Specialist Head and Neck ENT Surgery

Mr Jain has undertaken higher surgical training at University College Hospital London in Head and Neck, Thyroid and Salivary Gland Surgery.

His clinical training includes adult and paediatric ENT surgery, with a particular focus on head and neck, thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Head and neck problems can range from benign lumps and gland disorders to conditions requiring specialist investigation.

A careful assessment is important to establish the diagnosis and determine whether observation, further investigation, medical treatment or surgery is appropriate.

Specialist Thyroid Surgeon

The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck and produces hormones that regulate many functions within the body.

Thyroid surgery may be considered for conditions including:

• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroid cysts
• Multinodular goitre
• Enlarged thyroid causing pressure symptoms
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Graves’ disease
• Selected thyroid cancers

The extent of surgery depends on the diagnosis and individual circumstances.

Thyroid surgery may involve removal of part of the thyroid or the whole thyroid gland. UCLH notes that surgery may be considered for thyroid nodules, goitre and Graves’ disease among other conditions.

Thyroid surgery requires careful attention to important structures in the neck, including the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands.

Surgical Treatment of Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition in which antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland to produce excessive thyroid hormones.

Treatment options can include medication, radioactive iodine and surgery, depending on the patient’s circumstances.

Thyroid surgery may be appropriate for selected patients, including some patients with a large goitre, significant Graves’ disease or particular clinical circumstances.

When surgery is performed, thyroid hormone replacement is generally required after total thyroid removal. Potential complications include effects on the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands, which is why thyroid surgery should be undertaken by appropriately trained specialists.

Surgery for Parathyroid Disorders

The parathyroid glands are small glands located close to the thyroid. They regulate calcium levels in the body.

Overactivity of one or more parathyroid glands can cause primary hyperparathyroidism, resulting in an abnormally high blood calcium level.

Symptoms can vary considerably and may include fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, kidney stones or bone problems.

When surgery is indicated, parathyroidectomy removes the abnormal or overactive parathyroid gland.

Because the parathyroid glands are small and their anatomy can vary, specialist assessment and appropriate imaging are important when planning surgery.

Parotid and Submandibular Gland Surgery

The major salivary glands include the parotid glands and submandibular glands.

Salivary gland problems can include:

• Salivary gland lumps
• Salivary gland stones
• Recurrent salivary gland infections
• Blocked salivary ducts
• Benign salivary gland tumours
• Other salivary gland disorders

Parotid gland surgery

The parotid gland lies in front of and below the ear. Surgery may be required for selected salivary gland lumps or other significant parotid disease.
Because the facial nerve runs through the parotid gland, specialist surgical planning is particularly important.

Submandibular gland surgery

The submandibular glands lie beneath the lower jaw and produce saliva that drains into the mouth beneath the tongue.

Recurrent infection or obstruction caused by salivary stones can sometimes require surgical treatment, including removal of the submandibular gland in selected cases.

Specialist Assessment of Voice Problems

Persistent hoarseness or voice change should be assessed, particularly when symptoms do not settle.

Vocal cord nodules and polyps are lesions affecting the vocal folds and can interfere with normal vibration.

Vocal cord nodules are commonly associated with repeated vocal trauma, voice misuse or excessive vocal strain. Voice therapy and improved vocal technique are often important components of treatment. Some longstanding or hard nodules may require surgery.

Treatment depends on the nature of the lesion and may include:

• Voice therapy
• Vocal hygiene
• Treatment of contributing conditions such as reflux where appropriate
• Microlaryngeal surgery for selected lesions

The aim is to treat the underlying problem while preserving the best possible voice quality.

Specialist Training and Individualised Treatment

ENT surgery covers a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, head and neck.
Specialist training and experience can be particularly important when considering surgery in children or when treating complex conditions involving the thyroid, parathyroid, salivary glands, sinuses or voice box.

Mr Jain’s specialist training includes:

• One-year Paediatric ENT Fellowship at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, St Thomas’ Hospital
• Higher surgical training in Head and Neck, Thyroid and Salivary Gland Surgery at University College Hospital London
• Training in adult and paediatric ENT surgery
• Specialist clinical interests in paediatric ENT, rhinology, head and neck, thyroid, parathyroid and salivary gland surgery

The priority is to ensure that patients understand their diagnosis, available treatment options, potential benefits and risks, and whether surgery is actually appropriate.

If you or your child has an ENT problem requiring specialist assessment, a consultation can provide a clear diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Appointments are available for adult and paediatric ENT conditions, including problems affecting the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, voice, thyroid, parathyroid and salivary glands.

Contact ENT Consultant Clinic to arrange a specialist consultation.

Paediatric ENT | Tonsil Surgery | Adenoid Surgery | Grommets | Nasal Surgery | Sinus Surgery | Thyroid Surgery | Parathyroid Surgery | Salivary Gland Surgery | Head and Neck Surgery | Voice Disorders

This is not an exhaustive list, therefore please contact Mr Jain’s practice manager Molly Mapp on 07931566358 or Molly.Mapp