Dr Richard Gallagher
@throatsurgeon.bsky.social
Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgeon. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and airway reconstruction.
The larynx, or voicebox, consists of the supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis. The subglottis, encircled by cartilage, leads into the trachea and is the narrowest airway part, measuring 12-20 mm in adults. A reduced diameter, called subglottic stenosis, can obstruct the airway.
November 10, 2025 at 5:45 AM
The larynx, or voicebox, consists of the supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis. The subglottis, encircled by cartilage, leads into the trachea and is the narrowest airway part, measuring 12-20 mm in adults. A reduced diameter, called subglottic stenosis, can obstruct the airway.
The Head and Neck Cancer Australia Gala Dinner this past Saturday was very enjoyable and a worthwhile cause. Head and Neck Cancer Australia plays a crucial role by offering resources and support for those affected. Thank you to GenesisCare for the invitation. #HeadandNeckCancer #ENT
November 5, 2025 at 5:33 AM
The Head and Neck Cancer Australia Gala Dinner this past Saturday was very enjoyable and a worthwhile cause. Head and Neck Cancer Australia plays a crucial role by offering resources and support for those affected. Thank you to GenesisCare for the invitation. #HeadandNeckCancer #ENT
Second opinions are sometimes sought, understandably, by patients facing complex treatment, especially when a timely decision is required. To facilitate this I have developed a 2nd opinion service via my website buff.ly/t9K79QP #Healthcare #SecondOpinion #ENT #Necklumps
October 31, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Second opinions are sometimes sought, understandably, by patients facing complex treatment, especially when a timely decision is required. To facilitate this I have developed a 2nd opinion service via my website buff.ly/t9K79QP #Healthcare #SecondOpinion #ENT #Necklumps
As an ENT-Head&Neck Surgeon occasionally something unusual comes through the door or in someone’s ear canal. Like this mosquito lying against the eardrum.
October 21, 2025 at 6:06 AM
As an ENT-Head&Neck Surgeon occasionally something unusual comes through the door or in someone’s ear canal. Like this mosquito lying against the eardrum.
Just seen another patient 5 years post Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) and neck dissections for an HPV associated oropharyngeal cancer. Fortunately, did not require extra treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Working, swallowing and cured. See our results @ doi: 10.1007/s11701-024-01910-0.
October 16, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Just seen another patient 5 years post Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) and neck dissections for an HPV associated oropharyngeal cancer. Fortunately, did not require extra treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Working, swallowing and cured. See our results @ doi: 10.1007/s11701-024-01910-0.
The da Vinci Single Port (SP) robotic platform will soon be available for TORS in Australia. I've just completed my training in Strasbourg, France. The smaller flexible instruments and 3-D camera will take minimally invasive surgery for tumours of the throat to a new level.
July 21, 2025 at 5:29 PM
The da Vinci Single Port (SP) robotic platform will soon be available for TORS in Australia. I've just completed my training in Strasbourg, France. The smaller flexible instruments and 3-D camera will take minimally invasive surgery for tumours of the throat to a new level.
Many of our patients have expressed interest, sometimes bordering on surprise, at the new artworks hanging in our clinic. In particular our "Boomerang" series by Keemon Williams. You can learn more about Keemon here:
www.richardgallagher.com.au/artwork/boom...
www.richardgallagher.com.au/artwork/boom...
May 30, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Many of our patients have expressed interest, sometimes bordering on surprise, at the new artworks hanging in our clinic. In particular our "Boomerang" series by Keemon Williams. You can learn more about Keemon here:
www.richardgallagher.com.au/artwork/boom...
www.richardgallagher.com.au/artwork/boom...
Plunging ranulas in adults. I've seen a lot of them recently. My latest blog discusses diagnosis and treatment, includes more pics (graphic images warning) and challenges the origin of the name #anatomy #medtwitter #surgery https://www.richardgallagher.com.au/news/plunging-ranulas-not-quite-a-fro...
November 25, 2024 at 12:44 AM
Plunging ranulas in adults. I've seen a lot of them recently. My latest blog discusses diagnosis and treatment, includes more pics (graphic images warning) and challenges the origin of the name #anatomy #medtwitter #surgery https://www.richardgallagher.com.au/news/plunging-ranulas-not-quite-a-fro...
