Every year, thousands of individuals undergo head and neck surgery to address a wide range of conditions, including tumors, trauma, and congenital abnormalities. Doctors in this specialized surgical discipline save millions of lives each year.
Head and Neck surgeries including robotic surgeries and minimally invasive endoscopic surgeries have revolutionized the field and have made the recovery possible in a short span of time.
Getting an idea about different surgical procedures, recovery time and cost can help you in handling your personal case in a better way. This short guide also helps you to interact with the learned surgeons in a more effective manner.
Without extending the introduction further, let us know in a little detail about Head and Neck Surgery.
What is Head and Neck Surgery?
Head and neck surgery refers to a specialized field within otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the head and neck region. It involves surgical procedures aimed at addressing various disorders, diseases, and abnormalities in this area.
Head and neck surgeons, also known as otolaryngologists or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeons, are trained to perform a wide range of surgical procedures related to the head and neck.
These surgeons collaborate with other specialists to provide comprehensive care to you if you have cancerous or non-cancerous problems in your head and neck region.
Types of Head and Neck Surgery
Head and Neck Surgeries can be broadly classified into cancer surgery and surgeries that rectify non-cancerous problems. It also includes reconstruction surgeries in the head and neck.
Head and Neck Surgery ( For Cancer)
Laryngectomy
Removal of the larynx (voice box), is typically performed to treat advanced laryngeal cancer.
Neck Dissection
Surgeons remove lymph nodes in the neck, and it is often performed as part of the treatment for head and neck cancer
Thyroidectomy
Surgical removal of the thyroid gland is often performed to treat thyroid cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism.
Laser Surgery
Laser technology may be used to treat early-stage tumors, especially those found in the larynx. It allows for precise removal of the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue
Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS)
TORS is a minimally invasive surgery used to remove oropharyngeal cancer, including tonsil cancer. It combines three-dimensional imaging with robotic technology to enhance precision and access to the tumor
Head and Neck Surgery ( Non-Cancerous)
Sinus Surgery
Surgeons perform this surgical procedure to treat chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or structural abnormalities in the sinuses.
Tonsillectomy
Removal of the tonsils is usually performed to treat recurrent tonsillitis or sleep-disordered breathing.
Endoscopic Surgery
This minimally invasive surgical technique uses an endoscope to access and treat conditions in the head and neck, such as pituitary tumors or sinus disorders.
Reanimation of Face Paralysis
This surgery aims to restore facial movement in individuals with facial paralysis. Techniques may include nerve grafting, muscle transfers, or the use of functional electrical stimulation.
Parathyroidectomy
Parathyroidectomy involves the removal of the parathyroid glands. This procedure is typically performed to treat hyperparathyroidism
Head and Neck Reconstruction Surgeries
After the initial procedure of head and neck surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, reconstruction is the next step. Sometimes, reconstruction is required to correct genetic deformities in the head and neck region.
Jaw and Facial Bone Reconstruction
This type of surgery aims to reconstruct the jaw and facial bones, which may be necessary due to trauma, tumor removal, or congenital abnormalities.
Pediatric Reconstructive Surgery
Pediatric reconstructive surgery focuses on correcting congenital or acquired deformities in children’s head and neck regions, such as cleft lip and palate or craniofacial anomalies.
Reconstruction of the Nose
Nose reconstruction surgery is performed to restore the form and function of the nose after trauma, tumor removal, or congenital deformities.
Recovery Time for Head and Neck Surgery
The recovery time for head and neck surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure performed, your overall health, and any potential complications. Here are some general insights:
Complexity of Surgery
Head and neck surgeries, particularly those involving free flap reconstruction for head and neck cancer are complex and require a prolonged recovery period.
Hospital Stay
The length of hospital stay after head and neck surgery can vary. For example, neck dissections to remove tumors may require two to three days in the hospital if there are no complications. However, advancements in surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive approaches, have led to shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times for some procedures.
Pain Management
Pain and discomfort are common after head and neck surgery. However, pain medications are typically prescribed to manage post-operative pain.
Rehabilitation and Follow-up
Depending on the type of surgery and your needs, rehabilitation and follow-up care may be necessary to optimize recovery. This may include physical therapy, speech therapy, or other forms of supportive care.
Cost of Head and Neck Surgery in India
The cost of head and neck surgery in India can vary depending on several factors, including the specific procedure performed, the hospital or clinic chosen, the surgeon’s fees, and any additional medical expenses.
According to a study published in PMC (PubMed Central), the out-of-pocket expenditure for radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients in India ranged from INR 12,575 (USD 206) to INR 21,026 (USD 345)
The cost of neck surgery in India can range from around INR 2,00,000/- to INR 5,00,000/-, depending on the hospital and surgeon’s fees.
Conclusion
There are various types of head and neck surgeries. Some of the surgeries are quite complicated and are expensive.
An efficient surgeon should perform the surgery to prevent complications and shorten the recovery period.
MedicoExperts is a global virtual hospital that can arrange for affordable Head and Neck Surgeries in India. For cancer surgeries, it has a dedicated Tumour Board which has a panel of expert doctors from ENT specialists to Maxillofacial Surgeons. You can take the expert guidance and advice of the reconstruction specialists who can show you the correct path to get a normal look after a complicated surgery in your head, face, and neck region.
In order to make the process easier for you, MedicoExperts can also arrange for your preferred accommodation in India if you are traveling to the country from outside.
FAQ :
Q1. What are the risks of head and neck surgery?
There may be complications from infection and vascular injury. This may delay the healing time.
Q2. Can you live a normal life after neck surgery?
Yes, you can go back to work and live a longer and more normal life after a successful head and neck surgery.
Q3. What does a head and neck surgeon treat?
A head and neck surgeon treats tumors, trauma, or anatomical defects in the head and neck region.
Written by Dr Subhamoy Mukherjee, Ph.D. (Oncology).
Dr Subhamoy is a molecular oncologist and worked with genomic profiles of patients. He has 8 years of experience in scientific writing and patient data analysis. He takes strong interest in making people aware of the different diagnostic and treatment approaches of cancer through his informative articles and blogs.
