Naveen D. Bhandarkar, M.D. is board certified in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery with subspecialty fellowship training in Rhinology and Endoscopic Sinus & Skull Base Surgery. He received his medical degree from the Ohio State University, and finished a residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at University of Illinois at Chicago. He then completed his fellowship training at Oregon Health & Science University under the direction of Dr. Timothy Smith.
Dr. Bhandarkar treats all ENT disorders, but specializes in medical and surgical treatment of all disorders related to the nose and sinuses including sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, nosebleeds, nasal blockage (septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy), smell and taste disorders, polyps, and nose / sinus tumors. He is specifically expertly trained in performing minimally invasive endoscopic nasal and sinus procedures, including image guided sinus surgery, nasal septum and turbinate surgery, balloon sinus dilation (balloon sinuplasty), and tumor removal. He is capable of performing many of these procedures, such as balloon sinuplasty, in an office setting avoiding the need for general anesthesia with quicker recovery.
Dr. Bhandarkar is an integral part of the UC Irvine Medical Center multidisciplinary skull base surgery program that offers minimally invasive endoscopic treatment using the most cutting edge techniques and state-of-the-art technology for conditions such as pituitary tumors or sinus growths that breach the interface between the sinuses and brain and/or eye. In addition, he has extensive experience in performing endoscopic procedures related to eye problems such as excess tear production (dacryocystorhinostomy) and Graves’ thyroid eye disease (orbital decompression) often in a collaborative manner with Ophthalmology.
As part of his practice at UC Irvine, Dr. Bhandarkar enjoys an active role in academic endeavors. He regularly attends meetings of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, American Rhinologic Society, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, and Orange County Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. He is also a reviewer for several major peer-reviewed Otolaryngology journals. Finally, he is extensively involved in resident and medical student education and participates in clinical research primarily related to chronic sinusitis.
Dr. Bhandarkar is fantastic. He is very knowledgeable and communicates extremely well. The surgery he conducted was very complex and his expertise likely saved my life.
Dr. Bhandarkar is fantastic. He is very knowledgeable and communicates extremely well. The surgery he conducted was very complex and his expertise likely saved my life.
This team is the best! Dr. Bhandarkar is courteous, knowledgeable and prompt. Within 5 minutes of my initial visit he diagnosed the source of my chronic nosebleeds and set up surgery. Surgery went perfectly with no discomfort or down time. This team was referred to me and I will refer them to everyone I know.
Our appointment was at 1040am. We arrived a couple of minutes early. We signed in, filled out paper work and before we know it they called us in. All the staff are very friendly. We spoke to a young lady named Elizabeth, she is bilingual which is a plus for a lot of people. My husbands first language is Spanish. The 2nd person was a male. I didn't get his name, but he was also very nice and last but not least was the doctor, bhandarkar. Great staff and hospital was very clean i noticed as well. The only thing I would recommend is more parking. Lots of cars driving around in parking structure trying to find a parking space.
Dr. Bhandarkar is a highly-skilled and experienced professional, and easily one of the top physicians I have the honor to know. From beginning to end, he has been concise and accurate with his communications, and has been most capable in carrying out my medical treatments and procedures. His intellect and acumen in his field instills confidence and trust to his staff and patients alike. I am grateful to be in his care.I highly recommend him if you are in need of a top-notch specialist in Rhinology, Allergy, Sinus, and Skull Base Surgery. You will be in good care!
Dr. Bhandarkar was my second opinion doctor who took care of me after a botched first sinus surgery. I was left with a complete blockage in my sinus and a deviated septum POST first surgery. He listened to me, gave me feedback, and corrected my sinus and nose better than I could have asked for. He is thorough, kind, and patient. I wouldn't recommend anyone else for this job if you need it!