Private robotic and keyhole lung cancer surgery at London Bridge Hospital and The Lister Hospital Chelsea. Dr Lawrence Okiror operates across the full stage spectrum — from screen-detected early-stage tumours through to locally advanced cancer following chemoimmunotherapy. Consultations within 2–3 days. Self-referrals welcome.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Dr Lawrence Okiror FRCS(CTh) FRCSEd(CTh) · GMC 6150382
Anatomic lung resections performed by Dr Okiror in 2024–25; over 1,000 lung cancer operations as a consultant
Operative survival rate at Guy’s and St Thomas’ against a national benchmark of 98.5%
Of anatomic resections performed robotically, against 24% nationally
Wedge resections, against 14% nationally: more patients receive a complete anatomic operation
Source: SCTS National Thoracic Surgery Audit 2023–24 and personal operative data 2024–25.
Two converging shifts are reshaping who is suitable for lung cancer surgery in 2026.
The NHS Lung Cancer Screening Programme is identifying cancers earlier than ever before. Five years of programme data, published in Nature Medicine in March 2026, show that over 75% of screen-detected lung cancers are now found at Stage I or II — compared to fewer than 30% of cancers detected outside of screening. These are the patients for whom surgery is most likely to be curative.
At the other end of the stage spectrum, the treatment of locally advanced disease has been transformed by chemoimmunotherapy given before surgery. Patients with Stage III tumours who would once have been told that surgery was not an option are now routinely offered combined treatment — chemoimmunotherapy followed by resection — with significantly improved survival.
The result is a wider surgical population than at any point in the modern era. Across both ends of the spectrum, the constraint is no longer whether surgery is possible — it is access to a surgeon and a centre with the experience and infrastructure to deliver it well.
For data on the screening programme’s impact and what to do after a targeted lung health check result, see the targeted lung health check page →
The stages described here apply to non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for around 85% of cases. Small cell lung cancer is staged and treated differently, and surgery has a role only in a small, rigorously staged group. Small cell lung cancer and surgery →
The right surgical approach depends on the stage of the cancer, the size and location of the tumour, your lung function, and your general fitness. Below is an overview of the surgical options across the stage spectrum, with links to detailed information on each procedure and pathway.
Stage I
Tumour 4cm or less, no nodal involvement. Now the most common presentation in the screening era — over three quarters of screen-detected cancers fall into this group.
Where surgery is appropriate, the goal is the smallest operation that achieves complete oncological clearance. Anatomical segmentectomy — removing only the affected lung segment — is increasingly the standard for tumours of 2cm or less in suitable patients, supported by evidence from the JCOG0802 and CALGB 140503 trials.
For carefully selected fit patients with small peripheral tumours, biopsy and curative robotic surgery can be performed under a single anaesthetic.
Stage II
Larger tumours, or limited involvement of lymph nodes within the affected lung (N1 disease).
Robotic lobectomy with full mediastinal lymph node dissection is typically the operation of choice — removing the affected lobe and providing complete nodal staging in one procedure. Robotic access supports a more thorough lymph node dissection than open or VATS approaches.
Adjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy may follow surgery depending on the final pathology and biomarker profile, in line with current NICE guidance.
Stage III
More extensive nodal involvement, or a tumour that involves nearby structures in the chest. The treatment landscape here has been transformed by chemoimmunotherapy given before surgery.
Phase 3 trials including CheckMate 816, KEYNOTE-671, and AEGEAN have established neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy followed by surgery as the standard of care for resectable Stage III non-small cell lung cancer.
Surgery after chemoimmunotherapy is technically more demanding due to fibrotic tissue changes around the tumour and lymph nodes — and requires a centre with experience in this combined approach.
Most surgical decisions in lung cancer begin with a tissue diagnosis. Where biopsy is required, two private pathways are available at London Bridge Hospital.
Precise biopsy of small peripheral lung lesions through the airways — without surgical incision. London Bridge Hospital was the first centre in Europe to offer ION outside clinical trials. Usually a day case.
Read more → Combined Biopsy & SurgeryFor carefully selected fit patients with small peripheral tumours, biopsy and curative robotic surgery can be performed under a single anaesthetic. Surgery only proceeds if the in-theatre preliminary assessment justifies it.
Read more →Most lung cancer pathways involve multiple handoffs between teams: respiratory physician for initial assessment; bronchoscopy team for tissue diagnosis; multidisciplinary team meeting; surgical team for resection; oncology for adjuvant treatment. Each handoff introduces delay and the risk of dropped detail.
