“His explanations were exceptionally clear, and this treatment has made a significant improvement in my quality of life.”
— Srini S., California
Experience
20+ Years
Location
Kilpauk, Chennai
Super-speciality
MCh Head & Neck
Robotic Surgery
TORS Trained (Adelaide)
Publications
40+ Peer-Reviewed
Kilpauk, Chennai · THANC Hospital
Senior head & neck cancer surgeon in Kilpauk, Chennai. 20+ years treating mouth, tongue, throat, voice-box, thyroid & salivary gland cancers with robotic (TORS), laser and microvascular reconstructive surgery. Fellowship-trained across India, UK, Australia & Taiwan.
Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar is a senior head and neck cancer surgeon in Chennai with 20+ years of international clinical experience across India, the UK, Australia and Taiwan. At THANC Hospital, Kilpauk, Chennai, he treats mouth cancer, tongue cancer, throat (pharyngeal) cancer, voice-box (laryngeal) cancer, thyroid cancer, salivary gland tumours and skull base tumours — offering Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS), transoral laser microsurgery, microvascular reconstruction and endoscopic skull base approaches. He holds MCh (Head & Neck Surgery), FEB (ORL-HNS) and GMC UK Full Registration, and led India's first TORS-assisted total laryngectomy in 2022.
20+ years of international experience — India, UK, Australia, Taiwan
MCh (Head & Neck), FEB (ORL-HNS), Fellowship in Robotic Surgery (Adelaide)
Team leader — India's 1st TORS-assisted total laryngectomy (2022)
Member — India's 1st tracheal allogenic transplant (2015) & world's 1st endo-robotic post-cricoid cancer surgery (2023)
40+ peer-reviewed publications, 10 book chapters, edited textbook
GMC UK full registration and APHRA-registered — global standard of care
Video second-opinion consultations for patients in India & abroad
At THANC Hospital, Poonamallee High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai
About Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar
Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar is an internationally trained and highly specialized Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist and Laryngologist. He is currently the Clinical Director & Senior Consultant Surgeon at The Head and Neck Centre & Hospital, Chennai, India. His special interests are in the treatment of Head & Neck cancers / oncology (mouth cancers, thyroid cancers, throat cancer, neck and salivary gland swellings), Voice problems, Sleep Apnea, Snoring issues and Swallowing disorders. Besides the routine head & neck surgery, his surgical skills encompass minimally invasive techniques such as the da Vinci Robotic surgical system, Laser and Endoscopic Endonasal approach to the skull base. He is one of the few surgeons in India with overseas fellowship trained clinical expertise in Transoral Robotic Surgery, Transoral Laser Microsurgery, Reconstructive Microsurgery for head and neck cancers, Anterior Skull Base surgery and the management of Swallowing, Airway & Voice Disorders. Dr. Vidhyadharan is known for his incredible bedside manner and compassionate care. Patients from around the world have witnessed and experienced first-hand his skill for treating his patients well. With over two decades of experience spanning India, Australia, the UK, and Taiwan. He has established himself as an expert in advanced surgical techniques for treating complex head and neck cancers. Dr. Vidhyadharan’s passion for research and academics has led him to author numerous research publications, textbook chapters and a textbook. He has been an invited speaker for national and international conferences both in person and online platforms. Besides working in India, He has clinical experience of working as a surgeon in countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom. Dr Vidhyadharan, has also had further surgical specialist training at Tata Memorial Hospital, India; Ganga Hospital, India; Toronto General Hospital, Canada; Yonsei University College of Medicine, South Korea.
Procedures Performed
Detailed pages for procedures Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar performs at THANC Hospital.
Who is the best head and neck cancer surgeon in Chennai?
Dr. Vidhyadharan Sivakumar is a senior head and neck cancer surgeon in Chennai with 20+ years of international experience across India, the UK, Australia and Taiwan. He holds MCh (Head & Neck), FEB (ORL-HNS) and is fellowship-trained in robotic and laser head and neck surgery at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia. He leads THANC Hospital's head and neck cancer programme at Kilpauk, Chennai.
