Pharyngectomy Cost in United Arab Emirates

The cost of pharyngectomy in the UAE typically ranges from $2,000 to $18,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Pharyngectomy is the removal of part or all of the throat (pharynx), usually because of cancer of the hypopharynx or oropharynx. The voice box and neck lymph nodes are often removed in the same operation. In the UAE, the cost depends on:

• Extent: partial or total, and whether the voice box or upper food pipe is also removed.
• Rebuilding: a skin graft, a pedicled or free flap, or a gastric pull-up (Canadian Cancer Society).
• Neck surgery: on one or both sides.
• Time in intensive care and hospital: often two weeks or longer.

Major head and neck cancer surgery with reconstruction can cost more than the range above. Ask for an itemised estimate covering reconstruction, intensive care and rehabilitation.

Partial laryngopharyngectomy is used rarely because these cancers are usually advanced when found. Total laryngopharyngectomy removes the voice box and the walls of the pharynx; if the tumour extends into the upper food pipe, part of the oesophagus is removed too. Neck dissection can be selective, modified radical, radical or on both sides.

Swallowing is often difficult at first, so swallowing therapy and sometimes a temporary feeding tube are needed. After total removal of the voice box, people learn new ways to speak, and breathing is through a permanent opening in the neck; after partial surgery, a tracheostomy is usually temporary.

Many throat cancers are now treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy rather than surgery, so a multidisciplinary tumour board should review the case.

Ask whether the hospital can provide surgery, radiotherapy and rehabilitation in one place. Bring biopsy results and CT, MRI or PET scans.

Planned cancer surgery usually needs insurer prior approval; ask the hospital what the approval covers, including reconstruction and therapy.