Thyroid and neck surgery (ENT) in India

At a glance

Type

Surgical procedure

Typical procedure time

About 1–3 hours

Typical hospital stay

1–3 days

Time to plan in India

About 1 week

These are broad, typical ranges for planning a trip. Your doctor sets the real plan for you, and it can be shorter or longer.

When people ask about it

• Thyroid nodules or lumps in the neck needing surgery

Whether it suits you is a decision for a doctor who has examined you and seen your results.

How it usually works

1. Review of your reportsA doctor reads your scans, tests and history and tells you whether this operation is likely to help.
2. Pre-operative testsBlood tests, heart and anaesthesia checks and sometimes extra scans are done so the team can plan safely.
3. Admission and anaesthesiaYou are admitted, usually the day before or the same morning, and the anaesthetist explains the type of anaesthesia.
4. The operationThe surgeon performs the procedure. Your companion is told when it starts and finishes.
5. Hospital recoveryNurses and physiotherapists help you move, manage pain and watch for early problems until you are safe to leave.
6. Discharge and follow-up planYou receive a written summary, medicines, wound and activity advice, and a plan for check-ups at home.

Recovery and follow-up

• Neck stiffness and a hoarse voice can be temporary.
• Calcium and thyroid levels are checked.

Every procedure carries risks, and they differ from person to person. Ask your doctor to explain the risks that apply to you before you decide.

What affects the cost

We do not publish prices we cannot stand behind. The total depends on you, the hospital and the doctor. After a doctor has reviewed your records, you receive an itemised written estimate before you decide anything.

• The hospital and the surgeon's experience
• The implant, device or graft chosen
• Room category and number of hospital days
• Pre-operative tests and any extra scans
• Physiotherapy, medicines and follow-up visits
• Your stay, local travel and a companion

Open the cost worksheet

Documents to prepare

• Recent scans (on disc) and written reports
• Blood test results and a list of all medicines with doses
• Notes from previous operations and any implant cards
• A summary of allergies and long-term conditions
• Passport valid for at least six months and your visa documents

Travel and stay

• Plan to stay until your surgeon says it is safe to fly; this is often more than a week.
• Travel with a companion if you can; you will need help early on.
• Ask your doctor about preventing blood clots on the flight home.
• Carry your medical summary and implant card in your hand luggage.
• Arrange physiotherapy and a check-up for after your return.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What are the risks to my voice?
• Will I need thyroid tablets afterwards?
• Will this improve my hearing or only treat the infection?
• What are the risks to hearing, balance and facial nerve?

Also known as

• Thyroidectomy

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