10 Renowned Thoracic Surgeons in the UK with Outstanding Track Records
When facing a chest condition that requires surgical intervention, the choice of surgeon can be one of the most consequential decisions a patient will ever make. Thoracic surgery covers a broad and demanding range of procedures, from lung cancer resections and keyhole operations to complex chest wall reconstructions and minimally invasive treatments for conditions such as pneumothorax, thymoma, and hyperhidrosis. The field demands not only exceptional technical skill but also a deep commitment to patient outcomes, ongoing research, and the adoption of the latest surgical advances.
The United Kingdom is home to a number of world-class thoracic surgeons whose careers represent the very best of what modern chest surgery can offer. Whether you are seeking a second opinion, exploring private care, or simply doing your research, this guide introduces ten practitioners who have demonstrated outstanding track records and earned considerable respect within their field.
Mr Marco Scarci: Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, London
For patients seeking thoracic surgery in the UK, Mr Marco Scarci stands as a natural first point of reference. Based at the Cromwell Hospital in London and affiliated with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Mr Scarci has built a practice over more than two decades that consistently sets the benchmark for minimally invasive chest surgery. With over 5,000 keyhole procedures to his name, he is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) in the country.
Mr Scarci's clinical scope is exceptionally broad. He treats lung cancer, pneumothorax, slipping rib syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, chest wall deformities, diaphragmatic paralysis, xiphisternum pain, hyperhidrosis, and catamenial pneumothorax, among other conditions. His ability to manage both common and rare thoracic presentations within a single high-volume practice is a rare quality that patients and referring clinicians alike find reassuring.
What distinguishes Mr Scarci is not only the breadth of what he treats, but the outcomes he delivers. His patients experience a length of stay that is 25% shorter than the UK national average, and his team typically achieves a one-week turnaround from diagnosis to treatment. He holds over 100 five-star reviews on Top Doctors UK, a reflection of a practice where clinical excellence and patient experience are treated as equally important.
Recognised by all major UK insurance providers and having appeared on the BBC, ITV, the Daily Mail, and the Daily Express, Mr Scarci is a surgeon whose reputation extends well beyond the operating theatre. For patients who want a thoracic specialist with proven expertise, a warm bedside manner, and measurable results, his practice represents a compelling and clear choice.
Mr Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos: Consultant Thoracic and Robotic Surgeon, London
Mr Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon based at Cleveland Clinic London, where he is recognised as one of the most prominent practitioners in robotic thoracic surgery in the United Kingdom. With over 21 years of experience, he specialises in lung cancer surgery and minimally invasive procedures using the Da Vinci Xi surgical system, alongside robotic navigational bronchoscopy for early-stage lung cancer diagnosis.
Mr Panagiotopoulos holds a PhD alongside his surgical qualifications and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), reflecting a career that has been shaped by both rigorous clinical training and a commitment to academic development. His work at Cleveland Clinic London places him within one of the most technologically advanced hospital environments currently operating in the UK.
His clinical interests encompass lung cancer surgery, chest wall conditions including slipping rib syndrome and pectus deformities, and thoracic endometriosis, a condition he has developed particular expertise in treating. He also offers robotic-assisted endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis, highlighting the range that modern robotic platforms now make possible.
Patients who are specifically seeking robotic thoracic surgery and who want a surgeon at the leading edge of the technology will find Mr Panagiotopoulos to be a well-credentialed option within a world-class London facility.
Mr Francesco Di Chiara: Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, Oxford
Mr Francesco Di Chiara is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at Oxford University Hospitals, where he is credited with introducing uniportal VATS surgery, a single-incision keyhole approach that represents one of the most advanced forms of minimally invasive thoracic technique available today. He holds a Master of Surgery with Honours in Thoracic Surgery (MS THOR Hons), a Fellowship of the European Board of Thoracic Surgery (FEBTS), and an MD, reflecting an academic grounding that complements his surgical practice.
Having spent nine years in dedicated thoracic surgical training across multiple centres, Mr Di Chiara brings familiarity with the full spectrum of thoracic interventions, from straightforward lung biopsies to complex oncological resections. He has a background in cardiothoracic transplantation and cardiac surgery, which gives him a particularly comprehensive understanding of the chest as a whole.
He has developed a distinct subspecialty interest in thoracic endometriosis, a complex and often under-diagnosed condition in which endometrial tissue affects the lungs or pleura. This focus has made him a sought-after resource for patients whose presentations have not been adequately addressed through conventional gynaecological pathways.
