ENT & Sleep Apnea Surgeon
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Dr. Shailesh Khode

Consultant ENT & Upper Airway Sleep Surgeon

Specializing in the comprehensive diagnosis and advanced surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea, complex snoring conditions, and upper airway obstructions. Dr. Khode delivers focused, evidence-based care to improve nighttime breathing and daytime vitality.

Consultant ENT Surgeon

Licensed in Abu Dhabi

Sleep Medicine Focus

Comprehensive Diagnostic Care

Airway Surgery

Advanced Surgical Techniques

Multidisciplinary Sleep Evaluation
Evidence-Based Airway Surgery
Dr. Shailesh Khode, Consultant ENT and Sleep Apnea Surgeon

Clinical Expertise

Sleep Apnea & Airway Surgery

Areas of Specialization

Targeted surgical and medical treatment pathways for sleep-disordered breathing and airway obstruction.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Comprehensive airway assessment and customized surgical interventions.

Snoring & Sleep Surgery

Targeted minimally invasive solutions to restore natural nighttime breathing.

Upper Airway Optimization

Advanced nasal, palatal, and tongue base precision procedures.

ENT & Sleep Medicine

Sleep Apnea & Surgical Candidacy

Understand key indicators of obstructive airway collapse, clinical diagnosis steps, and the precise criteria when surgical ENT interventions may provide targeted relief.

Daytime Warning Signs
Noticeable indicators affecting wakefulness, energy, and cognition
  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

    Persistent fatigue or nodding off during routine daytime tasks.

  • Morning Headaches & Dry Mouth

    Waking up consistently with dry oral mucosa or frontal tension.

  • Difficulty Concentrating

    Brain fog, memory lapses, and reduced daily alertness.

  • Mood Fluctuations

    Increased irritability, low mood, or anxiety related to chronic sleep deprivation.

Nighttime Symptoms
Disrupted sleep architecture observed during nighttime sleep
  • Loud, Chronic Snoring

    Persistent vibration of airway tissues observed frequently by a bed partner.

  • Witnessed Breathing Pauses

    Noticeable cessation of airflow followed by gasping, choking, or snorting.

  • Restless, Fragmented Sleep

    Frequent awakenings to reposition or frequent nighttime urination.

  • Sudden Nighttime Awakenings

    Jerking awake with a rapid heart rate or shortness of breath.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consultant ENT Care
Arrange an ENT Evaluation
Schedule a structured airway assessment with our consultant ENT and sleep apnea specialists in Abu Dhabi.
Systematic Diagnostic Review
Our specialists evaluate your sleep history, nasal patency, and upper airway anatomy to identify the most suitable care pathway.
Diagnostic Precision in Sleep Apnea

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE)

Led by Dr. Shailesh Khode, Consultant ENT & Sleep Apnea Surgeon at Tarabichi Mondy Cochlear Implant Center, Abu Dhabi. DISE provides a real-time, dynamic 3D assessment of upper airway collapse during natural-like sleep.

Clinical endoscopy examination suite at Tarabichi Mondy Cochlear Implant Center
Dynamic Sleep Evaluation
Clinical Rationale
Targeted Diagnosis for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Standard awake examinations cannot replicate the physiological muscle relaxation occurring in sleep. DISE enables Dr. Khode to inspect every level of airway obstruction with micro-precision before recommending surgery or non-invasive therapies.
Dynamic Visualization

Direct fiber-optic view of palate, tonsils, tongue base, and epiglottis in active snoring.

Informed Decision-Making

Eliminates guesswork, ensuring only necessary surgical or appliance interventions are performed.

Patient Selection
Who Benefits from DISE?
Assessment criteria reviewed by Dr. Shailesh Khode
  • Patients with confirmed Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) seeking targeted surgical solutions
  • Individuals experiencing CPAP intolerance or incomplete CPAP compliance
  • Persistent snoring and sleep-disordered breathing after previous airway procedures
  • Patients being evaluated for custom oral appliances or hypoglossal nerve therapy
Consultation Booking

Comprehensive clinical sleep review and candidacy assessment available at our Abu Dhabi center.

The VOTE Classification Airway Survey

Dr. Khode methodically maps four primary zones of the upper airway to identify single or multi-level obstructions.

Velum & Palate

VOTE Diagnostic Target
Evaluation Focus

Assesses collapse of the soft palate and uvula, distinguishing between anteroposterior and circular concentric narrowing.

Clinical Value

Determines eligibility for palatal surgery or targeted therapies.

The DISE Procedure Journey

Structured step-by-step diagnostic workflow performed in a controlled outpatient hospital environment.

0115-20 Mins
Pre-Assessment & Sedation

Conducted in a quiet surgical suite under monitored conscious sedation to mimic natural non-REM sleep.

02High Precision
Flexible Endoscopic Survey

A thin, high-definition flexible endoscope is guided through the nasal cavity without disturbing your breathing.

033D Dynamic Data
Dynamic Obstruction Mapping

Dr. Khode maps specific airway collapse patterns using the international VOTE classification system.

04Targeted Care
Tailored Surgical or Medical Plan

Findings are translated into targeted treatment strategies, avoiding non-targeted, multi-level procedures.

Patient Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Evidence-Based Sleep Surgery Planning

Suitability for surgical or appliance management is determined individually following clinical assessment in Abu Dhabi.

Inquire About DISE
Clinical ENT & Sleep Health Guide

Understanding Upper Airway Obstruction

A comprehensive clinical overview of anatomical airway narrowing, its nocturnal impact on oxygen saturation, and diagnostic pathways for restorative sleep.

Anatomical Mechanism
What Occurs During Airway Obstruction?
Upper airway obstruction refers to partial or complete physical blockage of the breathing passages from the nasal vestibule down to the vocal cords.

