UK Thoracic Surgery Experts Known for Patient-Centered Care

Thoracic surgery sits at the intersection of technical precision and deeply personal care. Conditions of the chest, from lung cancer to pneumothorax, can be life-altering, and for many patients, finding the right surgeon is as important as the diagnosis itself. The United Kingdom is home to a rich community of thoracic surgeons who combine rigorous training with a genuine commitment to their patients' well-being.

This guide profiles six consultant thoracic surgeons practicing in the UK who have distinguished themselves not only through clinical excellence but through an approach to patient care that is clear, compassionate, and results-driven. Whether you are seeking a second opinion, exploring minimally invasive options, or navigating a new diagnosis, this overview is designed to help you make a well-informed decision.

Mr Ian Hunt: Thoracic Oncology and Chest Wall Surgery in London

Mr Ian Hunt is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon based at St George's Hospital in London, where he holds the role of Clinical Lead for Thoracic Surgery. He also sees private patients at Spire St Anthony's Hospital in Sutton. Holding qualifications of BSc (Hons), MBBS, MRCS, and FRCS (CTh), Mr Hunt brings both a high clinical volume and an active research presence to his practice. He has published over 120 peer-reviewed papers, and his academic roles include Honorary Senior Lecturer at St George's Medical School, University of London, and Royal College of Surgeons Surgical Tutor at St George's Hospital.

A Broad Surgical Repertoire with Regional Reach

Mr Hunt's clinical interests span minimally invasive (VATS) thoracic surgery, lung cancer resections, mesothelioma and pleural disease, mediastinal surgery, and surgical and non-surgical management of chest wall deformities including pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum. He is also the lead for Trauma, Cardiothoracic Surgery at St George's Hospital and serves as an Honorary Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at the Royal Marsden Hospital. Patients from across South West London, Surrey, and West Sussex benefit from his collaborative network, as he works closely with oncologists and physicians at multiple NHS trusts in the region.

A Dedicated Pectus Clinic Alongside Core Thoracic Services

One of Mr Hunt's distinguishing offerings is his dedicated Pectus Clinic at Spire St Anthony's Hospital, catering specifically to patients with chest wall deformities, a condition that, while sometimes overlooked, can have significant physical and psychological effects on those who live with it. He is a member of The Chest Wall Injury Society, the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (SCTS), and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS), and he sits on several national advisory boards. His blend of surgical expertise, academic contribution, and multi-disciplinary collaboration makes him a well-regarded figure in UK thoracic surgery.

Professor Babu Naidu: Thoracic Expertise in Birmingham and the West Midlands

Professor Babu Naidu is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon and Professor at the University of Birmingham, with his primary clinical base at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, one of the largest NHS teaching hospitals in the country. Trained at King's College London, where he earned his MBBS in 1994, Professor Naidu has developed into a nationally recognized voice in thoracic surgical education and research. His dual role as a clinician and academic means that patients who come under his care benefit from access to emerging evidence and treatments that may not yet be widely available elsewhere.

A Leading Authority in Chest Wall Surgery and COPD

Among Professor Naidu's most recognised areas of expertise is chest wall surgery for pectus deformities, particularly pectus excavatum, where he offers both surgical and non-surgical treatment pathways. He is also an expert in lung volume reduction therapies for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema, conditions that affect a significant proportion of the UK population. His work in VATS lung biopsies for interstitial lung disease has also contributed meaningful data to the broader surgical community. Patients with complex or long-standing conditions, including those who may have been told that surgery is too high-risk, are a particular focus of his practice.

Academic Leadership Alongside Clinical Practice

Professor Naidu is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and a member of the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland. His research output spans thoracic oncology, chest wall pathology, and post-operative outcomes, with work published in leading medical journals. Beyond individual patient care, his academic role at the University of Birmingham ensures that the next generation of thoracic surgeons is trained to high standards. For patients in the Midlands and beyond, Professor Naidu offers a depth of expertise that combines robust academic grounding with genuine hands-on surgical experience.

Mr Marco Scarci: London's Leading Thoracic Surgeon for Minimally Invasive Care

When it comes to thoracic surgery in the UK, Mr Marco Scarci occupies a rare position. He is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon based in London with more than 20 years of clinical experience and a track record of over 5,000 minimally invasive procedures. His practice spans several of London's most prestigious private hospitals, including the Cromwell Hospital and The London Clinic, as well as an NHS post at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. His credentials, which include MD, FRCS(Eng), FCCP, FACS, and FEBTS, reflect an unusually broad recognition across British and international surgical bodies.

A Specialised Focus on Keyhole Surgery and Complex Chest Conditions

Mr Scarci has built his reputation on the minimally invasive approach known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), a keyhole technique that reduces recovery time, post-operative pain, and hospital stays significantly compared to open surgery. His scope of treatment is wide-ranging, covering lung cancer, collapsed lung (pneumothorax), slipping rib syndrome, diaphragmatic conditions, thoracic outlet syndrome, chest wall deformities, hyperhidrosis, thymomas, and empyema. What sets him apart from many peers is the breadth and depth of this expertise in a single practice, meaning patients with complex or rare chest conditions are rarely referred elsewhere.

A Patient-First Philosophy That Delivers Measurable Results

Mr Scarci's approach to patient care is built around direct, consultant-led involvement at every stage, from the first consultation to post-operative follow-up. In practice, this means patients can typically access a consultation within hours and begin treatment within one week of diagnosis, a turnaround that is exceptional even within London's private healthcare sector. His patients' average hospital stay is 25% shorter than the UK national average, and he has accumulated over 100 five-star patient reviews. His profile has extended beyond the hospital, with appearances on the BBC, ITV, and in national press, reinforcing a well-earned reputation as one of the most trusted names in UK thoracic surgery.