In private practice with Dr Okiror, the same consultant reviews the imaging, performs the diagnostic bronchoscopy where needed, undertakes the surgery, and oversees post-operative care. Multidisciplinary discussion remains a fortnightly fixture at the London Bridge Hospital chest MDT — the specialist input is preserved. The team continuity is not.
This matters most in lung cancer, where decisions at each stage depend on the precise findings of the previous one. A single consultant carrying the case through removes the risk of information loss between handoffs.
Both London Bridge Hospital and The Lister Hospital Chelsea hold the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical platform. The choice of hospital depends on the complexity of the case and patient convenience.
Primary base for diagnostic bronchoscopy and complex cases. ION robotic bronchoscopy is available privately at LBH only. Multimodality cases — including those involving prior chemoimmunotherapy — are treated here.
Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals 2026: London Bridge Hospital ranked #10 UK.
Dr Okiror’s second private operating base. Suitable for the majority of straightforward robotic and keyhole lung cancer resections, where ION bronchoscopy or multimodality treatment is not part of the pathway.
Consultations and follow-up can take place at whichever hospital is more convenient.
Outpatient consultations are also available at the HCA clinics in Canary Wharf (40 Bank Street) and the City of London (Old Broad Street). Surgery and overnight care take place at London Bridge Hospital or The Lister Chelsea.
Most private patients are seen within 2–3 days of contacting the practice. Self-referrals are welcome — patients may self-refer directly. For patients moving from NHS to private care, scan images and reports are reviewed at the first appointment.
Initial consultations are from £250. Where ongoing diagnostic or surgical care is needed, transparent estimates are provided in advance by Jo Mitchelson, Dr Okiror’s PA, before any commitment is made.
A second opinion service is also available for patients who have been seen elsewhere and want a personal review of imaging, pathology, MDT decisions, and surgical recommendations before committing to a treatment plan.
Dr Okiror is recognised by all major UK private medical insurers, including:
Self-pay patients are equally welcome. Pre-authorisation and cost transparency are arranged in advance through Jo on 020 7952 2882.
A guide price for a robotic lobectomy at London Bridge Hospital is £25,000–£30,000, covering hospital, surgeon and anaesthetist fees for an uncomplicated stay. Hospital charges are the largest part of the total. The hospital issues a written fixed quote after consultation and before treatment, and that quote is the figure that applies. All guide prices and how fees work → Robotic segmentectomy is in the same range, £25,000–£30,000, and pneumonectomy is £30,000–£38,000. ION robotic bronchoscopy, where tissue is still needed, is £9,500–£10,500.
Dr Okiror is recognised by AXA Health, Bupa, Aviva, Vitality, WPA and Cigna, and by most other UK and international insurers. If you have private medical insurance, Dr Okiror and the hospital bill your insurer directly, and insurers usually settle the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetist fees in full, less any excess written into your policy. Please confirm with your insurer that your policy covers treatment at London Bridge Hospital or The Lister before your first appointment. Self-paying patients are equally welcome.
How quickly treatment happens. Surgery is usually within a week of completing investigations. Patients who already have their tests can be booked for surgery within days of their consultation. Urgent cases can be booked for surgery within 48 hours. Patients who are unwell and attend the Urgent Care Centre at London Bridge Hospital are admitted directly to the ward, and surgery is usually within 48 hours. Transfers from NHS hospitals are arranged by the HCA Medical Concierge team.
Common questions from patients and referring physicians about private lung cancer surgery in London.
Book a Consultation →Or call Jo Mitchelson:
020 7952 2882
Appointments within 2–3 days. Surgery at London Bridge Hospital and The Lister Hospital Chelsea. Outpatient consultations also at Canary Wharf and the City of London. Self-referrals welcome.
Jo Mitchelson, 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
Whole lymph nodes removed as a day case when EBUS has not answered the question — lymphoma, molecular testing, staging
Sleeve ResectionLung-sparing reconstruction of the airway for central tumours — the alternative to removing a whole lung
PneumonectomyWhen removing the whole lung is the correct operation — indications, fitness assessment, and life with one lung
Robotic Lung Surgeryda Vinci robotic thoracic surgery for lung cancer and lung nodules — technique, evidence, and outcomes
Lung Nodule Precision PathwayFrom scan review to surgery if needed — the integrated private pathway, one consultant throughout
Targeted Lung Health CheckWhat to do after a screening result, and how the programme is changing lung cancer presentation