Dr Nicholas Goncalves & Prof Darlene Lubbe Oranjezicht

Dr Nicholas Goncalves & Prof Darlene Lubbe – Expert ENT Surgeons in Oranjezicht

Specialist Care for Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions in Cape Town

The Cape Town ENT, Sinus & Skull Base Surgery Team, led by Professor Darlene Lubbe and Dr Nicholas Goncalves, provides world-class treatment for a wide range of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions. Based in Oranjezicht, Cape Town, this highly specialised practice focuses on Rhinology, including sinus and skull base surgery.

With a dedication to cutting-edge medical technology and evidence-based treatment, the team offers expert care for adults and children, ensuring comprehensive solutions for both common and complex ENT conditions. The practice is closely linked to the University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, contributing to advanced medical research and training.

Meet the Specialists

Professor Darlene Lubbe

• Associate Professor and Head of Unit in the Division of Otolaryngology at Groote Schuur Hospital
• Internationally recognised for her expertise in endoscopic sinus, skull base, and transorbital surgery
• A leading figure in pioneering minimally invasive skull base and transorbital surgery in South Africa
• Director of the Karl Storz Training Programme in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery for sub-Saharan Africa

Dr Nicholas Goncalves

• ENT Specialist with expertise in endoscopic sinus, skull base, and airway surgery
• Completed a Rhinology, Endoscopic Sinus, and Skull Base Fellowship under Prof Lubbe
• Special interests include sinus problems, pituitary surgery, cystic fibrosis, transorbital surgery, paediatric nasal conditions, breathing disorders, and snoring
• Consultant at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital

Comprehensive ENT Services

Advanced Nasal & Sinus Care

The practice specialises in difficult-to-treat sinus and nasal conditions, including:

• Chronic Sinusitis & Nasal Polyps
• Allergic Rhinitis & Hay Fever
• Blocked Nose & Loss of Smell
• Post-Nasal Drip & Chronic Cough
• Headaches & Facial Pain Linked to Sinus Issues
• Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
• Nasal Trauma & Deviated Septum

Expert Skull Base & Tumour Surgery

Specialist care for benign and malignant tumours of the nose, sinuses, and skull base, including:

• Inverting Papilloma
• Juvenile Angiofibroma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Fibrous Dysplasia & Ossifying Fibroma
• Pituitary Tumours (managed in collaboration with a neurosurgeon and endocrinologist)
• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak Repair

Transorbital Endoscopic Surgery

A minimally invasive approach to accessing the sinuses, orbit (eye), and brain, avoiding traditional craniotomy. Conditions treated include:

• Sphenoid Wing Meningioma
• Thyroid Eye Disease (Orbital Decompression)
• Optic Nerve Decompression (Vision Loss Due to Nerve Compression)
• Nasal & Optic Nerve Tumours
• Spontaneous CSF Leak from Sternberg’s Canal

Paediatric ENT Services

Specialist care for children with:

• Snoring & Noisy Breathing
• Recurrent Sinusitis & Allergic Rhinitis
• Nosebleeds & Nasal Tumours
• Congenital Nasal Conditions (Choanal Atresia, Pyriform Aperture Stenosis, Encephalocele, Nasal Dermoid, Blocked Tear Ducts)
• Cystic Fibrosis & Related ENT Issues
• Paediatric CSF Leak

Common symptoms in children include blocked nose, sneezing, runny nose, post-nasal drip, chronic cough, snoring, mouth breathing, facial pain, and frequent headaches.