How many years of experience does Dr. Vidhyadharan have?
Dr. Vidhyadharan has over 20 years of clinical experience. He started his medical career in 2002 (MBBS from Sri Ramachandra Medical College), completed MS (ENT) in 2009, DNB (ENT) in 2010 and super-specialised with MCh (Head & Neck Surgery) in 2015. He has practised as a head and neck cancer surgeon across India, the UK, Australia and Taiwan.
Where in Chennai is Dr. Vidhyadharan available for consultation?
Dr. Vidhyadharan is the Clinical Director and Senior Consultant Surgeon at THANC Hospital (The Head and Neck Centre & Hospital), Poonamallee High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai. You can book an in-person consultation or a video second-opinion through the website.
Is robotic surgery (TORS) available for throat cancer in Chennai?
Yes. Dr. Vidhyadharan performs Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) at THANC Hospital, Chennai. He was the team leader for India's first TORS-assisted total laryngectomy in 2022 and is fellowship-trained in robotic head and neck surgery from the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia.
What are the early signs of mouth cancer?
Early signs include a non-healing ulcer or white/red patch inside the mouth lasting more than two weeks, unexplained numbness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, a persistent sore throat, or a lump in the neck. If you notice any of these, consult a head and neck specialist promptly for an oral examination and biopsy.
Can voice-box (laryngeal) cancer be cured without losing the voice?
Early-stage laryngeal cancers can often be treated with transoral laser microsurgery or radiotherapy while preserving the voice. For advanced disease, organ-preservation protocols or partial laryngectomy may be options. Dr. Vidhyadharan evaluates each case and discusses voice outcomes before surgery.
How much does head and neck cancer surgery cost in Chennai?
Costs vary by cancer type, stage, surgical approach (robotic, laser or open), reconstruction needs and hospital stay. THANC Hospital offers transparent pricing and a patient coordinator who walks you through estimates. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Does Dr. Vidhyadharan offer second opinions for patients outside Chennai?
Yes. Dr. Vidhyadharan offers video second-opinion consultations for patients across India and internationally. You can share imaging, biopsy reports and treatment plans for a 30–45 minute review before deciding on major surgery.
What is the success rate of head and neck cancer surgery?
Success rates depend on cancer type, stage and location. Early-stage mouth and throat cancers treated surgically often have five-year survival rates above 80%. Dr. Vidhyadharan uses advanced minimally invasive techniques (TORS, transoral laser) that help preserve speech, swallowing and appearance while achieving strong oncological outcomes.
2019 : Mini-Fellowship in Sleep Surgery, Asia Sleep Centre and Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore
2018 : Fellow of The European Board of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head & Neck Surgery (FEB ORL – HNS) – European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)
2017 : Visiting Scholar under supervision of Prof Fu-Chan Wei and Prof. David Chwei-Chin Chuang, Division of Reconstructive Microsurgery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan.
2016 – 2017 : ASOHNS Clinical Fellowship in Robotic Surgery & Head & Neck Surgery, at Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), Adelaide, Australia
2015 : Master of Chirurgiae (MCh) in Head and Neck Surgery, at Department of Head & Neck Surgery and Oncology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences under Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, Kochi, India
2014: MCh Electives Trainee, posted under the supervision of Dr. Ralph W. Gilbert, Department of Otolaryngology, Head Neck Surgery at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
2012: Registrar, Department of Plastic Surgery, Reconstructive Microsurgery and Facio-Maxillary surgery, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, India
2011 – 2012: Trainee & Observer, Department of Head and Neck Services, Tata Memorial Hospital , Mumbai, India.
2010 – 2011 : Clinical Fellow in Advanced Otorhinolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery and Oncology at Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), Adelaide, Australia
2010 : Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in Otorhinolarygology – National Board of Examinations, New Delhi and Registrar at Madras ENT Research Foundation, Chennai, India
2009 : Master of Surgery (MS) in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Department of Ororhinolaryngology at Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University, India
2003 – 2004: Private Practice as General Practitioner, Chennai, India
2003: Trainee, Department of Cardiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India
2002 – 2003: Resident Intern/ Pre – Registration House Officer, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India.
