Nasal & Sinus Surgery at Medicana Winchester

​Conditions Treated at Medicana Winchester

Mr Biggs specialises in the diagnosis and surgical management of nasal and sinus conditions. He sees both straightforward and complex cases, including patients who have had previous surgery elsewhere and are seeking a second opinion or revision treatment.

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Nasal Obstruction and Breathing Difficulty

Difficulty breathing through the nose is one of the most common reasons patients seek a rhinological opinion. It can significantly affect sleep, exercise tolerance, and quality of life. Mr Biggs takes a structured approach to assessing nasal obstruction, identifying the anatomical cause or causes and recommending the most appropriate treatment.

• Deviated nasal septum (septoplasty)

• Enlarged inferior turbinates (turbinoplasty, submucosal diathermy, or microdebrider reduction)

• Nasal valve collapse (functional rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty) - this would need to be referred over to Adnova for surgery, but the assessment can occur at Medicana.

• Combined septal and turbinate disease (septoplasty with turbinoplasty)

 

Chronic Sinusitis and Sinus Disease

Chronic sinusitis affects a significant proportion of the population and is frequently under-treated. Mr Biggs has a particular interest in endoscopic sinus surgery and sees patients with a full spectrum of sinus disease, from recurrent acute sinusitis to complex chronic disease with nasal polyps. Within his NHS practice he runs a regional joint ENT/Respiratory clinic for very severely affected patients requiring biologic/immunotherapy treatments.

• Chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps

• Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)

• Recurrent acute sinusitis

• Frontal, sphenoid, and ethmoid sinus disease

• Sinonasal polyposis

 

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

FESS is the gold standard surgical treatment for chronic sinusitis that has not responded to medical management. Mr Biggs performs FESS at Medicana under general anaesthetic, using high-definition endoscopic equipment to open the affected sinuses under direct vision. The procedure is tailored to the individual, from minor FESS addressing a single sinus to complex multi-sinus cases. 

 

Balloon Sinuplasty

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small balloon catheter to dilate the natural opening of a blocked sinus. It is most effective for isolated frontal or maxillary sinus disease in carefully selected patients. Mr Biggs does not routinely use Balloons, opting to open the sinus cavities more widely which he believes is more effective, especially as he deals with more complex sinus issues not really suitable for Sinus Balloons.

 

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are benign inflammatory growths arising from the sinus lining. They cause nasal obstruction, loss of smell, and a persistent blocked or runny nose. Management combines medical treatment, including nasal steroid sprays and, where appropriate, biologic therapies, with surgical removal by functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Mr Biggs has a specific interest in CRSwNP and is experienced in both the surgical and medical aspects of polyp management, including newer biologic treatments such as dupilumab and tezepelumab.

 

Loss of Smell (Anosmia and Hyposmia)

Loss of smell may occur as a consequence of nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, post-viral illness including long COVID, or previous nasal surgery. Mr Biggs assesses this as part of a structured rhinological consultation and advises on medical and surgical options depending on the underlying cause.

 

Postnasal Drip and Chronic Rhinitis

Postnasal drip describes the sensation of mucus running down the back of the throat, causing chronic cough, throat clearing, or irritation. It is a common symptom of underlying rhinitis or sinusitis. Mr Biggs identifies contributing factors, which may include allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, or structural nasal problems, and recommends an appropriate treatment plan combining medical management and, where indicated, surgery.

 

Posterior Nasal Nerve Treatment (ClariFix and PNN Surgery)

For patients with persistent rhinitis, including chronic runny nose and congestion that has not responded to nasal sprays or antihistamines, Mr Biggs offers posterior nasal nerve (PNN) procedures. ClariFix uses cryotherapy applied to the posterior nasal nerve under endoscopic vision to reduce the nerve signals driving nasal overactivity. Surgical posterior nasal neurectomy is also available for more severe or refractory cases. These procedures can be highly effective for patients with troublesome perennial rhinitis who have exhausted medical treatment.

 

Epistaxis (Nosebleeds)

Recurrent or severe nosebleeds are a common reason for rhinological referral. Mr Biggs assesses and manages both anterior and posterior epistaxis, offering endoscopic cautery, sphenopalatine artery ligation, and other surgical interventions where medical management has been insufficient.

 

Septorhinoplasty for Combined Functional and Cosmetic Concerns

Patients who have both a breathing problem and cosmetic concerns about the appearance of their nose may benefit from a combined septorhinoplasty. Mr Biggs is one of a small number of surgeons in Hampshire who performs both functional and cosmetic nasal surgery to a specialist level. Medical insurance will generally cover the functional component where there is a documented breathing problem. The cosmetic element is self-pay. Mr Biggs does not perform insurance only funded septorhinoplasty surgery. Please ask during the consultation and this can all be explained.

 

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Consultations at Medicana Winchester are unhurried and thorough. Mr Biggs will take a detailed history of your nasal and sinus symptoms, their duration, severity, and the treatments you have already tried. He will examine your nose using a flexible endoscope in clinic, allowing him to assess the nasal passages, turbinates, septum, and sinus openings directly. Where indicated, he will arrange a CT scan of the sinuses to inform surgical planning.