Patients in and around Oxford, or those who are specifically seeking uniportal VATS or thoracic endometriosis expertise, will find Mr Di Chiara's practice at Oxford University Hospitals to be a high-quality option with a strong clinical and academic foundation.
Mr Ian Hunt: Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, London and Surrey
Mr Ian Hunt is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon based at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in London and Spire St Anthony's Hospital in Sutton, Surrey. He also holds an honorary consultancy at the Royal Marsden Hospital. His career spans over two decades, during which he has developed a highly specialised practice focused on chest wall deformities and complex rib conditions.
Mr Hunt is the Medical Director of the Pectus Clinic and the Rib Injury Clinic, two dedicated services that reflect his standing as one of the foremost chest wall specialists in the UK. He holds the qualifications BSc (Hons), MBBS, MRCS, and FRCS (CTh), and his work in pectus excavatum surgery in particular has made him a reference point for patients and clinicians across the country.
Beyond chest wall work, Mr Hunt provides a high-volume comprehensive thoracic surgical service with a special interest in minimal access approaches. He has contributed to research in thoracic disease and maintains honorary senior lecturer status at St George's, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to advancing the field through education and academic output.
Patients seeking a thoracic surgeon with deep, focused expertise in chest wall reconstruction, pectus conditions, or complex rib pathology will find Mr Hunt to be a well-regarded and appropriately specialised choice within the London and South-West London catchment area.
Mr Kandadai Rammohan: Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, Manchester
Mr Kandadai Rammohan is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon based at Wythenshawe Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and consults privately at the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle. He has held his consultant post in Manchester since 2011 and is widely considered one of the most senior thoracic surgeons in the North West of England.
Mr Rammohan is particularly known for his work in minimal access surgery, having revived and expanded the VATS lobectomy programme at Wythenshawe Hospital into one of the largest thoracic practices in the country. He also performs VATS thymectomies and manages a wide range of diagnostic and interventional work in lung cancer, pleural disease, and thoracic trauma.
Beyond his clinical role, Mr Rammohan serves as Joint National Education Lead for Hospital-Appointed Doctors in Cardiothoracic Surgery and has been Co-chair of the Optimal Treatment Pathway for Lung Cancer in Greater Manchester Cancer. His research output, with over 480 citations, reflects a career that balances clinical delivery with a commitment to evidence-based practice.
For patients in the North West seeking a thoracic surgeon with substantial experience in minimally invasive lung surgery and a prominent role in shaping regional and national practice, Mr Rammohan represents a sound and well-established option.
Professor Babu Naidu: Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, Birmingham
Professor Babu Naidu is an Honorary Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at University Hospitals Birmingham and Professor at the University of Birmingham, where he is affiliated with the Department of Inflammation and Ageing. He qualified from King's College London and undertook basic science research in lung injury at Birmingham University, establishing an academic foundation that has shaped a career combining high-quality surgery with internationally recognised research.
Professor Naidu has been a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon for over 14 years and has developed specialist expertise in pectus excavatum surgery and lung volume reduction therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His research into post-operative pulmonary complications following thoracic surgery has been widely cited and has contributed to improvements in how patients are prepared for and managed after major chest operations.
He is a contributing author to the European guidelines on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for lung resections, an area where his work has had measurable impact on patient care across the continent. His dual role as a clinician and academic gives his practice a particular depth, especially for patients with complex or uncommon presentations that benefit from a research-informed approach.
Patients in the Midlands and beyond who are seeking a thoracic surgeon with a strong academic and clinical reputation, particularly in pectus surgery or COPD-related interventions, will find Professor Naidu's practice at University Hospitals Birmingham to be a highly credible option.
Mr Maninder Kalkat: Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Birmingham
Mr Maninder Kalkat is a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon in the Regional Department of Thoracic Surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham, where he has been based since 2006. He holds the qualifications MBBS, MCh, MS, and FRCS (CTh), and his career spans more than thirty years in thoracic and cardiothoracic surgery.
Mr Kalkat's practice encompasses general thoracic surgery and thoracic oncology, with particular expertise in minimally invasive lung resections and the surgical management of lung cancer. He is also a member of the lung transplantation team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which represents one of the most technically demanding subspecialties within cardiothoracic surgery.
