Surgery can treat problems including thyroid or sinus issues, and head and neck cancers. Reconstructive surgery can also help after some cancer surgeries. Head and neck surgery may be treatment for different types of head and neck cancers. Head and neck cancers can affect the nasal cavity, sinuses, salivary glands, throat, lips, tonsils and larynx. Other conditions treated by head and neck surgery include: Pinched nerves. What is head and neck surgery? Head and necks surgeons are often called ear, nose and throat doctors or otolaryngologists. Otolaryngology is a surgical specialty. It covers the diagnosis and treatment of many common disorders affecting the head and neck. Head and neck surgery may be treatment for different types of head and neck cancers. Head and neck cancers can affect the nasal cavity, sinuses, salivary glands, throat, lips, tonsils and larynx. Head and neck surgery process There are many different types of head and neck surgeries. Surgery can include minimally invasive procedures that speed recovery time. Doctors and their patients will go over the procedure together in detail. Tell your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about the surgery. Head and neck surgery recovery Recovery depends on the surgery. Neck dissections to remove tumors may require two to three days in the hospital if there are no complications. Other surgeries can require up to one week in the hospital.