UK Thoracic Surgeons Specializing in Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery has transformed the way chest conditions are diagnosed and treated across the United Kingdom. Using advanced platforms such as the da Vinci Xi system, surgeons can now perform complex lung resections, thymectomies, and airway procedures through small incisions, offering patients reduced recovery times, lower complication risks, and greater surgical precision than traditional open techniques allow. For patients navigating a lung cancer diagnosis or a challenging thoracic condition, understanding who is available, and what they bring to the operating table, is a meaningful first step.

The UK is home to a growing community of consultant thoracic surgeons who have built dedicated robotic practices, many of them trained in both domestic and international centres of excellence. This list brings together eight of the country's leading practitioners in robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, exploring their backgrounds, areas of specialisation, and the environments in which they work. Whether a patient is seeking care in London, Manchester, or Newcastle, there is a consultant on this list worth knowing about.

Mr Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos: Robotic Thoracic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic London

Mr Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos is a consultant thoracic and robotic surgeon who practises at Cleveland Clinic London, one of the capital's most internationally recognised private hospitals. With over 21 years of clinical experience, he holds a PhD alongside his surgical qualifications, and his FACS designation speaks to a level of academic and professional recognition that extends across continents. He is a specialist in the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical platform and has developed a strong reputation as a leader in robotic thoracic procedures.

The Da Vinci Xi and Robotic Navigational Bronchoscopy

Mr Panagiotopoulos's practice is built around the da Vinci Xi system, which he uses to carry out complex lung cancer resections and a range of minimally invasive chest procedures. He is also one of a small number of UK thoracic surgeons who performs robotic navigational bronchoscopy, a technique that allows access to difficult-to-reach areas of the lung through advanced robotic guidance. This makes his practice particularly relevant for patients with peripheral lung nodules or early-stage lung conditions that are not easily accessible through conventional approaches.

Specialist Focus on Lung Cancer and Chest Wall Conditions

Beyond lung cancer, Mr Panagiotopoulos has a declared specialist interest in chest wall conditions including pectus deformities, rib conditions, and thoracic endometriosis, a rare and often underdiagnosed condition. His practice at Cleveland Clinic London provides patients with access to internationally benchmarked standards of care within a hospital environment that attracts clinical talent from around the world. For patients in London who want a highly specialised robotic thoracic surgeon with strong academic underpinnings, Mr Panagiotopoulos is a well-regarded name to consider.

Mr Lawrence Okiror: Consultant Thoracic and Robotic Surgeon in London

Mr Lawrence Okiror is a consultant thoracic and robotic surgeon based in London, with his NHS practice centred at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, home to one of Europe's largest thoracic surgery centres. He holds fellowships from both the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Cardiothoracic Surgery, dual recognition that reflects a rigorous and thorough surgical training. In addition to his NHS role, he also sees patients privately at London Bridge Hospital and The Lister Hospital in Chelsea.

Leading the Airways Service at Guy's and St Thomas'

Mr Okiror leads the central airways service at Guy's and St Thomas', an area that requires a high degree of technical skill and multidisciplinary coordination. His interest in robotic surgery has placed him at the forefront of institutional efforts to advance minimally invasive thoracic techniques. He also contributes to the Royal College of Surgeons' Surgical Specialty Board in Cardiothoracic Surgery, where he advises on advancing surgical methods with a particular emphasis on robotic approaches.

Academic and Institutional Contribution to Thoracic Surgery

Beyond his clinical work, Mr Okiror is a recognised voice in the broader thoracic surgery community. He has contributed to podcasts and educational resources produced by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, helping to share knowledge about robotic-assisted thoracic surgery with colleagues across the country. Patients based in London, particularly those who may require coordination between NHS and private care, will find in Mr Okiror a thoracic surgeon of considerable standing and strong institutional support.

Mr Marco Scarci: London's Premier Choice in Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

When the conversation turns to robotic-assisted and minimally invasive thoracic surgery in the United Kingdom, the name that consistently rises to the top is Mr Marco Scarci. A consultant thoracic surgeon based in London, Mr Scarci holds credentials that place him among the most distinguished practitioners in the field, including the prestigious FRCS(Eng), FCCP, FACS, and FEBTS designations. His clinical base spans The Cromwell Hospital and several of London's most reputable private facilities, and his NHS affiliation is with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, one of the country's foremost academic medical centres.