His long tenure at a major regional centre has given him substantial experience across a wide range of thoracic presentations, and his involvement in lung transplantation reflects the trust placed in him by one of the UK's busiest transplant programmes. He is listed on the EACTS faculty and contributes to surgical education and training within the West Midlands rotation.
Patients in Birmingham and the wider Midlands region who are seeking an experienced consultant with a broad thoracic and cardiothoracic remit, including access to transplant-level expertise, will find Mr Kalkat to be a well-established figure within a highly capable regional programme.
Mr Ehab Bishay: Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, Birmingham
Mr Ehab Bishay is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham, where he has held his post since 2007. He qualified from the University of London, holds an MBBS, FRCS (Eng), MS, and FRCS (C-Th), and brings over 28 years of NHS experience to his practice, supplemented by a period working within the American healthcare system.
Mr Bishay has served as Lung Cancer Lead Clinician and as Regional Specialty Professional Advisor for Cardiothoracic Surgery for the Royal College of Surgeons of England in the West Midlands, roles that speak to the esteem in which he is held by his peers. He has also served as SAC Lead for National Selection in Cardiothoracic Surgery, contributing to the development of the specialty at a national level.
His clinical work covers the full range of thoracic surgery, with a focus on lung cancer, thoracic oncology, and minimally invasive approaches. His research output, published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences, reinforces a practice grounded in current evidence.
Patients looking for a thoracic surgeon in Birmingham who combines extensive clinical experience with a demonstrated commitment to national education and quality standards will find Mr Bishay to be a reputable and well-rounded consultant.
Mr Richard Steyn: Consultant Thoracic Surgeon, Birmingham
Mr Richard Steyn is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham, and also serves as a senior figure within West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust in his capacity as a pre-hospital immediate care doctor. He qualified from Aberdeen University in 1984 and has held his consultant thoracic surgery post since 1999, making him one of the most experienced thoracic surgeons in the Midlands.
Mr Steyn's specialist interest in chest trauma sets him apart from many of his peers. His work with the Major Trauma Service at University Hospitals Birmingham places him at the interface between emergency and elective thoracic care, giving him a practical perspective on thoracic injury and surgical response that few consultants acquire in private practice alone.
He holds the qualifications MS, FRCSEd (C-Th), FIMCRCSEd, MRCGP, and DRCOG, a breadth of credentials that reflects an unusually diverse clinical background. His research on topics including thoracotomy outcomes, pectus surgery, and physiotherapy provision for thoracic patients has been widely cited in the surgical literature.
For patients requiring thoracic surgery in the West Midlands, particularly in contexts involving trauma, complex resection, or emergency chest pathology, Mr Steyn's extensive experience and depth of specialist knowledge make him a significant clinical resource within the region.
Dr Hazem Fallouh: Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Birmingham
Dr Hazem Fallouh is a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon in the Regional Department of Thoracic Surgery at University Hospitals Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and also consults at the Priory Hospital in Birmingham. He holds the qualifications MD, PhD, and FRCSCTh, and has built a career that blends surgical excellence with a notable talent for medical innovation.
Dr Fallouh was awarded the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) Innovations Award, a recognition that reflects his work in developing and applying novel surgical solutions within the thoracic field. His background in research, reflected in over 680 research citations, gives his clinical practice a depth that benefits patients with complex or unusual presentations.
His practice covers the full range of thoracic surgical conditions, from lung cancer and pleural disease to chest wall pathology, and his involvement with EACTS as a faculty member demonstrates the international recognition his work has earned. He is also noted as a surgical entrepreneur, having been involved in medical technology development alongside his clinical duties.
Patients in the Midlands seeking a thoracic surgeon with strong academic credentials, an innovation-driven approach, and extensive experience within a major NHS centre will find Dr Fallouh to be a distinctive and capable practitioner.
Choosing the Right Thoracic Surgeon for Your Needs
The surgeons featured in this guide represent the breadth and depth of thoracic surgical expertise available across the UK, from the research-driven academic centres of Birmingham and Oxford to the robotic surgery programmes of central London. Each practitioner brings a different combination of specialisms, experience, and clinical philosophy, and the right choice will always depend on a patient's specific diagnosis, location, and personal priorities. What unites them is a shared commitment to high standards and meaningful patient outcomes, qualities that should be at the heart of every clinical decision in this demanding and consequential field.
