As a Maxillofacial Surgeon, Prof. Hendricks has extensive and advanced training, knowledge, and clinical experience treating simple and complex Head and Neck disorders and injuries.

Head and neck surgery can treat a range of problems of the head and neck, including sinus disorders, thyroid problems, and malignant or benign head and neck tumours. Many patients with cancer in the head or neck require surgery to successfully remove the cancerous tissues and tumours. Reconstructive surgery may also be a consideration for patients who want to regain a natural appearance after the initial head and neck surgery.

Head and Neck surgery treatments

Prof. Hendricks specialises in the following treatments for head and neck conditions:

• Treatment of large and extensive tumours of head and neck with reconstruction
• Mandibulectomy: A surgical technique used to give access to cancers in the back of the. tongue (known as the tongue base) and tonsils, in order to remove cancer and extensive tumours
• Maxillectomy A surgical technique used to treat malignant or benign tumours of the oral cavity, nasal cavity, or maxillary sinuses (pockets found in the bones of the face).
• Salivary gland tumour removal: Also known as a parotidectomy, this surgery is used to remove a benign or cancerous tumour in the salivary glands.
• Orbital decompression: A type of surgery that removes the bones and sometimes the fat in the orbit (socket) of the eye. It is most commonly used to treat Grave's disease and Thyrotoxicosis (overactive thyroid)

Aftercare

Head and neck surgery is quite complex, so patients will remain in the intensive care unit for about 3 days. There is usually some pain after surgery. Prof. Hendricks will prescribe pain medication to suit your pain level and needs. You may have one or more drain near your surgical incisions. This will stay in for a couple of days. A temporary drain helps keep swelling down.