Thoracic Surgery
Conditions & Symptoms

Dr Lawrence Okiror is a Consultant Thoracic and Robotic Surgeon (GMC 6150382) providing specialist private care for lung nodules and lung cancer, emphysema, slipped rib syndrome, pleural disease, pneumothorax, hyperhidrosis, thoracic outlet syndrome, diaphragm conditions, central airways disease, and thoracic endometriosis. Not sure which condition applies? Find by symptom ↓ Private appointments at London Bridge Hospital within 2–3 days.

Last reviewed: May 2026 · Dr Lawrence Okiror FRCS(CTh) FRCSEd(CTh) · GMC 6150382

Conditions
With Dedicated Pages

Each condition page covers causes, when to seek assessment, what the consultation involves, and what treatment looks like. Not sure which condition fits? Search by symptom below.

Lung Nodules & Cancer

Robotic biopsy and keyhole surgery. ION bronchoscopy for shadows in the outer lung. MDT for every cancer case.

View page →
ION Robotic Bronchoscopy

Biopsy a lung shadow or nodule without surgery. First centre in Europe outside trials. Same-day tissue answer.

View page →
Emphysema & COPD

Endobronchial valve therapy and LVRS. Sole operator at GSTT and London Bridge. Monthly MDT including Harefield transplant team.

View page →
Pleural Disease

Pleural effusions, pleural thickening, mesothelioma assessment. Surgical drainage and VATS pleurodesis.

View page →
Slipped Rib Syndrome

Frequently misdiagnosed. Specialist assessment and highly effective keyhole rib resection where indicated.

View page →
Hyperhidrosis

ETS surgery for excessive sweating of hands, armpits and face. Over 95% success rate for palmar hyperhidrosis. Overnight stay.

View page →
Pneumothorax

Keyhole surgery to treat a collapsed lung and significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.

View page →
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Robotic keyhole first rib resection. Conservative treatment first. All patients treated to date: significant improvement.

View page →
Thoracic Endometriosis

Cyclical chest pain or breathlessness linked to the menstrual cycle. Joined-up surgical and gynaecological care with GSTT colleagues.

View page →
Diaphragm Conditions

Diaphragm plication, hernia repair, endometriosis. Breathlessness that is worse lying flat may have a diaphragmatic cause.

View page →
Central Airways

Tracheal stenosis, airway tumours, post-intubation complications. Leads the Central Airways Service at GSTT.

View page →
Second Opinion

Told surgery is not possible? Uncertain about a diagnosis or treatment plan? Expert independent review within 2–3 days. Virtual appointments available.

View page →

Not Sure Which Condition?
Start With Your Symptom.

Many thoracic conditions do not announce themselves with an obvious label. If you have a symptom but are not sure which condition is responsible, these pages explain what may be causing it, what an assessment involves, and what to expect. Each links to the relevant condition and treatment pages.

Shadow on Lung Scan

Incidental CT or X-ray finding. What it means, Brock score explained, the three possible outcomes.

Read more →
Breathlessness

Breathlessness with a thoracic cause — emphysema, pleural disease, diaphragm, lung tumour. What a surgical assessment covers.

Read more →
Persistent Cough

A cough lasting more than 3 weeks needs investigation. Thoracic causes, when surgery is relevant, and when Dr Okiror refers on.

Read more →
Coughing Up Blood

Haemoptysis requires urgent specialist assessment. Most causes are treatable. What to expect at the first appointment.

Read more →
Unexplained Chest Pain

Chest pain that has not been explained after cardiac investigation. Thoracic causes including pleural, chest wall, and lung.

Read more →
Cyclical Chest Symptoms

Chest pain or breathlessness that follows the menstrual cycle. Thoracic endometriosis — average diagnostic delay over 5 years.

Read more →
Shoulder, Arm & Hand Pain

Numbness, weakness or pain radiating into the arm. Thoracic outlet syndrome — often misdiagnosed as cervical or cardiac.

Read more →
Chest Wall Lump

A lump on the chest wall or rib. Most are benign. Where rib tumours are suspected, discussed with RNOH Stanmore specialist teams.

Read more →
Night Sweats & Weight Loss

Constitutional symptoms that can indicate thoracic malignancy. When these symptoms need specialist assessment and what to expect.

Read more →
Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis — excessive sweating of hands, armpits or face. ETS surgery after non-surgical options. Over 95% success rate.

Read more →

If your symptom is not listed here, or if you have received a scan result or diagnosis you are uncertain about, contact the practice directly or request a second opinion. Private appointments within 2–3 days.

Complete List of
Conditions Treated

Why Minimally Invasive?

  • Shorter hospital stays — typically 1–4 days
  • Significantly less post-operative pain
  • Minimal scarring from small incisions
  • Faster return to normal activity — 2–4 weeks
  • Lower risk of complications vs open surgery
  • Better preservation of surrounding tissue
  • 80%+ of operations at GSTT by robotic or keyhole technique

"Most patients come to me having already been somewhere else. My job is to give them a clear honest answer about what is possible — and if surgery is the right option, to do it with the smallest operation that achieves the result."

Book a Consultation →

Jo Mitchelson, Private PA
020 7952 2882

An expert assessment.
Within days, not months.

Private appointments at London Bridge Hospital within 2–3 days. Self-referrals welcome. Dr Okiror reviews all imaging personally and gives a clear, honest answer at the first appointment.

Book a Consultation → Second Opinion

Jo Mitchelson, Private PA  · 020 7952 2882 · pa@lungsurgeon.co.uk

St Thomas' Hospital #1 UK · Guy's Hospital #2 UK · London Bridge Hospital #10 UK · Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals 2026

📅Book 📞020 7952 2882