International Patients · Overseas Referrals · Remote Consultations
Expert thoracic surgery for patients travelling to London.
Mr Scarci regularly sees patients from Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and beyond — for lung cancer surgery, second opinions, and complex thoracic conditions not available or not trusted at home. All initial consultations can be conducted remotely.
“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. He deserves to be in the surgical hall of fame.”
Physician patient · Johns Hopkins affiliation · verified Top Doctors review · December 2025
How it works for international patients
From first contact to surgery — the international pathway
The process is streamlined so that travel is minimised and every step has a clear timeline. Many international patients require only one trip to London.
Remote initial consultation — no travel required
Email your existing imaging (CT, PET, MRI), staging reports, histology results, and clinical letters to [email protected]. Mr Scarci reviews them in advance. A video consultation is then arranged at a time convenient across your time zone. You receive a clear assessment of your situation, all treatment options, and a recommendation — without travelling to London.
If surgery is recommended — travel planning begins
The practice team confirms which London hospital is most appropriate for your procedure and gives you a specific timeframe. Pre-operative investigations (blood tests, ECG, lung function) can often be arranged at a single clinic visit on arrival, minimising the number of trips required.
In-person consultation and pre-operative workup
A face-to-face consultation with Mr Scarci is arranged at your chosen hospital. Pre-operative investigations are completed. For most elective procedures, surgery can follow 2–5 days later — minimising the total time you need to spend in London.
Surgery, hospital stay, and discharge planning
All four hospitals have accommodation nearby and concierge services for patients and families. Hospital stays for VATS procedures are typically 2–5 days. Post-operative follow-up can be conducted remotely after discharge, with your local medical team sent a full operative and pathology report.
Remote follow-up and coordination with your home team
Biopsy results are discussed by video or phone. A full clinical summary, operative report, and pathology report are sent to your home medical team. Mr Scarci remains accessible for clinical questions during your recovery and coordinates with your oncologist or GP on any adjuvant treatment planning.
Common concerns for international patients
Questions we hear most often
In almost all cases, yes. CT scans, PET scans, MRI, and other imaging from your home country can be reviewed directly. Send DICOM files via secure link or on a disc. The quality of images from major medical centres worldwide is generally sufficient. Occasionally a repeat CT is needed if the existing scans are more than 6–8 weeks old.
International patients typically pay the full surgical fee directly (self-pay). A written all-in estimate — covering surgeon, anaesthesia, hospital stay, and post-operative review — is provided before any commitment. International health insurance (Cigna, Bupa International, AXA Global, Allianz, April International) is accepted and claims can be supported with full itemised invoicing.
This is one of the most common reasons international patients seek a second opinion in London. What constitutes “inoperable” varies significantly between centres based on available technique and surgical experience. A case considered too complex at one centre may be entirely routine at another with a full VATS and robotic programme. Please do not accept a single opinion on operability without verification by a specialist.
Yes. Family members are welcome at consultations and can be present for the entire process. Private single-room accommodation is standard at all four hospitals. Partner and family accommodation is available at hotels within walking distance of each hospital — the practice team can make recommendations for each location.
For a VATS procedure on an uncomplicated case, the typical minimum is 10–14 days in London: 2–3 days of pre-operative workup, surgery, 3–5 days in hospital post-operatively, and 3–5 days recovery before flying is safe. Open procedures require a longer stay. Remote pre-consultation before travelling can reduce total time on the ground significantly.
Short-haul flights (European destinations) are generally appropriate 5–7 days after uncomplicated VATS surgery. Long-haul flights (North America, Middle East, Asia) are typically safe from 2–4 weeks post-operatively after VATS, and 4–6 weeks after open surgery. Mr Scarci advises specifically on fitness to fly based on your procedure and recovery, and provides a fitness-to-fly letter for your airline and insurer if required.
Getting to London
Airport to hospital — which location suits you
Heathrow (LHR)
Recommended: Bupa Cromwell Hospital
30 min · Piccadilly line direct to Gloucester Road (5 min walk)
Gatwick (LGW)
Recommended: The Wellington Hospital or London Clinic
45–55 min · Gatwick Express + Victoria line to Baker St / St John’s Wood
City Airport (LCY)
Recommended: The London Clinic
35 min · Elizabeth line to Bond Street (10 min walk)
Stansted (STN)
Recommended: Any London location via Liverpool St
50 min to Liverpool St · then Tube or taxi
Start with a remote consultation.
Send your existing imaging and a summary of your situation. Mr Scarci reviews everything before a video call at a time that works for your time zone. No travel required at this stage.