Mr Richard Milton: Thoracic Surgery and VATS Excellence in Yorkshire

Mr Richard Milton is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at St James's University Hospital in Leeds, one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, and he also sees private patients at Spire Leeds Hospital and through Nuffield Health. Graduating from the University of Sheffield in 1993, Mr Milton completed his higher surgical training in cardiothoracic surgery across Yorkshire before taking up a consultant post in 2007. He has since established himself as one of the leading thoracic surgeons in the north of England, with a particular focus on advancing the technical standards of minimally invasive chest surgery within his region.

Minimally Invasive Surgery and Lung Cancer as Core Expertise

Mr Milton's clinical interests center on minimally invasive thoracic surgery using VATS, lung cancer surgery, thoracic trauma, and endobronchial and thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema and COPD. He is the Director of the Leeds Advanced VATS Course, a specialist training programme that draws surgeons from across the UK and Europe to refine their keyhole surgery techniques. This educational role speaks to his standing as not merely a practitioner but a recognized authority in the technical aspects of modern thoracic surgery. His involvement with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) also extends his influence beyond national borders.

A Well-Connected Surgical Practice with Northern Roots

Mr Milton holds membership with the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland and maintains an active presence in national guideline development and conference contributions. For patients in Yorkshire, the Humber, and across the north of England, his practice at St James's University Hospital offers access to high-quality minimally invasive surgery within one of the region's most respected NHS institutions. His combination of extensive surgical volume, teaching leadership, and national involvement makes him a well-rounded and reliable choice for patients seeking thoracic surgical expertise outside of London.

Mr Davide Patrini: Thoracic Oncology and Pleural Disease in London

Mr Davide Patrini is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon and the Clinical Lead of the Thoracic Department at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), one of the UK's foremost NHS institutions. Holding the qualifications MD and FRCS(Eng), he trained in cardiothoracic surgery at the Università degli Studi di Milano in Italy before completing further training at UCLH between 2009 and 2014. In addition to his NHS post, he sees private patients at the Cromwell Hospital and through Spire Healthcare, and operates a specialist private practice under the banner of London Chest Surgeon. His dual training background, drawing on both Italian and British surgical traditions, enriches his clinical perspective considerably.

Oncology, Pleural Disease, and Benign Lung Conditions

Mr Patrini's primary clinical interests lie in thoracic surgical oncology, pleural diseases, and benign lung conditions. He treats lung cancer, mediastinal lesions, thymomas, pneumothorax, empyema, hyperhidrosis, diaphragmatic palsy, and thoracic endometriosis, covering a broad spectrum of chest conditions using both conventional and minimally invasive techniques. His leadership role at UCLH means that he works within a multidisciplinary team that includes oncologists, respiratory physicians, and specialist nurses, ensuring that patients receive coordinated care from initial diagnosis through to recovery.

An International Training Background in a World-Class London Setting

Practicing out of UCL Hospitals and the Cromwell Hospital, Mr Patrini is positioned at two of London's most accessible and well-resourced medical centres. His international training, combined with his NHS clinical leadership role, places him in a strong position to offer patients up-to-date techniques and a thorough understanding of both common and complex chest conditions. He also runs clinics through The Platinum Medical Centre in London, offering flexible access for patients seeking private consultations. For those based in central and north London, Mr Patrini represents a well-credentialed and accessible option.

Mr John Pilling: Thoracic Cancer and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Guy's and St Thomas'

Mr John Pilling is a Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London, one of the oldest and most distinguished hospital trusts in the UK. Holding the qualification FRCS(CTh), Mr Pilling is one of five consultant thoracic surgeons providing a general thoracic surgical service to South East England, with outpatient clinics extending to the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, among others. His clinical interests centre on thoracic cancer, and he contributes to teaching and faculty roles at national educational events, including the London Core Review.

Risk Assessment, Pleural Disease, and Pulmonary Surgery

Mr Pilling's particular areas of expertise include risk assessment in lung cancer surgery, malignant pleural effusion, pulmonary metastasectomy, and minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Risk assessment in lung cancer surgery is a specialist area that is crucial in determining which patients are suitable for surgical intervention and what the expected outcomes might be, and Mr Pilling's focus on this domain reflects both an academic and a practical commitment to ensuring that operations are undertaken only when they are truly in the patient's best interest. He has built a substantial body of research, with over 60 publications to his name in peer-reviewed medical journals.

Regional Reach and Institutional Strength

Operating from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Mr Pilling benefits from one of the strongest multidisciplinary environments in UK medicine, with access to advanced diagnostic facilities, specialist nurses, and allied health professionals. His outpatient reach across South East England means that patients from a wide catchment area, including those in Kent, Berkshire, and the broader London commuter belt, can access his expertise without needing to travel to a central London hospital for every appointment. He is also available for private consultations through HCA Healthcare UK. His profile reflects a surgeon who combines clinical depth with strong institutional and regional roots.

Finding the Right Thoracic Surgeon for Your Needs

Choosing a thoracic surgeon is one of the most significant medical decisions a person can face, and the good news is that the UK is fortunate to have genuine talent at every level of the specialty. The surgeons profiled here represent a diverse mix of expertise, geography, and clinical focus, from London's private medical corridor to regional NHS centres in Leeds, Birmingham, and beyond. As you navigate your options, it is worth considering not just a surgeon's technical credentials but also the access they offer, their approach to communication, and whether their specialist interests align closely with your condition.