2002: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) – Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India.
Honors & Awards
Top Downloaded Paper 2018-2019 and recognized as one of the most read in The Laryngoscope – Pavithran J, Puthiyottil IV, Narayan M, Vidhyadharan S, Menon JR, Iyer S. Observations from a Pediatric Dysphagia Clinic: Characteristics of children at risk of aspiration pneumonia. Laryngoscope. 2019;129(11):2614‐2618. The published study generated immediate impact and helped to raise the visibility of The Laryngoscope.
Rising Star Award at the 15 th Annual Conference of the Association of Phonosurgeons of India (PHONOCON – 2019) on 1 st February 2019, Kolkata, India – Onco – Phagosurgery: A New Frontier in augmenting swallowing rehabilitation of patients treated for head & neck cancer.
Best Poster at the combined meeting of the International Federation of Head & Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS) World Tour and the 18 th National conference of FHNO on 27 th October 2018, Kolkata, India – Onco Phagosurgery: Defining the Surgical Management of Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.
Best podium presentation medal at 13th National conference of FHNO on 29 th September 2013, Jaipur, India – Gastro Omental Free flap for Reconstruction of Tongue Defects.
First mark and Gold Medal in the Master of Surgery (Otolaryngology) examinations in April 2009 – Annamalai University, Chidambaram, India.
Achievements
Member of India's first Tracheal allogenic transplant surgery team, performed in 2015, at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences under the leadership of Prof. Subramania Iyer.
Team Leader for India's First Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) assisted Total Laryngectomy performed in 2022. Probably, also the first surgery of its kind in the Indian Subcontinent.
Member of World's first Endo – Robotic surgery team performed in 2023, on a 75-year-old woman for cancer at the beginning of the food pipe (post-cricoid region) at the VPS Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi under leadership of Dr Shawn Joseph
Professional Affiliation
Life Member, Foundation of Head & Neck Oncology (FHNO)
Life Member, Association of Phono Surgeons of India (APSI)
Indian Medical Association (IMA)
Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC), Chennai, India
Medical Council of India (MCI), New Delhi, India
General Medical Council, UK (GMC UK) – Full Registration
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA)
Life Member, Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI)
Life Member, Indian Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (IAOHNS)
Life Member, Skull Base Society of India
Publications (40)
1.Venkatraman S, Yelsangikar A, Mahajan P, Canday E, Vidhyadharan S, Subramanian M, Dash NR, Akkunje PS, Meenakshi S, Shah B, Thakur S, Hegde P, Premalatha BS, Arya CJ, Mathias SC, Manral M, P R, Raj E, Raman V, Jagtap M, Itty S, Dua C, George MP. Consensus on the Screening, Assessment, and Nutritional Management of Dysphagia. Journal of Nutrition Research. 2024,12(2): 53-74.
2.Pandya K, Pradeep S, Jayakumar NK, Vidhyadharan S, Hedne N. Feasibility of Use of the 8 th Edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging for Head and Neck Cancers in Indian Scenario: An Evaluative Study. Ann Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Jan-Jun;11(1):27-31.
3.Ravichandran A, Radhakrishnan S, Kumar S, Vidhyadharan S, Menon, UK, Arya CJ, Thankappan K. Dysphagia in Parkinson’s disease: Analysis of screening questionnaire and videofluoroscopy findings. Annals of Movement Disorders 2021;4(2):73-79
4.Rajeev S, Radhakrishnan S, Vidhyadharan S, Menon U, Thankappan K, Iyer Videofluoroscopic Study of Swallowing Disorders in Patients with Parkinsonism. Amrita Journal of Medicine. 2021;17(3):93 – 98
5.Kudpaje A, Thankappan K, Rajan RP, Vidhyadharan S, Balasubramanian D, Wakure A, Mathew J, Sharma M, Iyer S. Outcomes of Re-exploration Procedures After Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction. Indian J Surg Oncol. 2021 Sep;12(3):530-537.
