Mr Ramkishan Balakumar

Consultant ENT Surgeon

Mr Ramkishan Balakumar is a Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon practising at The Ridgeway Hospital and holds a substantive NHS Consultant post at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he serves as Paediatric ENT Lead and Facial Plastics Lead. He is also a core member of the Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team and is involved in the management of complex head and neck skin cancers.

Areas of Expertise

Mr Balakumar specialises in:

• Blocked nose, rhinitis and loss of smell
• Deviated nasal septum, septoplasty and functional septorhinoplasty
• Sinusitis, nasal polyps and sinus surgery
• Facial skin cancer surgery and reconstruction
• Snoring and tonsillitis
• Tinnitus and dizziness
• Ear infections and hearing loss

Rhinology and Nasal Disorders

Mr Balakumar has a specialist interest in rhinology and the management of nasal and sinus disorders. He regularly treats patients with blocked nose, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, rhinitis and disorders affecting the sense of smell.

He provides a comprehensive assessment of the nose and sinuses, which may include examination using a small flexible camera known as a nasoendoscope. Where appropriate, he may arrange investigations such as blood tests and CT imaging of the sinuses to help identify the underlying cause of symptoms and develop an individualised treatment plan.

Mr Balakumar performs procedures including septoplasty, functional septorhinoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery using modern minimally invasive techniques designed to improve nasal breathing, sinus function and overall quality of life.

He also manages patients with recurrent nosebleeds, facial pressure related to sinus disease and snoring associated with nasal obstruction.

Mr Balakumar believes strongly in clear communication and shared decision-making. He takes time to explain findings carefully and ensures patients understand both surgical and non-surgical treatment options before deciding on the most appropriate course of treatment.

Facial Skin Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction

Mr Balakumar has extensive experience in the management of facial skin lesions and skin cancer, particularly in high-risk and anatomically complex areas of the face such as the nose, eyelids, cheeks and ears. As Facial Plastics Lead and a core member of the Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team, he works closely with dermatology and pathology colleagues to ensure treatment planning reflects current evidence-based best practice.

He has performed more than 300 facial skin cancer excisions and reconstructions, with careful attention to both complete cancer removal and cosmetic outcome. He regularly treats basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and other facial skin lesions requiring specialist surgical management and reconstruction.

Each patient is assessed individually, with treatment tailored to the size, location and type of lesion. Assessment involves careful examination of the affected area and surrounding skin, and where appropriate, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Additional investigations are arranged if required.

Mr Balakumar believes strongly in ensuring patients fully understand their diagnosis and treatment options. He takes time to explain findings clearly and guide patients through the next steps of their care in a calm and reassuring manner.

Following skin cancer removal, reconstruction may be required to support healing and restore appearance and function. Depending on the location and size of the surgical site, this may involve techniques such as local skin flaps or skin grafts. Reconstruction is carefully planned for each individual patient with the aim of achieving the best possible functional and cosmetic result.

All patients receive appropriate follow-up and aftercare to support healing, recovery and scar management. Mr Balakumar understands that undergoing facial skin cancer surgery can feel daunting, and he aims to ensure patients feel fully supported and reassured throughout their treatment journey. Careful attention is given not only to cancer treatment, but also to optimising healing, functional recovery and long-term scar outcome.

General Adult ENT Conditions

In addition to his specialist interests, Mr Balakumar provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a wide range of adult ENT conditions including tonsillitis, hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, balance disorders and recurrent ear infections. A thorough ENT assessment may involve examination of the ears, nose and throat, balance assessment, microsuction (ear wax clearance) and hearing tests where appropriate, allowing treatment plans to be tailored to each individual patient.

He understands that ENT symptoms can significantly affect sleep, communication, work and overall wellbeing, and aims to provide clear diagnosis and effective treatment plans tailored to the individual patient.

Approach to Patient Care

Mr Balakumar believes strongly in providing personalised and compassionate care. He understands that ENT symptoms can have a significant impact on sleep, wellbeing and quality of life, and he takes time to understand each patient’s concerns and treatment goals.

His approach combines evidence-based practice with clear communication and continuity of care. He aims to provide a professional, modern and reassuring experience from first consultation through to recovery.

Professional Background

Mr Balakumar graduated from the University of Manchester Medical School before undertaking Foundation Training in the East of England, including at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. He completed Core Surgical Training in Yorkshire, including Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, before working as a Clinical Research Fellow at Northwick Park Hospital in London.

He was subsequently appointed through national selection into the highly competitive Severn Deanery Higher Surgical Training Programme in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. During his specialist registrar training, he worked alongside eminent ENT, Oral and Maxillofacial, and Oculoplastic surgeons, gaining extensive experience in rhinology, facial plastics and facial reconstruction. He also trained at the renowned Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, developing expertise in paediatric ENT surgery.

Mr Balakumar completed his higher surgical training in the South West of England and was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS ORL-HNS). He is on the General Medical Council Specialist Register for ENT Surgery.

He sees patients from across Swindon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas, and offers consultations for both self-pay and insured patients.

Research, Teaching and Leadership

Mr Balakumar has a strong interest in research, surgical education and innovation within ENT surgery.

He has contributed to 17 peer-reviewed publications and a Springer book chapter, with research spanning rhinology, surgical simulation, artificial intelligence in surgical training and national collaborative ENT studies. He regularly presents his work at national and international meetings and has received awards for oral and poster presentations.

Alongside his clinical practice, he is actively involved in teaching and training junior doctors and medical students. He is Director of the South West Rhinology and Facial Plastics Dissection Course and Founder of the annual Intermediate Surgical Skills Course.

Outside of Work

Outside of medicine, Mr Balakumar enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle through exercise and boxing training. He also has a keen interest in music and enjoys playing the dhol. He values spending time with family and friends and believes strongly in maintaining balance and wellbeing outside of clinical practice.

Useful Links

• www.drbalakumarent.co.uk

• Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
• Member of ENT UK
• Member of the British Rhinological Society
• Member of the British Society of Facial Plastic Surgery