I flew to Wagga Wed pm, drove through 2 hours in pouring rain to Griffith, consulted at St Vincent’s Griffith all day Thurs, and drove back to Wagga that arvo to see patients in Abdul Lathif’s room’s all Friday. Food and friendship put a smile on a tired face. Thank you Lathif!
November 25, 2024 at 12:44 AM
I flew to Wagga Wed pm, drove through 2 hours in pouring rain to Griffith, consulted at St Vincent’s Griffith all day Thurs, and drove back to Wagga that arvo to see patients in Abdul Lathif’s room’s all Friday. Food and friendship put a smile on a tired face. Thank you Lathif!
I've been working as Lead Reviewer on Cancer Council Australia's Head and Neck Cancer patient resources. The updated booklet has now been published. In my latest blog I describe the review process and the changes we made, as well as how to access booklet https://www.richardgallagher.com.au/61lc
November 25, 2024 at 12:44 AM
I've been working as Lead Reviewer on Cancer Council Australia's Head and Neck Cancer patient resources. The updated booklet has now been published. In my latest blog I describe the review process and the changes we made, as well as how to access booklet https://www.richardgallagher.com.au/61lc
Celebrating Dr Bal Krishnan one of the longest serving Rural Surgeons in Australia. Proud to be present with the ENT surgical crew from Wagga when he received his recognition from RACS @RACSurgeons @RuralDoctorsAus @RDANSW
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
Celebrating Dr Bal Krishnan one of the longest serving Rural Surgeons in Australia. Proud to be present with the ENT surgical crew from Wagga when he received his recognition from RACS @RACSurgeons @RuralDoctorsAus @RDANSW
Thanks a million Dairen, Nakita and the @SVHSydney operating theatre team for the best birthday cakes @AirwaySurgeon and I have ever seen. Grey’s Anatomy meets Picasso indeed. Blown away, thank you, its a joy and privilege to work with you #headandneckcancer #anatomy #Leoseason
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
Thanks a million Dairen, Nakita and the @SVHSydney operating theatre team for the best birthday cakes @AirwaySurgeon and I have ever seen. Grey’s Anatomy meets Picasso indeed. Blown away, thank you, its a joy and privilege to work with you #headandneckcancer #anatomy #Leoseason
Is it wrong to enjoy swabbing your colleagues? Surveillance testing @AirwaySurgeon so he can be cleared to run regional ENT - Head & Neck clinics in Griffith NSW at the end of the week #COVID #SydneyLockdown #regionalhealth #nasopharyngeal #otolaryngology #ENT @SVHSydney
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
Is it wrong to enjoy swabbing your colleagues? Surveillance testing @AirwaySurgeon so he can be cleared to run regional ENT - Head & Neck clinics in Griffith NSW at the end of the week #COVID #SydneyLockdown #regionalhealth #nasopharyngeal #otolaryngology #ENT @SVHSydney
It's World Head and Neck Cancer Day and in Sydney we're under lockdown but that doesn't stop us. Keith is here today about his voice prosthesis, with help from @NikkiSpeechPath, & Lisa our H&N Oncology Nurse Practitioner. Keith is 15 years post initial treatment #WHNCD2021
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
It's World Head and Neck Cancer Day and in Sydney we're under lockdown but that doesn't stop us. Keith is here today about his voice prosthesis, with help from @NikkiSpeechPath, & Lisa our H&N Oncology Nurse Practitioner. Keith is 15 years post initial treatment #WHNCD2021
Just flew back from two days of regional clinics at St Vincent’s Private Community Hospital Griffith. Four passengers on the flight, all doctors. Canine control gave my patient gift of home distilled bourbon and gin the okay #headandneckcancer @SVHSydney
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
Just flew back from two days of regional clinics at St Vincent’s Private Community Hospital Griffith. Four passengers on the flight, all doctors. Canine control gave my patient gift of home distilled bourbon and gin the okay #headandneckcancer @SVHSydney
Head & neck cancer patients are uniquely disadvantaged by separation of dental care from Medicare. Subsidised dental & mental health services exist but only GPs can refer. My latest blog discusses how letting specialists refer could improve survivor QOL https://www.richardgallagher.com.au...
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
Head & neck cancer patients are uniquely disadvantaged by separation of dental care from Medicare. Subsidised dental & mental health services exist but only GPs can refer. My latest blog discusses how letting specialists refer could improve survivor QOL https://www.richardgallagher.com.au...
