The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dire warning regarding the impending epidemic of hearing loss, predicting that by 2030 there will be close to 630 million individuals with incapacitating hearing impairments and maybe over 900 million by 2050 (compared to 466 million at now, including 34 million children). About 6.3 percent of people in India suffer from substantial auditory impairments, including age-related hearing loss, chronic suppurative otitis media, and ear wax. Due to greater unemployment rates and worse job ratings than their peers, children and people with hearing impairments in developing nations confront obstacles to education and employment. To address these issues early on, it becomes imperative to find an accomplished ENT surgeon.

Dr. Vivek Kumar Pathak, MBBS (2009) and MS (2013) is an eminent senior ENT surgeon at Kailash Hospital in Noida and Greater Noida. Along with his roles as CEO and Senior ENT Surgeon at Doxtreat Healthcare and Entegrity Care in Noida Sector-20, he also holds the positions of Professor and Senior Surgeon at Sharda Medical College and Hospital in Greater Noida. “Becoming an ENT surgeon is motivated by the incredible opportunity to restore hearing, one of the body’s most important senses. As you are aware, humans have five senses: taste, smell, vision, hearing, and touch. Being able to help patients restore such an important part of their sensory experience is the goal and most fulfilling aspect of being an ENT surgeon,” conveys Dr. Vivek.

Dr.Vivek is a skilled ENT surgeon who treats a wide range of conditions involving the nose, throat, and ears such as goiter, radiation necrosis in the neck, hyperthyroidism, and nasal polyps. The most frequent ailments he deals with are nasal polyps and ear drainage. Dr. Pathak usually schedules tympanoplasty surgery, a technique that demands a high level of surgical competence, for patients who have ear discharge. Likewise, he does functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for nasal polyps, which is another complex procedure requiring exact skill.

“The most challenging case I have encountered was about a year ago. It

involved a 13-year-old male child who had recurrent episodes of nasal bleeding. After a thorough investigation, we diagnosed him with juvenile angiofibroma.We successfully excised the tumor endoscopically, and I am pleased to say the patient is now in good health. Other challenging cases I often encounter are related to head and neck cancer. Managing carcinoma patients is particularly complex due to the intricacies of cancer treatment and the delicate nature of these surgeries. These cases require careful planning and precise execution to ensure the best possible outcomes for the patients, making them some of the most demanding and rewarding aspects of my work as an ENT surgeon,” adds Dr. Vivek.

A successful ENT surgeon needs to be persistent & committed to lifelong learning

Empowering Patients Through Counseling & Consent

Dr. Vivek stresses the vital significance of screening and counseling in the practice of ENT surgery, which starts long before the actual therapy starts. The two primary parts of this strategy are management and treatment. Investigation and treatment are both part of management, but the patient’s initial counseling is what lays the groundwork for good results.

Dr. Vivek makes sure that his patients are well informed about the procedures. For example, he informs people about the need to shield their ears from harsh noises to maintain their hearing. In addition, he talks about lifestyle choices, warning against abusing tobacco because of its cancer-causing ability. Patients who receive counseling are better able to appreciate the significance of changing some areas of their lifestyle to avoid problems related to their ENT.

Regarding the surgical component, Dr. Vivek carefully outlines the specifics and possible hazards associated with the operations. For instance, if a tympanoplasty procedure is scheduled, he informs the patient about the five percent probability of graft failure. Similarly, he talks about possible side effects after mastoid surgery.

Embracing Technological Advancements

ENT surgery has evolved in the last 20 years due to technological advancement. Utilizing endoscopes - small tubes that can go through a variety of cavities, including the ear - during treatments has resulted in significant advancements in precision and visualization. The application of robotics to surgery is another significant advancement. Robotic arms, which can turn 360 degrees, ensure patient safety by enabling the accurate removal of tiny tumors. Artificial intelligence (AI) is also becoming a more useful tool for information.

“Getting hands-on training on the newest breakthroughs through seminars and conferences is essential. I take every opportunity to attend as many of these activities as I can. I want to share this knowledge with my coworkers in addition to just using it for my learning. Continuing education and training are essential in our area to give patients the best care possible,” asserts Dr. Vivek.

Guidance for Aspiring ENT Surgeons

When asked for advice for future ENT surgeons, Dr. Vivek emphasizes, “Sharpening surgical abilities through regular practice and education is crucial for anyone choosing to pursue a career in ENT. Reading papers about new advancements and participating in seminars and conferences are the sources of this knowledge. To succeed in this field, you must grasp the basics and keep up with the most recent developments”.