For many who suffer from chronic nasal congestion, persistent voice issues, or debilitating vertigo, finding relief can be a long and frustrating journey. As a medical journalist, I recently had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Dr. Shama Kovale, a highly respected Otorhinolaryngologist (ENT specialist), to discuss the advancements in treating complex conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. Dr. Kovale, known for her specialisation in voice and swallowing disorders, is widely considered the Best ENT Specialist in Mumbai, bringing over two decades of dedicated experience to patient care.
The Expert Profile: Dr. Shama Kovale 👩⚕️
Dr. Kovale’s professional journey is marked by rigorous training and a commitment to sub-specialization. She holds an MBBS and MS (ENT) from prestigious Mumbai institutions (Topiwala National Medical College and B.Y.L. Nair Charitable Hospital), followed by advanced fellowships, including one in Phonosurgery (voice) and another in Cochlear Implant Surgery. Her pursuit of excellence led her to train under world-renowned laryngologists in the USA, cementing her status as a leading voice and swallowing expert.
Dr. Kovale practices at a prominent hospital in Andheri West, Mumbai, where she has helped establish the city’s first dedicated Voice and Swallowing Centre. This setup is a testament to her philosophy: to move beyond generic ENT care and provide highly specialized, evidence-based treatments. She emphasises a holistic approach, ensuring patients fully understand their diagnosis before embarking on any treatment, whether medical or surgical. “The human voice carries identity and emotion. Restoring its function, or simply allowing someone to breathe freely, fundamentally improves their quality of life,” she stated.
Procedure Focus: Correcting a Deviated Septum
One of the most common procedures that dramatically improves a patient’s breathing and quality of life is the surgical correction of a deviated septum. Though Dr. Kovale has expertise in diverse procedures like Cochlear Implants and voice surgeries, she noted that surgeries addressing nasal obstruction, such as Septoplasty Surgery in Mumbai, remain crucial in her practice.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Treatment
Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to straighten the nasal septum (the wall between the two nostrils). For patients with a significantly deviated septum causing chronic problems, it can be a life-changing intervention.
Pros (Advantages):
- Improved Nasal Breathing: The most significant benefit is the restoration of proper airflow through the nose, leading to easier breathing, particularly during exercise or sleep.
- Better Sleep Quality: By clearing nasal obstruction, the surgery often reduces or eliminates snoring and can significantly improve sleep-related issues, including certain types of sleep apnea.
- Reduced Sinus Issues: A straightened septum allows for better sinus drainage, which can drastically reduce the frequency and severity of chronic sinus infections.
- Long-Lasting Relief: Unlike temporary fixes like nasal sprays, septoplasty provides a permanent anatomical correction.
Cons (Considerations):
- Postoperative Discomfort and Downtime: Patients can expect temporary nasal stuffiness, bruising, and mild pain, comparable to a severe head cold or sinus infection. Recovery requires a week or two of downtime before returning to normal activities.
- Surgical Risks: Although septoplasty is a minor procedure, it carries standard surgical risks such as bleeding, infection, and, rarely, a hole (perforation) in the septum.
- Uncertainty of Complete Symptom Relief: If a patient’s breathing difficulty is also caused by severe allergies or inflamed nasal turbinates (which may require a separate procedure), septoplasty alone might not offer 100% relief.
- Potential for Revision: In rare cases, the cartilage may shift back slightly over time, or the initial correction may be insufficient, potentially requiring a minor revision surgery.
Cost, Precautions, and Aftercare for Septoplasty
The financial aspect is always a key consideration for patients. The Septoplasty Surgery in Mumbai cost can vary based on the hospital setting, the complexity of the deviation, and whether it is combined with other procedures like turbinate reduction (turbinoplasty). A realistic approximate cost range for an uncomplicated Septoplasty Surgery in Mumbai is typically between ₹60,000 and ₹1,20,000 INR. This range includes hospital stay, surgeon’s fees, and basic operating theatre costs, though it may be higher at premium multi-specialty hospitals.
Essential Precautions and Aftercare:
Dr. Kovale outlined critical steps for a smooth recovery:
- Avoid Blowing the Nose: For at least a week, patients must avoid blowing their nose to prevent bleeding and disrupting the healing process. Sneezing should be done with the mouth open.
- Head Elevation: Sleeping with the head elevated for the first few days helps reduce swelling and drainage.
- Nasal Care: The surgeon provides specific instructions for cleaning the nasal passages, often involving saline rinses to keep the area moist and clear.
- Activity Restriction: Patients must strictly avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and contact sports for several weeks to prevent trauma to the nose.
Competitive Context in Mumbai
Mumbai is home to many accomplished ENT specialists. While Dr. Kovale stands out due to her advanced fellowship training in voice and complex ear surgeries, patients often research multiple options. Two other highly respected ENT surgeons known for excellent work in septoplasty and general ENT include Dr. Milind Kirtane (known for his pioneering work in cochlear implants) and Dr. Amol Patil (known for his expertise in FESS and sinus surgeries).
Conclusion and Next Steps
My time with Dr. Shama Kovale highlighted her dedication to both functional and aesthetic outcomes in ENT surgery, particularly her specialised focus on voice, a niche that truly elevates her practice. Her combination of vast experience and patient-centered philosophy makes her a compelling choice for anyone facing complex or chronic ENT issues.
If you are Searching for an ENT Specialist you Can visit to Dr. Shama Kovale.
