cord muscles every 3-6 months. Dr. Vidhyadharan provides this specialized treatment with voice therapy support for optimal symptom control.
How much does voice surgery and treatment cost in Chennai?
Voice treatment costs depend on the type of procedure required (diagnostic stroboscopy, microsurgical phonosurgery, injection laryngoplasty, or thyroplasty), anesthesia type, hospital stay duration, and post-operative therapy needs. THANC Hospital and Dr. Vidhyadharan offer comprehensive voice care with advanced videostroboscopy and microsurgical facilities at economical costs. Detailed cost estimates are provided during consultation based on your specific diagnosis.
What is the success rate of vocal cord surgery for hoarseness?
Success rates are high for appropriately selected patients. Microsurgery for benign lesions (polyps, cysts) achieves 80-90% voice improvement. Vocal cord medialization for paralysis improves voice quality and prevents aspiration in over 90% of cases. Success depends on accurate diagnosis, surgical expertise, compliance with voice rest, and participation in post-operative voice therapy. Dr. Vidhyadharan's microsurgical expertise ensures optimal outcomes.
