Consultant Thoracic Surgeon · London
Expert chest and lung surgery. Urgent cases seen same day. Others within 24–48 hours.
If you are on an NHS waiting list, have a scan result that needs answering urgently, or have been told surgery is not possible — a specialist consultation often changes the picture. Urgent cases are seen the same day or within hours. Routine new referrals within 24–48 hours. Mr Scarci treats both malignant and benign chest conditions — lung cancer surgery, pneumothorax, chest wall repair, pleural disease, rib fixation, and more.
Mr Marco Scarci
MD(Hons) FRCS(Eng) FCCP FACS FEBTS
Consultant Thoracic Surgeon
Imperial College NHS Healthcare
★★★★★ 100+ verified reviews
About Mr Marco Scarci
A surgeon who stays with you throughout.
Mr Scarci is a consultant thoracic surgeon at Imperial College NHS Healthcare and sees private patients at five London hospitals — The London Clinic, Bupa Cromwell, The Wellington Hospital, HCA Elstree, and Imperial Private Healthcare.
He specialises in minimally invasive VATS and robotic-assisted surgery for both malignant and benign thoracic conditions — lung cancer, pneumothorax, chest wall deformities, pleural disease, rib problems, diaphragmatic conditions, and the full range of thoracic surgery. He has performed over 5,000 minimally invasive procedures and has more than 170 peer-reviewed publications.
What makes Mr Scarci’s practice different is continuity. He sees you at consultation, performs your surgery personally, calls you with your biopsy results, and reviews your recovery. There is no relay through different team members at each stage.
Read full biography →Who comes to Mr Scarci
Three types of patients — all seen within one week
Most patients fit into one of these groups. Wherever you are in your journey, the first step is the same: a consultation where your situation is reviewed properly.
On a long NHS waiting list
You have a condition — lung cancer, recurring collapsed lung, pleural fluid, or a chest wall problem — and the NHS appointment is weeks or months away. Private care offers a different timeline. A consultation within one week, surgery within days of a confirmed plan.
What private thoracic surgery looks like →Told surgery isn’t possible
You or a family member has received a lung cancer diagnosis or been told you are not a surgical candidate. A second specialist opinion — reviewing all existing imaging and staging — frequently changes this assessment. Mr Scarci sees many patients referred as inoperable where surgery proves viable.
About second opinions →Years of unexplained symptoms
Chronic rib pain dismissed as muscular. Recurring pneumothorax never properly investigated. Breathlessness attributed to other causes. A significant proportion of Mr Scarci’s patients have been seeking a correct diagnosis and a plan for years before finding one here.
Unexplained chest and rib pain →Understand your symptoms
Not sure what’s causing your pain? You’re not alone.
Many patients spend months seeing different doctors without getting a clear answer. This short checker helps you understand what your symptoms might mean — and what to do next.
If you've been told surgery isn't possible — please read this.
A lung cancer "inoperable" verdict is not always final. It depends on who is reviewing the case, what surgical options they have experience with, and what the imaging actually shows when reviewed by a specialist with a full VATS and robotic programme. A meaningful proportion of patients referred to Mr Scarci as inoperable have surgery — successfully.
The only cost of seeking a second opinion is a consultation fee and a week of your time. The downside of not seeking one is potentially greater.
Request a Second Opinion →My promise to every patient
You won't leave your consultation without answers and a clear next step.
A cancer diagnosis — or any serious chest condition — creates uncertainty and urgency in equal measure. My commitment is straightforward: when you meet with me, you will leave with a clear understanding of your diagnosis, a thorough explanation of every treatment option available to you, and a specific plan with a timeline.
One of the things I value most about this work is getting to know the people I look after — and their families. A diagnosis affects everyone around you, not just you. I take time with that.
Why patients choose private care with Mr Scarci
These are concrete, verifiable differences — not generic claims about quality.
Urgent cases seen same day
If you have an urgent scan result, rapidly recurring pneumothorax, or a time-sensitive diagnosis, same-day and next-day appointments are available. Routine new referrals within 24–48 hours.
Urgent: same day · Routine: 24–48 hoursYour scans reviewed before you arrive
All existing CT, MRI, PET scans, and clinical letters are reviewed by Mr Scarci before your consultation. You arrive at an appointment where the clinical picture is already understood.
Diagnosis and plan at the first appointmentThe same surgeon throughout
Mr Scarci sees you at consultation, performs your surgery personally, calls you with biopsy results, and conducts your post-operative review. No relay between different team members.
Continuity from first appointment to final follow-upSurgery in days, not months
From a confirmed surgical plan to an operating date is typically 3–5 days for most elective procedures. For lung cancer patients, this compression is clinically significant.
NHS pathway: weeks to months · Private: 3–5 daysBiopsy results within 24 hours
Results are reviewed by Mr Scarci and discussed with you personally by telephone — within 24 hours of the laboratory report. You do not wait weeks for a routine clinic appointment.
No letters. No waiting to understand your results.All major insurers — practice handles everything
The practice team verifies your coverage, obtains pre-authorisation, and bills your insurer directly. You pay your policy excess. 0% finance available for self-pay patients.
