VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi – India
About Dr. Shawn T Joseph
Dr. Shawn T. Joseph is a distinguished name in the field of head and neck oncology, celebrated for his pioneering work in minimally invasive and functional preservation surgeries. With over 16 years of experience, he is recognized as a leading head and neck oncologist in India, known for introducing novel surgical techniques like the TAMMIL procedure and the Trident Landmark technique. His practice focuses on complex reconstructions, robotic thyroidectomies, and skull base surgeries, ensuring optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes for patients. As a top cancer specialist in India, he has performed numerous first-of-their-kind procedures in his region, including the state’s first Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy. He combines oncological precision with a deep commitment to preserving quality of life, particularly regarding voice and swallowing functions.
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees
- MBBS
- MS in ENT (Otorhinolaryngology)
- DNB in ENT (Otorhinolaryngology)
- MCh in Head & Neck Surgery
- Fellowship in Skull Base Surgery.
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
- MBA in Hospital Administration and Health Management (HAHM).
Areas of Expertise
Major Cancer Types Treated
- Head and Neck Cancers
- Thyroid & Parathyroid Cancers
- Skull Base Tumours
- Voice Preservation Surgery
- Microvascular Reconstruction
- Salivary Gland Surgery
- Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS)
- Robotic Thyroidectomy
- Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM)
- Islanded Facial Artery Flaps
List of Disease and Treatment for which Dr. Shawn T Joseph can be consulted
Professional Experience
Current and Past Hospital Affiliations
- Current: Chief Medical Officer and Senior Consultant, Head & Neck Surgical Oncology, VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi.
- Past: Consultant in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi.
- Founder Director, Institute of Head & Neck Sciences, VPS Lakeshore Hospital.
- Chair, Institutional Review Board, VPS Lakeshore Hospital.
- Founder, Kocher’s Club – An academic think tank for innovation in head and neck sciences.
- Developed the Trident Landmark Technique for safer facial nerve identification during parotid surgery.
- Innovated the TAMMIL Procedure for functional voice preservation in laryngeal cancers.
- Pioneered the Islanded Facial Artery Osteomyomucosal Flap for single-stage jaw reconstruction.
- Performed Kerala’s first Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy, offering no-visible-scar solutions.
- Established protocols to safely reduce radioiodine therapy use in over 90% of papillary thyroid carcinoma patients.
Awards & Recognitions
- Gold Medal (First Rank): MS (ENT), Gujarat University.
- International Travel Grant: Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
- Fellow: American College of Surgeons (FACS).
- Award-winning Paper: Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI) Gujarat Conference.
- Founder: AAVAZ – Kerala’s first integrated voice, airway, and swallowing clinic.
Research & Publications
Published Research Papers
- Volume and Location of the Defect as Predictors of Swallowing Outcome After Glossectomy – ResearchGate (2021)
- Submandibular gland: The victim of neck dissection – ResearchGate (2021)
- Should ultrasound-guided resection be the new norm for oral tongue resections? – ResearchGate (2021)
- Islanded facial artery osteomyomucosal/osseous flap in head and neck reconstruction – Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (2020)
- Facial artery-based islanded myomucosal and bone flaps in head and neck reconstruction – ResearchGate (2020)
- Endoscope-assisted conservative resection and reconstruction in recurrent subglottic carcinoma – ResearchGate (2018)
- Tracheal advancement with myomucosal island flap for partial laryngopharyngectomy defect reconstruction – ResearchGate (2018)
- Contralateral Islanded Facial Artery Myomucosal Flap for the Reconstruction of Floor of the Mouth Defect – ResearchGate (2017)
- Reconstruction of a Combined Maxillectomy and Segmental Mandibulectomy Defect in a Seven-Year-Old with a Single Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap – ResearchGate (2016)
- Easy and Safe Method for Facial Nerve Identification in Parotid Surgery – ResearchGate (2015)
- Defect Components and Reconstructive Options in Composite Orbitomaxillary Defects With Orbital Exenteration – ResearchGate (2014)
- Special Considerations in Esthesioneuroblastoma of Sphenoclival Region – ResearchGate (2012)
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
Scarless Recovery from Thyroid Cancer
- Young patients often worry about visible neck scars following thyroid surgery. Dr. Shawn T Joseph has successfully performed numerous Robot-Assisted Breast Axillo-Insufflation Thyroidectomies (RABIT). Patients frequently express relief and gratitude that they could undergo complete cancer removal without any visible scarring on the neck, allowing them to return to their professional lives with full confidence.
