At a glance
- Who it is for
- Patients advised to have ear, nose, sinus, throat or voice surgery.
- How
- In person in Barcelona or by video call.
- Fee
- Second opinion by video call, €100.
- What we need
- Reports, scans (CT, MRI), hearing tests and the surgical proposal.
- What you get
- A clear explanation of your diagnosis and options, surgical or not.
- Languages
- English, Spanish, Catalan, French, Italian and Portuguese.
Why get a second opinion
Ear, nose and throat surgery is usually planned, so there is time to decide calmly. Many people want to confirm that the operation is necessary, understand whether there are alternatives, or check that the proposed technique is right for their case. It is a sensible and common decision.
The situations in which we are most often asked for a second opinion:
- Septoplasty or rhinoseptoplasty: is the blockage caused by the septum, the turbinates or the nasal valve? Does the outside of the nose need to be operated on?
- Chronic sinusitis and polyps: has medical treatment been fully tried? How extensive does surgery need to be?
- Snoring and sleep apnoea: is it known where the airway closes? Has sleep endoscopy been done?
- Otosclerosis: surgery or a hearing aid? Which ear first?
- Cholesteatoma or perforation: which technique, and what can be expected for hearing?
- Vocal cords: does the lesion need surgery, or can it improve with voice therapy?
- Previous surgery without a good result: understanding what happened and whether revision makes sense.
How it works
- Book by phone, WhatsApp or the contact form, and tell us whether you prefer an in-person or video consultation.
- Send your documents by email, as a download link, or on a CD or USB stick: reports, the surgical proposal, scans (CT, MRI) and hearing tests if you have them.
- We review your case before the consultation.
- Consultation: we examine whatever is needed (endoscopy, hearing test) or, by video, go through the images with you.
- Conclusion: we explain clearly your diagnosis, whether surgery is indicated, what alternatives exist and what outcome is reasonable to expect.
What you can expect
An independent assessment, explained without rush and in plain English, backed by more than 35 years of experience in ENT surgery. The aim is not to contradict anyone, but to make sure you decide with all the information.
If you live outside Barcelona or outside Spain, a video consultation allows the first assessment without travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to tell my doctor?
It is not required, but asking for a second opinion is a patient's right and common practice before planned surgery. We recommend asking for copies of your reports and scans, which you are entitled to.
Will you operate on me if I agree with the recommendation?
If, after the assessment, you decide to have surgery with us, we can arrange it. If you prefer to stay with your own surgeon, you will still leave with a clear explanation of your case. The assessment does not commit you to anything.
Can it all be done online?
In many cases, yes: we review your reports and images and talk by video. Some assessments need an examination at the clinic, such as an endoscopy or a hearing test, and we will tell you so from the start.
Can you review scans and reports from the UK or other countries?
Yes. Reports in English are fine. You can send everything by email, CT or MRI images as a download link, or on a CD or USB stick. We will tell you how to send them securely when you book.
How much does it cost?
A second opinion by video call costs €100. If you then decide to have surgery with us, once we have reviewed your case we send you a quote covering everything: the clinic, pre-operative tests and fees.
Do you work with insurers?
Dr. Magriñá does not work with insurance companies. If your policy reimburses medical costs, we provide the reports and invoices you need to claim.
You may also be interested in
- Septoplasty and functional rhinoseptoplasty
- Endoscopic sinus surgery and nasal polyps
- Snoring and sleep apnoea surgery
- Otosclerosis surgery (stapedotomy)
- International patients
Guidance written by the team of Dr. Carlos Magriñá, an ENT surgeon with more than 35 years of experience in Barcelona. Every case needs an individual medical assessment.