Following the consultation, Mr Biggs will write to you and, with your consent, to your GP, setting out his findings, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. There is no obligation to proceed with any treatment following a consultation.

 

Insurance and Self-Pay

Mr Biggs is registered with BUPA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna Healthcare, WPA, AXA and Allianz Partners at Medicana Winchester. If you intend to use your medical insurance, please check with your insurer before your appointment to confirm you are covered for a consultation and any planned treatment with Mr Biggs at Medicana. Most policies require pre-authorisation before treatment is undertaken.

Self-pay patients are warmly welcomed and no GP referral is required. Full self-pay pricing for consultations and surgical procedures is available on the prices page.

 

Location and Contact

Medicana Hospital is located at Chilcomb Lane, Winchester SO21 1HU, on the eastern edge of the city, with easy access from the M3 and ample free parking on site. It is well placed for patients from Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Salisbury, the Isle of Wight, and the wider South East.

 

Secretary: Michele Hewlett

Email: info@ent-surgeons.uk

Tel: 020 7870 5910

Address: Medicana Hospital, Chilcomb Lane, Winchester SO21 1HU

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do I need a GP referral to see Mr Biggs at Medicana?

No. Self-pay patients do not need a GP referral and can contact Michele Hewlett directly to arrange an appointment. If you are using medical insurance, check with your insurer first, as some policies require a GP referral letter before they will authorise a specialist consultation.

 

Can I use my medical insurance at Medicana Winchester?

Yes. Mr Biggs is registered with BUPA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna Healthcare, WPA, AXA and Allianz Partners. Before attending your appointment, contact your insurer to confirm that you are covered and to obtain pre-authorisation for your consultation and any planned treatment. It is your responsibility to check coverage and obtain authorisation before proceeding.

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Why have I been sent an invoice from Mr Biggs after using my insurance?

If you have received an invoice following your consultation or treatment at Medicana Winchester, this is likely related to your policy excess. Most medical insurance policies include an excess, which is the amount you are personally responsible for paying before your insurer meets the remaining cost (normally around £100-200, payable as a single fee, with all remaining payments covered by your insurere, including surgery and investigations). The invoice will come from IMLT Limited, which is the billing entity through which Mr Biggs' practice operates. It is not an error. The amount on the invoice reflects your policy excess, and you should settle it directly. If you are unsure what your excess is, please check your policy documents or contact your insurer. If you have any questions about the invoice itself, please contact Michele Hewlett at info@ent-surgeons.uk or 020 7870 5910.

 

What is the difference between Medicana Winchester and Adnova Clinic?

Medicana Winchester is Mr Biggs' base for functional nasal surgery, sinus surgery, and rhinological conditions, and accepts both insured and self-pay patients. Adnova Clinic in Fareham is his dedicated rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty practice, operating on a self-pay basis only. Patients with both breathing problems and cosmetic concerns can be assessed across both sites, with functional work at Medicana and cosmetic work at Adnova.

 

What nasal and sinus conditions does Mr Biggs treat at Medicana?

Mr Biggs treats the full range of nasal and sinus conditions, including: deviated nasal septum, enlarged turbinates, nasal valve collapse, chronic sinusitis with and without polyps, recurrent acute sinusitis, nasal polyps, loss of smell, postnasal drip, chronic rhinitis, recurrent nosebleeds, and nasal obstruction from any cause. He also offers ClariFix cryotherapy, posterior nasal nerve surgery, and all forms of FESS.

 

What is FESS and do I need it?

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked or diseased sinuses under endoscopic vision. It is indicated for chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps that have not responded adequately to medical treatment. Mr Biggs will review your CT scan and symptom history at consultation to determine whether FESS is appropriate for you, and will discuss the alternatives.

 

What is ClariFix and is it suitable for me?

ClariFix is a cryotherapy treatment for persistent rhinitis that targets the posterior nasal nerve, reducing the signals that drive nasal congestion and a runny nose. It is delivered endoscopically under local or general anaesthetic and takes around 15-30 minutes. It is most suited to patients with chronic rhinitis whose symptoms have not been adequately controlled by nasal sprays or antihistamines. Mr Biggs will assess your suitability at consultation.

 

Will my insurance cover nasal or sinus surgery?

Most medical insurance policies cover functional nasal and sinus surgery where there is a documented clinical indication, such as a deviated septum causing obstruction, chronic sinusitis, or nasal polyps. Insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures. If your treatment involves both a functional and cosmetic component, the insurer will typically fund the functional element only. Always check with your insurer and obtain pre-authorisation before proceeding.

 

What are the self-pay prices for treatment at Medicana Winchester?

The self-pay consultation fee is £280 plus a £50 hospital facility fee. Full self-pay pricing for all surgical procedures is listed at timbiggs.co.uk/pricing. All surgical prices are all-inclusive, covering the surgeon, anaesthetist, and all theatre and hospital costs.

 

How do I book an appointment at Medicana Winchester?

Contact Michele Hewlett, Mr Biggs' secretary, by email at info@ent-surgeons.uk or by telephone on 020 7870 5910. No GP referral is required for self-pay patients. If you are using insurance, have your policy details, membership number, and any pre-authorisation reference to hand when you call.