Textbook & Book Chapters
Sivakumar Vidhyadharan, Smriti Panda, Aanchal Kakkar, Alok Thakar. Rare tumours of the head and neck. In: Vinidh Paleri, Terry M Jones, Prathamesh S Pai, editors. Stell & Maran's Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, 6 th edition. 2025, 36:621
Anup Singh, Sivakumar Vidhyadharan, Aanchal Kakkar, Alok Thakar. Head and neck paragangliomas. In: Vinidh Paleri, Terry M Jones, Prathamesh S Pai, editors. Stell & Maran's Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, 6 th edition. 2025, 35: 602
Narayana Subramaniam, Sivakumar Vidhyadharan, Samskruthi P Murthy. editors. Complete Management of Head and Neck Cancer. India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers 2021: 632.
Rathod P, Vidhyadharan S, Iyer S. Anatomy of Swallowing. In: Krishnakumar Thankappan, Subramania Iyer, Jayakumar R Menon, editors. Dysphagia Management in Head and Neck Cancers, A Manual and Atlas: A Manual and Atlas. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd; 2018: 3 – 26.
Jani KK, Vidhyadharan S, Iyer S. Physiology of Swallowing. In: Krishnakumar Thankappan, Subramania Iyer, Jayakumar R Menon, editors. Dysphagia Management in Head and Neck Cancers, A Manual and Atlas: A Manual and Atlas. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd; 2018: 27 – 41.
Vidhyadharan S. Pretreatment Counselling, Education and Training. In: Krishnakumar Thankappan, Subramania Iyer, Jayakumar R Menon, editors. Dysphagia Management in Head and Neck Cancers, A Manual and Atlas: A Manual and Atlas. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd; 2018: 45 – 54.
Vidhyadharan S, Iyer S, Thankappan K. Principles of surgery in Oral Cavity Cancers. In: Krishnakumar Thankappan, Subramania Iyer, editors. Basic Concepts in Head & Neck Surgery and Oncology. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd; 2015: 137 – 43.
Vidhyadharan S, Anoop R, Thankappan K. Guidelines in the management of Oral Cavity Cancers. In: Krishnakumar Thankappan, Subramanin Iyer, editors. Basic Concepts in Head & Neck Surgery and Oncology. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd; 2015: 158 – 68.
Sandya CJ, Kudpaje A, Vidhyadharan S, Kulkarni, Thankappan K. Imaging of the Paranasal Sinus Tumors. In: Krishnakumar Thankappan, Subramania Iyer, editors. Basic Concepts in Head & Neck Surgery and Oncology. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd; 2015: 151 – 55.
Sharma M, Wakure AN, Vidhyadharan S, Iyer S. Head and Neck Reconstruction. In: Krishnakumar Thankappan, Subramanin Iyer, editors. Basic Concepts in Head & Neck Surgery and Oncology. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd; 2015: 237 – 5
Teaching
2024: Operating Guest Faculty at the Robotic Theatre, Department of ENT at JIPMER, Puducherry and Department of Head and Neck Surgical Services at Regional Cancer Centre Trivandrum, India.
2015 – 2021: Teaching Faculty and Adjunct Faculty for MSc. Post graduate programme for Deglutology and Swallowing Disorders
2015 – 2019: Teaching Faculty for MCh postgraduates/residents at the Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi
2016 – 2017: Supervised the Otolaryngology trainees/registrar/residents for the day-to-day care of the patients at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide Australia
Academic Appointments
2019 – 2024: Adjunct Faculty, Department of Head & Neck Surgery and Oncology at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
2015 – 2019: Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Head & Neck Surgery and Oncology at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
2011: Special Training Senior Resident, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery at Coimbatore Medical College & Hospital, Coimbatore, India
Administrative Roles
2024 – till date: Secretary, Tamil Nadu Association of Phono Surgeons of India, State Branch of APSI.
2024 – till date: National Observer, Asian Dysphagia Society
2020 – 2021: Executive Committee member – Association of Phono Surgeons of India (APSI)
2015 – 2019: Clinical Lead Consultant – Swallowing Disorders Centre at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
Book Appointment