When raising awareness of rare cancers we have to choose our audience carefully. Which is why I've developed 2 training programs for GPs worth CPD pts. My latest blog explains the HPV+ OPSCC training modules & response so far #gptraining #headandneckcancer
https://www.richardgallagher.com.au/...
https://www.richardgallagher.com.au/...
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
When raising awareness of rare cancers we have to choose our audience carefully. Which is why I've developed 2 training programs for GPs worth CPD pts. My latest blog explains the HPV+ OPSCC training modules & response so far #gptraining #headandneckcancer
https://www.richardgallagher.com.au/...
https://www.richardgallagher.com.au/...
I'm running regular clinics in Griffith & Wagga for Head & Neck cancer patients who underwent part of their treatment @SVHSydney. My latest blog explains clinics, persevering through pandemic, & importance of equipment #ruralhealth #Riverina #Murrumbidgee
https://www.richardgallagher....
https://www.richardgallagher....
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
I'm running regular clinics in Griffith & Wagga for Head & Neck cancer patients who underwent part of their treatment @SVHSydney. My latest blog explains clinics, persevering through pandemic, & importance of equipment #ruralhealth #Riverina #Murrumbidgee
https://www.richardgallagher....
https://www.richardgallagher....
Exciting to see Thom Roberts make final selection for this year's Archibald Prize. Two of Thom's works were in my exam rooms until recently, "Thom Loves Maccas" and "Thom Loves Hungry Jacks". Great conversation starters #ArtBank @ArtGalleryofNSW
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald...
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald...
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
Exciting to see Thom Roberts make final selection for this year's Archibald Prize. Two of Thom's works were in my exam rooms until recently, "Thom Loves Maccas" and "Thom Loves Hungry Jacks". Great conversation starters #ArtBank @ArtGalleryofNSW
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald...
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/prizes/archibald...
When your team sends you a photo at the end of a long and complex case #headandneckcancer @SVHSydney
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
When your team sends you a photo at the end of a long and complex case #headandneckcancer @SVHSydney
Does radiotherapy have the same impact on parathyroid glands as thyroid? Radiotherapy often results in a gradual loss of thyroid function & hypothyroidism requiring replacement medication. I’ve never seen a case of hypoparathyroidism from radiotherapy alone #HNCancer #GPCESydney
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
Does radiotherapy have the same impact on parathyroid glands as thyroid? Radiotherapy often results in a gradual loss of thyroid function & hypothyroidism requiring replacement medication. I’ve never seen a case of hypoparathyroidism from radiotherapy alone #HNCancer #GPCESydney
Another question from #GPCESydney, what does 10 year survival look like for HPV+ OPSCC patients? Patients are cured at 5 years. They are at risk of developing second cancers, but the risk is lower for HPV+ OPSCC patients than HPV- patients. Overall, the outlook is good #HNCancer
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
Another question from #GPCESydney, what does 10 year survival look like for HPV+ OPSCC patients? Patients are cured at 5 years. They are at risk of developing second cancers, but the risk is lower for HPV+ OPSCC patients than HPV- patients. Overall, the outlook is good #HNCancer
When discussing sexual history as a risk for HPV+ OPSCC, why is no. of sexual partners important? Truth is, you could be unlucky, only need one HPV infection, but evidence suggests volume of sexual partners means repeated HPV infection & increased risk #HNCancer #GPCESydney
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
When discussing sexual history as a risk for HPV+ OPSCC, why is no. of sexual partners important? Truth is, you could be unlucky, only need one HPV infection, but evidence suggests volume of sexual partners means repeated HPV infection & increased risk #HNCancer #GPCESydney
The next one was a comment rather than a question. There was a lot of surprise at the extensive latency period between original HPV infection and development of HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer. It can range from ten to thirty years #GPCESydney #headandneckcancer @gpce
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
The next one was a comment rather than a question. There was a lot of surprise at the extensive latency period between original HPV infection and development of HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer. It can range from ten to thirty years #GPCESydney #headandneckcancer @gpce
Some great questions at my presentation today at GPCE. First of all, a bit more information about yerba mate, a South American tea promoted as a health drink, which is emerging as a #HNCancer risk factor when drunk frequently at high temperature @gpce https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/...
November 25, 2024 at 12:45 AM
Some great questions at my presentation today at GPCE. First of all, a bit more information about yerba mate, a South American tea promoted as a health drink, which is emerging as a #HNCancer risk factor when drunk frequently at high temperature @gpce https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/...