During waking hours, pharyngeal muscle tone keeps the upper airway patent. As natural sleep initiates, normal neuromuscular relaxation allows surrounding soft tissues—the soft palate, uvula, tonsils, and tongue base—to approximate.

In individuals with predisposing anatomical narrowing or tissue laxity, the negative pressure generated during inhalation causes airway collapse, resulting in repetitive oxygen drops and sympathetic micro-arousals.

Medical anatomical representation of upper airway passages
Oropharynx & Hypopharynx ModelENT Assessment
Nasal Resistance: Forces mouth breathing, which destabilizes pharyngeal musculature.
Collapsible Segment: Soft palate and tongue base represent the primary sites of dynamic obstruction.
Long-Term Health: Early ENT assessment prevents escalating cardiopulmonary strain.
Nasal CavityCommon

Nasal Septum & Turbinate Hypertrophy

Deviated nasal septum or enlarged turbinate tissue that restricts normal nasal airflow during rest and exertion.

PharyngealHigh Impact

Enlarged Tonsils & Adenoids

Hypertrophic lymphoid tissues in the pharynx narrowing the retropalatal space, particularly prominent when lying flat.

OropharynxFrequent

Soft Palate & Elongated Uvula

Excess tissue vibration and collapse at the back of the throat leading to heavy snoring and mechanical airway resistance.

HypopharynxComplex

Tongue Base Retrusion & Epiglottic Collapse

Posterior displacement of the tongue base during muscular relaxation, obstructing the hypopharyngeal airway passage.

Medical Pathway

Standard Diagnostic & Care Protocol

A structured, evidence-based diagnostic process ensures clear identification of anatomical levels of obstruction before developing a personalized treatment plan.

01

Comprehensive Clinical ENT Endoscopy

Direct fiberoptic visual assessment of the nasal passages, nasopharynx, base of tongue, and laryngeal structures.

02

Diagnostic Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

Quantifying apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), nocturnal oxygen desaturations, and sleep stage architecture.

03

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE)

Dynamic evaluation under light sedation to pinpoint exact collapse sites before tailoring surgical or non-surgical care.

04

Targeted Multi-Disciplinary Management

Personalized medical interventions, positive airway therapies, positional support, or specialized airway surgery.

Need a Clinical Sleep Apnea & Airway Evaluation?
Consult with specialist ENT surgeons for targeted endoscopic examination and sleep assessments.
Clinical Pathway

Sleep Apnea Patient Journey

From overnight diagnostics to airway stabilization and long-term vitality, explore our coordinated surgical and clinical treatment pathway.

01

Diagnostic Sleep Study

1 Night / Session
02

Multidisciplinary Diagnosis

Day Consultation
03

Tailored Surgical Planning

Pre-Op Phase
04

Surgical Procedure

Same-Day / Overnight
05

Post-Op Care & Follow-Up

2 Weeks – 3 Months
Stage 01 of 05Comprehensive Evaluation

Diagnostic Sleep Study

Comprehensive overnight polysomnography or advanced home sleep testing to measure respiratory disturbances.

Key Clinical Interventions

  • Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) recording
  • Nocturnal oxygen saturation tracking
  • Airway airflow & acoustic pattern assessment
Estimated Timeline: 1 Night / Session
Specialist Note
"Gold-standard objective monitoring to determine precise severity."

Every patient presents unique anatomical characteristics. Individual surgical candidacy and protocol details are determined following full clinical airway endoscopy and polysomnography.

Evidence-Based ENT Sleep Care

Structured follow-up protocols ensure verified improvement in nighttime oxygenation and daytime alertness.

Multidisciplinary Care in Abu Dhabi

Consultation & Faculty Pathway

Every candidate receives coordinated care guided by our ENT surgeons, audiology specialists, and rehabilitation faculty.

01
Initial Medical Assessment
Comprehensive review of medical history and preliminary audiological records by our specialist team.
02
Faculty Case Review
Multidisciplinary consultation involving ENT surgeons, audiologists, and speech therapists.
03
Customized Clinical Plan
Personalized candidate counseling and clear roadmaps tailored for pediatric and adult patients.
Specialist Clinical Faculty

Collaborative Clinical Leadership

Our surgical and audiological faculty operate with shared clinical protocols to ensure precision assessment, candidacy evaluation, and ongoing rehabilitation.

ENT & Cochlear Implant Surgeon

Dr. Mondy Hammad

Extensive surgical experience in complex otology and hearing restoration implants.

ENT & Cochlear Implant Surgeon

Dr. Muaaz Tarabichi

Internationally recognized pioneer in endoscopic ear surgery and auditory implantation.

Senior Audiologist & Specialist

Ms. Nesreen Al Otaibi

Specialized clinical lead in electrophysiological measures and cochlear implant mapping.

Schedule Your Consultation in Abu Dhabi

Connect directly with our patient coordinators to arrange medical review, candidacy testing, or specialist consultation.

ENT & Sleep Surgery

Schedule Your Comprehensive Sleep Apnea Evaluation

Persistent snoring, daytime exhaustion, or interrupted breathing require accurate medical assessment. Book an in-depth consultation with our specialized airway and sleep surgeons at Tarabichi Mondy Cochlear Implant Center, Abu Dhabi.

Specialist ENT Evaluation

Thorough airway and sleep diagnostics with Dr. Shailesh Khode, Consultant ENT & Sleep Apnea Surgeon.

Evidence-Based Treatment

Tailored surgical and non-invasive airway management customized to your sleep study results.

Coordinated Clinical Care

Streamlined diagnostic assessment and multidisciplinary follow-up in Abu Dhabi.