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Are There Any There Any Specialists Who Could Help My

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Posted on Sun, 16 Feb 2020
Question: Are there any there any specialists who could help my dad with a unique medical problem? Due to two surgeries to remove thyroid cancer, he has developed scar tissue around the outside of the esophagus. The scar tissue is constricting his esophagus, so that swallowing is nearly impossible. Compounding the issue is massive amount of thick phlegm that is produced when he puts anything in his mouth, including water. He is receiving nutrition through a feeding tube, but he longs to be able to eat. Any suggestions??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Hii. You should consult an ent surgeon and a gastrosurgeon. As due to thyro

Detailed Answer:
Hii. You should consult an ent surgeon and a gastrosurgeon. As due to thyroid surgery scar has formed around the oesophagus so it's necessary to get a picture of the larynx and the oesophagus so that the scar can be separated from the oesophagus and it shouldn't affect the voice box or larynx. Consult an ent surgeon and get an endoscopy of the larynx to see if the vocal cords of voice box are functioning well or not. Get a CECT neck and thorax (ct scan of neck and thorax) to get idea of the structures of the larynx, oesophagus and of the scar tissue. You should also consult a gastrosurgeon and get a gastroscopy done to see the inside of the oesophagus. Barium swallow is also needed sometimes to get a clear picture. After getting all the above test results final diagnosis can be ascertained and opinion can be done if scar tissue can be separated or not. Follow the advice and please review if you have any queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (17 minutes later)
Probably was not worth asking the question. The ENT surgeon who did the two surgeries says there's nothing that can be done. The scar tissue is in such an intricate place at the top of the esophagus and larynx. Also, the right vocal cord is paralyzed. He's had his esophagus dialated 3 times with no success. The problem is on the outside of the it. GI doctors say it's out of their area.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Hii. You need to contact a cardio thoracic surgeon. He can be helping you.

Detailed Answer:
Hii. You need to contact a cardio thoracic surgeon. He can be helping you. Excison of band and releasing the tension may be done by him depending on the severity of the disease. Cord palsy needs a large time to resolve. Voice therapy can be helpful. But it will require a long time to recover.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (21 hours later)
Could you explain why a cardio thoracic surgeon would get involved? Not sure what you mean about excision of band.

What is causing the overproduction of mucous whenever Dad tries to sip water or suck on a hard candy. It only makes the situation worse since he is virtually not able to swallow anything anymore. This condition started several months ago, when he was still able to swallow small amounts of food.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Hii. All the procedures related to thoracic area is done by cardiothoracuc

Detailed Answer:
Hii. All the procedures related to thoracic area is done by cardiothoracuc surgeon. The band which is compressing over the oesophagus cause obstruction of the passage of food. That's why there is more production of mucus in the mouth. Better to consult those to get an idea if it is inoperable or not.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rajat Basak

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 802 Questions

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Are There Any There Any Specialists Who Could Help My

Brief Answer: Hii. You should consult an ent surgeon and a gastrosurgeon. As due to thyro Detailed Answer: Hii. You should consult an ent surgeon and a gastrosurgeon. As due to thyroid surgery scar has formed around the oesophagus so it's necessary to get a picture of the larynx and the oesophagus so that the scar can be separated from the oesophagus and it shouldn't affect the voice box or larynx. Consult an ent surgeon and get an endoscopy of the larynx to see if the vocal cords of voice box are functioning well or not. Get a CECT neck and thorax (ct scan of neck and thorax) to get idea of the structures of the larynx, oesophagus and of the scar tissue. You should also consult a gastrosurgeon and get a gastroscopy done to see the inside of the oesophagus. Barium swallow is also needed sometimes to get a clear picture. After getting all the above test results final diagnosis can be ascertained and opinion can be done if scar tissue can be separated or not. Follow the advice and please review if you have any queries.