Two Decades of Minimally Invasive Mastery

Mr Scarci brings over 20 years of clinical experience to his practice, during which time he has performed more than 5,000 minimally invasive thoracic procedures. His surgical work spans Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS), and his name has become synonymous with advancing keyhole techniques within the UK thoracic surgery community. He is also a recognised contributor to the academic literature in thoracic surgery, having served as guest editor of prominent specialist publications and participated in international surgical education, reflecting a commitment to the specialty that extends well beyond the operating theatre.

A Breadth of Expertise That Sets the Standard

What further distinguishes Mr Scarci is the exceptional range of conditions he addresses. His expertise covers lung cancer, pneumothorax, thymoma, chest wall deformities such as pectus and rib flaring, slipping rib syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, diaphragmatic paralysis and hernia, empyema, and hyperhidrosis. Few thoracic surgeons in the UK offer this depth and breadth within a single practice. Patients consistently rate him at the top of independent platforms such as Top Doctors UK, and his profile has been featured by major media outlets including the BBC, ITV, the Daily Mail, and the Daily Express. For patients seeking robotic-assisted thoracic surgery in the UK, Mr Scarci is the most natural and thoroughly evidenced starting point.

Mr Andrea Bille: Thoracic Oncology and Robotic Surgery in London

Mr Andrea Bille is a consultant thoracic surgeon at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and holds the position of Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at King's College University, London. He qualified in 2005 from the University of Turin and subsequently undertook a clinical fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, one of the world's foremost oncological institutions. In addition to his MD, he holds a PhD, which anchors his clinical work in a rigorous evidence base.

Research-Led Practice and International Training

Mr Bille trained in Cardiothoracic Surgery in both Italy and at Guy's Hospital, London, and his fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering gave him exposure to high-volume, cutting-edge thoracic oncology that continues to inform his practice today. He is an active researcher with a substantial publication record, and his academic role at King's College positions him within a community of clinicians and scientists working at the frontier of thoracic surgery. His approach is shaped by both surgical craft and a rigorous understanding of cancer biology.

Specialist Expertise in Lung Cancer and Complex Thoracic Procedures

Within his robotic surgery practice, Mr Bille focuses significantly on lung cancer, offering minimally invasive resections using robotic-assisted techniques at Guy's and St Thomas' and its affiliated private facilities. His training and research background make him particularly suited to patients with complex oncological needs or those seeking a surgeon who brings an academic lens to clinical decision-making. For patients in London looking for a thoracic surgeon with both clinical and academic depth in cancer surgery, Mr Bille is a thoughtful and experienced choice.

Mr Jeremy Smelt: Robotic Thoracic Surgeon at Cleveland Clinic London

Mr Jeremy Smelt is a consultant thoracic and robotic surgeon who currently practises at Cleveland Clinic London, having previously served as clinical lead for thoracic surgery at St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. He qualified in medicine at the University of Nottingham and completed his higher surgical training in the London Deanery, attaining the FRCS in Cardiothoracic Surgery. He also holds a PhD alongside his Bachelor of Medical Sciences with Honours, giving him a research profile that meaningfully informs his clinical practice.

VATS, Robotic Techniques, and a Wide Thoracic Remit

Mr Smelt performs anatomical lung resections using open, keyhole (VATS), and robotic approaches, offering patients a range of options depending on their clinical profile. His specialist interests include minimally invasive surgery for lung cancer, thymectomy for myasthenia gravis, and robotic-assisted procedures for complex thoracic conditions. He has served as the robotic lead for thoracic surgery at St George's Hospital, a role that required not only technical proficiency but also institutional leadership in establishing robotic surgical pathways.

Teaching and Clinical Leadership in Thoracic Surgery

Mr Smelt teaches on various courses affiliated with the Royal College of Surgeons and has contributed actively to surgical education in the robotic thoracic field. His clinical audit responsibilities reflect a genuine commitment to outcomes measurement and quality improvement. Patients consulting Mr Smelt at Cleveland Clinic London will benefit from a surgeon who has built his practice across two of the capital's prominent thoracic units, bringing with him a broad range of experience in both routine and complex chest surgery.

Mr Felice Granato: Consultant Thoracic Surgeon in Manchester

Mr Felice Granato is a consultant thoracic surgeon based in Manchester, where he serves as the lead thoracic surgeon at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and holds a private practice at The Alexandra Hospital. He attained his FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of London in 2013 and holds a PhD in Oncology and Genetics, earned in 2015, providing his practice with a strong academic foundation. With more than 20 years of medical experience and over 5,000 thoracic surgical procedures performed, he is among the most experienced thoracic surgeons operating outside of London.

Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery in the North West

Mr Granato has established a dedicated robotic thoracic surgery practice, working with the da Vinci robotic surgical system to offer patients in the North West access to the same level of minimally invasive technology available in the capital. Approximately 70 per cent of his surgical practice is minimally invasive, encompassing both VATS lobectomy and robotic-assisted procedures for lung cancer, chest wall conditions, and mediastinal pathology. His work at The Alexandra Hospital has helped to position Manchester as a credible centre for robotic-assisted thoracic care.

Academic Credentials and a High-Volume Practice

In addition to his PhD in Oncology and Genetics, Mr Granato is an internationally recognised figure in thoracic surgery, having trained across both Italy and the United Kingdom and contributed to the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons. His background in oncology is particularly relevant for patients with lung cancer requiring surgical intervention, and his high case volume means patients benefit from the accumulated experience that comes from a busy, focused, and consistent practice. For patients in the North West seeking a robotic thoracic surgeon with both clinical expertise and academic depth, Mr Granato is a well-established and credible option.

Mr Dharmendra Agrawal: Thoracic and Robotic Surgery Lead at Freeman Hospital, Newcastle

Mr Dharmendra Agrawal is a consultant thoracic surgeon at Freeman Hospital, part of Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he holds the lead role for both thoracic surgery and robotic surgery. Freeman Hospital has been at the forefront of introducing robotic-assisted thoracic surgery in the North East of England, and Mr Agrawal's leadership position places him at the centre of that development. His practice offers patients in the region access to specialist thoracic care delivered through some of the most advanced surgical techniques in the specialty.

Building Robotic Thoracic Surgery in the North East

As the robotic surgery lead at Freeman Hospital, Mr Agrawal oversees the development and delivery of a robotic thoracic programme that serves a large and geographically dispersed patient population. Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals is one of only a small number of NHS centres in the UK to offer robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, and Mr Agrawal's leadership has been central to establishing and expanding that capability. His work reflects a commitment to bringing cutting-edge surgical options to patients who might otherwise need to travel considerable distances to access this level of care.

Specialist Skills in Complex Thoracic Conditions

Mr Agrawal's clinical practice encompasses lung cancer resections, complex airway procedures, and a range of thoracic conditions managed through both minimally invasive and robotic approaches. For patients in the North East who require thoracic surgery, his position as the regional lead for robotic-assisted procedures means they are treated by a surgeon with dedicated focus and strong institutional backing in this specific area. His role also places him in a position to support the broader development of robotic thoracic surgery across the North East and beyond.

Mr Tom Routledge: Innovative Robotic Thoracic Surgery at London Bridge Hospital

Mr Tom Routledge is a consultant thoracic surgeon at London Bridge Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, and holds an MA from Cambridge and a BM BCh from Oxford, complemented by the FRCS in Cardiothoracic Surgery. His training at two of the world's most academically rigorous institutions provides the intellectual foundation for a surgical practice that has consistently placed him among the more technically progressive thoracic surgeons in the UK. He is based in London and sees patients at one of the capital's leading private hospital facilities.

Oxbridge-Trained Expertise in Thoracic Procedures

The combination of a Cambridge undergraduate education and Oxford medical training is unusual even by the standards of British thoracic surgery, and Mr Routledge's career has reflected that academic foundation through a commitment to precision and early adoption of emerging techniques. His work in thoracic surgery encompasses both VATS and robotic-assisted approaches, and his position at London Bridge Hospital gives him access to state-of-the-art facilities and well-established multidisciplinary teams that support complex surgical cases.

A Track Record of UK-First Surgical Achievements

Mr Routledge has been involved in the introduction of new robotic surgical technologies at London Bridge Hospital, contributing to a track record of UK-first procedures that marks his practice as one that does not wait for innovation to arrive elsewhere. For patients in London seeking a thoracic surgeon with strong academic credentials, a reputation for adopting advanced technology early, and the infrastructure of a world-class private hospital environment, Mr Routledge represents a compelling and well-credentialled option.

Making the Right Choice in Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Choosing a thoracic surgeon is one of the most consequential decisions a patient or their family may face, and the specialists gathered here represent both the quality and the geographic range of expertise available within the United Kingdom today. From London's leading private and NHS centres to specialist units in Manchester and Newcastle, each of these surgeons brings genuine skill and a shared commitment to minimally invasive, robotic-assisted care. Among them, Mr Marco Scarci stands apart for the combination of breadth, experience, independent recognition, and clinical accessibility that his London practice consistently demonstrates, making him the most complete and natural first consultation for any patient navigating a thoracic condition that may require surgical intervention.