Bupa · AXA · Aviva · Vitality · Cigna · WPA · HealixFive London locations
Consultations across The London Clinic, Bupa Cromwell, The Wellington Hospital, HCA Elstree, and Imperial Private Healthcare — Monday through Thursday.
No GP referral needed · Remote consultations availableNHS entitlement completely unaffected
Going private does not change your NHS rights. Many patients have surgery privately and continue NHS oncology, chemotherapy, or follow-up. Mr Scarci coordinates handover personally.
Private surgery and NHS care are not mutually exclusiveConditions treated
Lung cancer, benign chest conditions, and chest wall surgery in London
Mr Scarci's practice covers both malignant and benign thoracic conditions — lung cancer surgery, pneumothorax, chest wall deformities, rib conditions, pleural disease, and diaphragmatic surgery.
Lung Cancer Surgery
VATS lobectomy, wedge resection, segmentectomy, robotic resection, second opinions
Lung Cancer Second Opinion
Surgical candidacy reassessment, MDT review, staging re-evaluation
Pneumothorax
VATS bullectomy, pleurodesis, recurrent collapsed lung
Pleural Effusion & Pleurodesis
Talc pleurodesis, VATS biopsy, indwelling pleural catheter
Rib Fractures
Titanium rib plating (SSRF), flail chest, multiple fractures
Slipping Rib Syndrome
Costal cartilage resection, Hooking Maneuver diagnosis
Thymoma & Thymectomy
VATS and robotic thymectomy, myasthenia gravis
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
First rib resection, scalenectomy, TOS decompression
Diaphragmatic Plication
VATS plication for phrenic nerve injury, diaphragm paralysis
Empyema Surgery
VATS drainage, decortication, pleural space clearance
Chest Wall Deformities
Nuss procedure, pectus excavatum and carinatum correction
Hyperhidrosis & Facial Blushing
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS)
Catamenial Pneumothorax
Thoracic endometriosis, diaphragmatic repair
Sternal Fractures
Titanium plate fixation, cardiac assessment, sternal nonunion
Unexplained Chest & Rib Pain
Costochondritis, intercostal neuralgia, chest wall pain
View all conditions
Full list of thoracic conditions treated by Mr Scarci in London
What patients say about Mr Scarci
"As a Doctor, I can say with utmost confidence that you will simply not find a cardiothoracic surgeon with the same depth and breadth of knowledge as Mr Marco Scarci. I am travelling to him from the United States despite being affiliated with Johns Hopkins — and my husband is a pulmonary and critical care physician at Brown. He deserves to be in the surgical hall of fame."
"I had rib pain for 6 years, bounced around the NHS without a diagnosis. At consultation, within minutes he knew what the problem was — slipping rib syndrome. Surgery the following week. Two weeks later I'm almost back to full health. Simply amazing."
"My local hospital said the thymoma was inoperable. Mr Scarci reassured me it was resectable. I was booked for surgery the following week and he successfully removed the entire tumour. A big thank you — wonderful surgeon."
"I have just had a remote consultation with Mr Scarci. I am completely stunned. In one consultation he offered clarity on conditions I've been trying to get help for for two years, and a positive plan forward."
How the process works
For patients unfamiliar with private care, here is exactly what happens — step by step.
First contact
Call, book online, or WhatsApp. Namita confirms your appointment, checks your insurance, and requests any existing scans.
Consultation
Mr Scarci has already reviewed your imaging. You leave with a diagnosis, options, and a written plan.
Pre-operative workup
Any additional tests arranged. Insurance pre-auth obtained. Operating date confirmed.
Surgery
Mr Scarci personally performs your operation. VATS or robotic approach where clinically appropriate.
Results & recovery
Mr Scarci calls with biopsy results personally. Post-operative review scheduled. Full recovery support.
Where to find Mr Scarci
Choose the day and location that works for you. The clinical care is identical at every site.
The Wellington Hospital
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
8A Wellington Place, St John's Wood, NW8 9LE
The London Clinic
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
20 Devonshire Place, Marylebone, W1G 6BW
HCA Elstree
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Beaufort House, Elstree Road, Borehamwood, WD6 3BS
Imperial Private Healthcare
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, W12 0HS
Bupa Cromwell Hospital
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
164–178 Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW5 0TU
Ready to book — or just have a question?
Use the booking portal if you're ready to confirm a consultation date. Use the form if you'd prefer to ask a question first — the practice team responds the same business day.
Book a consultation directly
Confirm your appointment online in under two minutes. Choose your preferred location and date. Namita will confirm within hours and check your insurance before you attend.
Send a message
Tell us about your situation and what you need. The practice team responds the same business day. Your details are never shared.
The first step takes less than two minutes.
Book online, call, or send a WhatsApp message. Urgent cases are seen the same day or within hours. Routine new patients within 24–48 hours. Cancer, benign chest conditions, chest wall surgery — all treated. No GP referral needed. No waiting.
020 7459 4367