Voice Preservation in Throat Cancer
- For patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, the fear of losing their natural voice is profound. Utilizing the TAMMIL procedure, Dr. Shawn T Joseph has managed to treat selected cancers while preserving the larynx. Testimonials often highlight the emotional impact of retaining natural speech and swallowing functions, praising the doctor’s dedication to functional preservation alongside oncological safety.
Complex Jaw Reconstruction and Rehabilitation
- Patients requiring surgery for oral cancer involving the jaw often fear disfigurement. Dr. Shawn T Joseph utilizes advanced microvascular techniques and his pioneered facial artery flaps to reconstruct defects in a single stage. Patients and families often describe the recovery process as "reassuring," citing the doctor's meticulous planning that restored facial contour and oral function effectively.
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
Patient-Centred Care
- Dr. Shawn T Joseph prioritizes "Functional Oncology," believing that curing cancer should not come at the cost of essential life functions like speaking or swallowing. He established clinics like AAVAZ to ensure integrated care for airway and voice, focusing on the patient's holistic quality of life post-surgery.
Technology & Innovation
- A strong advocate for minimizing surgical morbidity, he leverages cutting-edge technology such as Robotics and Transoral Laser Microsurgery. His development of novel techniques like the Trident Landmark reflects his philosophy of constantly innovating to improve surgical safety and reduce complications.
Treatment Costs
Treatments performed by Dr. Shawn T Joseph:
Treatment | Cost (INR) | Cost (USD) |
Robotic Thyroidectomy | ₹4,00,000 - ₹5,50,000 | $4,800 - $6,600 |
Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) | ₹4,50,000 - ₹6,00,000 | $5,400 - $7,200 |
Head & Neck Cancer Surgery | ₹3,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 | $4,200 - $6,000 |
Microvascular Reconstruction | ₹4,00,000 - ₹6,50,000 | $4,800 - $7,800 |
Parotidectomy (Salivary Gland) | ₹1,50,000 - ₹2,50,000 | $1,800 - $3,000 |
Note: For consultation fee or personalised cost estimate, you can connect with the Cancer Rounds team.
International Patient Assistance
- Cancer Rounds provides comprehensive support for international patients seeking Dr. Shawn T Joseph’s expertise, offering medical visa invitations and airport transfer coordination.
- They facilitate pre-treatment virtual consultations and provide language interpretation services to ensure seamless communication throughout the medical journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Shawn T Joseph specialises in Head and Neck Oncology, treating cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), thyroid, parathyroid, and skull base tumours.
Yes, he is a pioneer in robotic head and neck surgery, having performed the first Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy and the first Robotic Breast Axillo-Insufflation Thyroidectomy (RABIT) in Kerala.
Yes, Dr. Shawn T Joseph is an expert in scarless robotic thyroidectomy techniques that avoid incisions on the neck, offering superior cosmetic outcomes.
You can easily book a confirmed appointment with Dr. Shawn T Joseph by contacting Cancer Rounds, who manage his scheduling and patient coordination.
The TAMMIL procedure is a novel surgical technique he developed for selected laryngeal cancers, designed to preserve the voice while ensuring complete tumour removal.
Absolutely, Dr. Shawn T Joseph is a top cancer specialist in India for microvascular reconstruction, often using innovative facial artery-based flaps to restore jaw and oral defects.
Dr. Shawn T Joseph currently practices at VPS Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi, where he serves as the Chief Medical Officer and Senior Consultant.
Dr. Shawn T Joseph regularly treats international patients, and logistics such as visas and travel are facilitated through Cancer Rounds to ensure a smooth treatment experience.
Yes, Dr. Shawn T Joseph utilizes Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM), a minimally invasive technique for treating early-stage laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers.
Dr. Shawn T Joseph developed the "Trident Landmark Technique" to precisely identify and protect the facial nerve during parotid surgery, significantly enhancing patient safety.
Head and Neck Cancer
