Patient
Questions

No. Self-referrals are welcome. No GP letter is required. Appointments are typically available within 2–3 days at London Bridge Hospital or The Lister Hospital Chelsea. Virtual consultations are often available within 24 hours. Call Jo Mitchelson on 020 7952 2882 or email pa@lungsurgeon.co.uk.

New appointments (face-to-face or virtual): £250–£350. Follow-up appointments: £200–£275. Surgical fees are discussed at consultation. Most major UK health insurers accepted including BUPA, AXA Health, Aviva, WPA, and Cigna. Self-paying patients welcome. For questions about a specific insurer, contact Jo Mitchelson on 020 7952 2882.

ION is a robotic bronchoscopy system that uses a thin, flexible catheter and real-time tracking to navigate to lung nodules and shadows deep in the outer lung — areas that standard bronchoscopy cannot reach. A cone-beam CT scan confirms the exact position before any sample is taken, giving a precise tissue diagnosis without surgery. London Bridge Hospital was the first centre in Europe to offer ION outside NHS clinical trials. Full ION bronchoscopy page →

Most patients spend 1–4 days in hospital following keyhole (VATS or robotic) thoracic surgery and return to normal activities within 2–4 weeks — significantly faster than traditional open surgery, which typically requires 5–7 days in hospital and 6–12 weeks recovery. Specific recovery guidance depends on the operation. Robotic lung surgery detail →

Possibly — and it is always worth asking. Dr Okiror works with London’s leading oncologists to offer combined surgical and oncological treatment for patients with locally advanced lung cancer. Patients who have been told surgery is not possible have gone on to receive treatment with genuinely curative intent. A second opinion costs little and can make a significant difference to your options. Lung cancer second opinion →

Primarily through clinical assessment — a thorough history and the hooking manoeuvre, which reproduces the characteristic pain and clicking. Imaging is often normal, which is why the condition is frequently misdiagnosed as cardiac, gastric, or musculoskeletal. Where surgery is appropriate, keyhole rib resection is highly effective — typically 1–2 days in hospital. Slipped rib syndrome page →

Yes. Virtual and telephone consultations are available and can often be arranged within 24 hours. Scan images and reports can be shared digitally in advance so a full clinical review can be completed without the need to travel. This is particularly useful for patients seeking a second opinion and for international patients.

Yes. International patients from the UK, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond are welcome. Initial video consultations within 24 hours allow a full review of scans and reports before any travel to London is needed. Where surgery is subsequently required, the pathway from confirmed plan to operation can be completed efficiently at London Bridge Hospital.

BUPA, BUPA International, AXA, AXA Health, Aviva, WPA, and Cigna. Please contact Jo Mitchelson on 020 7952 2882 to confirm your specific policy and plan before booking.

Absolutely. A second opinion appointment can often be arranged within 2–3 days in person, or by video within 24 hours. No GP referral needed. Please bring any scans, pathology reports, and letters from previous consultants. Lung cancer second opinion →

The majority of shadows found on lung scans are completely benign — old infection, scar tissue, or harmless calcification. A small proportion require further investigation. The most important thing is getting a proper specialist review so you know clearly which category applies. Dr Okiror reviews CT scans personally and gives a clear plan at the first appointment. Shadow on lung scan page →