Owing to the rapid global population growth, healthcare has emerged as a paramount concern in contemporary society. The healthcare sector has witnessed a heightened focus on issues related to the ear, nose, and throat (ENT), given their vital roles in essential physiological functions such as hearing, breathing, olfaction, gustation, and speech. Various determinants impact the health of ENT organs, giving rise to significant health challenges. Reports indicate an anticipated growth of the global ENT devices market from $26.42 billion in 2024 to $40.78 billion by 2032. This expansion is ascribed to the escalating prevalence of ENT disorders such as hearing loss, sinusitis, and tonsillitis. Notably, the crucial role of ENT specialists and surgeons in delivering treatment and care for these conditions cannot be overstated.

Dr. S Vijay Praveen is a distinguished healthcare leader with extensive expertise in the field of ENT. As a highly accomplished ENT surgeon, he specializes in cochlear implantation, head and neck surgeries, and advanced treatments for ear, nose, and throat conditions. Dr. S Vijay Praveen’s journey into ENT began during his MBBS at the renowned S.V Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, where he developed a fascination for the intricate anatomy and complex functions of the ear, nose, and throat, recognizing their profound impact on a person’s quality of life.

His expertise includes a wide range of ENT surgeries such as mastoidectomies, septoplasties, Rhinoplasties, Laryngo plasties, and more. With over 12 years of experience, he has practiced in over 10 prestigious corporate hospitals, including Apollo Hospitals, Ankura Hospitals, and Tx Hospitals. Dr. S Vijay Praveen is known for his precision and patient-centric care, earning him the nickname ‘360º ENT surgeon’. Dr. S Vijay Praveen says, “Hearing loss can isolate individuals and significantly affect their communication, relationships, and overall well-being. Cochlear implantation offers a life-changing solution for patients with severe hearing impairment, which is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work”.

Dr. Praveen is deeply committed to using modern ENT equipment and innovative surgical approaches. His extensive training in advanced ENT technologies and techniques speaks volumes about his dedication to mastering the most advanced tools available in the field, like Navigation system for Anterior Skull base and FESS, Nerve Monitor for Head and Neck surgeries, Advanced LED Microscope for Mastoidectomy and Cochlear Implantation, 4K Endoscopy for Nose and Ear Surgeries, LASERS, Balloon Sinuplasty, Balloon Eustachian tube Dilation, Coblation surgery, Microde brider, and Skull Base drills. For the management of Sleep Apnea, he employs a detailed patient history, examination, and overnight sleep studies to understand complex ENT conditions. His treatment approaches range from lifestyle modifications and CPAP for mild to severe sleep apnea to various surgical interventions for anatomical obstructions.

Dr. Praveen emphasizes, “Cochlear implantation is a transformative procedure for patients with severe to profound hearing loss, especially when hearing aids are no longer effective”. To ensure the best outcomes for patients he follows a three-step process, beginning with Pre-operative Evaluation which involves Comprehensive Hearing Assessment, Medical Evaluation (like CT or MRI), Speech and Language Evaluation and Candidacy Determination. Second is Surgical Procedure and last step is Post-operative Programming and Rehabilitation involving Mapping (Programming the Device) and Auditory Rehabilitation. The Benefits of Cochlear Implants are huge like Restoration of Hearing, Improved Speech Recognition, Better Quality of Life, and Enhanced Development in Children. He ensures the Best Outcomes through Personalized Candidacy Assessment, State-of-the-Art Surgical Techniques, Collaboration with a Multidisciplinary Team, Advanced Mapping and Tuning, and Patient Education and Counselling.

In the field of otolaryngology(ENT), numerous challenges are prevalent, including intricate medical conditions, rapid technological advancements, patient expectations, resource constraints, and postoperative complications. Dr. Praveen has adopted a distinctive approach to address these challenges. He continually updates his knowledge, collaborates with a multidisciplinary team, participates in international conferences, prioritizes clear communication, meticulous pre-operative planning, and surgical techniques and emphasizes transparency and ongoing patient engagement to effectively navigate these obstacles.

Dr. Praveen emphasizes the importance of patient comfort & satisfaction in his practice as an ENT surgeon, both during & after procedures

Dr. Praveen emphasizes the importance of patient comfort and satisfaction in his practice as an ENT surgeon, both during and after procedures. He aims to address the unique needs of each patient by combining clinical expertise with personalized care. Dr. Praveen ensures patient comfort during ENT procedures through thorough pre-procedure counseling, minimally invasive techniques, anesthesia and pain management, use of sedation for minor procedures, and more. Additionally, he prioritizes patient satisfaction after ENT procedures by providing comprehensive post-operative care, clear and open communication, patient education and empowerment, rehabilitation and holistic care, emotional support and compassion, and regular follow-up and long term care.

As an ENT surgeon at Meraki ENT International Hospital, Dr. Praveen also highlights the leadership of the hospital in the industry, given its extensive range of healthcare services and expert healthcare leaders. Meraki ENT International Hospital specializes in ear, nose, and throat care. Dr. Praveen, at the hospital, utilizes the latest medical technologies to provide topnotch care to the patients. The hospital offers a range of innovative tools including CT scans, MRI, 3D imaging, endoscopic technology, sleep studies, and diagnostics like polysomnography and drug-induced sleep endoscopy. It also provides minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic sinus surgery and laser surgery, as well as cochlear implantation and advanced hearing technologies with real-time mapping and adjustment. Dr. Praveen’s personalized treatment plans aim to improve patient outcomes, reduce recovery times, and boost overall satisfaction by using electronic health records and patient portals. He also emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach and values team collaboration, education, and research integration in his practice.

Dr. Praveen has made significant contributions to the field of otolaryngology (ENT) and has received numerous accolades for his work. He is currently the Honorary Secretary for Association of Otolaryngologists of India- Hyderabad. He anticipates that the advancements in otolaryngology, such as bioprinting and tissue engineering, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in surgery, hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) for sleep apnea, immunotherapy and targeted therapies for head and neck cancer, gene therapy for hearing loss, otoprotection drugs for hearing preservation, advances in cochlear implant technology, and virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) in ENT training and surgery, will significantly improve patient care. “These advancements are poised to enhance outcomes, minimize invasive procedures, and deepen our understanding of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures”, concludes Dr. Praveen.