London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Mr Tom Routledge
MA (Cantab), BM BCh (Oxon), FRCS CTh
- One of the UK and Europe’s leading thoracic surgeons
- A pioneer of minimally invasive surgery
- Surgical trainer and mentor for robotic techniques across Europe
A state-of-the-art approach with excellent outcomes
With a private practice at London Bridge Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, Mr Tom Routledge is one of Europe’s most experienced and pioneering thoracic surgeons. Having performed more than 2,000 robotically assisted procedures, and trained most of the UK’s practising robotic thoracic surgeons, his depth of expertise comes from years at the forefront of the field and is truly unrivalled.
Over nearly a decade of high-volume robotic practice, Mr Routledge’s work has helped define robotic thoracic surgery in the UK. Combining these state-of-the-art techniques with compassionate patient care, he has helped thousands of patients just like you through complex surgery with excellent outcomes, a faster recovery and minimal discomfort.
Thoracic surgery is the medical speciality concerned with surgical procedures in the chest. That includes the lungs, pleura, chest wall, diaphragm and mediastinum (the area between the lungs). It includes both minimally invasive and open procedures to treat conditions such as lung cancer, chest tumours, trauma, and breathing disorders.
Mr Routledge’s unmatched experience in case volume and leadership in robotic innovation mean his patients have access to the safest, most effective procedures available in the UK.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a thoracic surgeon:
- Persistent breathlessness or shortness of breath
- Unexplained or ongoing chest pain
- A cough that doesn’t go away
- Unusual swelling or lumps in the chest
These symptoms could be indicative of conditions such as lung nodules, chest tumours, pleural effusions or a collapsed lung.
A consultation with Mr Routledge can give you clarity, reassurance and access to the most advanced diagnostic and surgical care available – including the latest robotically assisted techniques designed to minimise pain and speed recovery, all delivered by one of Europe’s leading experts in the field.
Yes, they will. Outstanding outcomes depend on outstanding teams. Mr Routledge works with a hand-picked inpatient team of thoracic-specialist anaesthetists, nurses and surgical care practitioners trained specifically in robotically assisted techniques.
Robotically assisted surgery requires seamless collaboration between surgeon and team, and Mr Routledge’s operating group has performed more high-volume, complex cases than any other in the UK independent sector.
Beyond the operating room, you’ll benefit from coordinated multidisciplinary input, including respiratory physicians, oncologists, physiotherapists and specialist thoracic nurses from across the HCA UK network – all of which helps to ensure every aspect of your care is expert, joined-up and fully personalised to your needs.
Early diagnosis for prompt, effective care
Through his practice at London Bridge Hospital, Mr Routledge provides access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools rarely available elsewhere in the independent sector. A common finding after a lung CT scan is a small, unexpected nodule – something that may be harmless, but could be an early sign of cancer. Traditionally, patients are advised to wait months for a follow-up scan, a period often filled with uncertainty and anxiety.
Mr Routledge was the first surgeon in Europe to introduce the Ion™ robotic navigational bronchoscopy system, a major advance that allows highly accurate, minimally invasive diagnosis of even the smallest lung nodules. This technology enables patients to get rapid answers – often within a single procedure – providing immediate reassurance when findings are benign, or swift access to surgery when needed.
It’s precision medicine in practice, defined by accuracy, safety and a genuine commitment to improving patient care.
Diagnostic tests and scans Mr Routledge offers include:
Expert insight – no matter how complex the condition
Mr Routledge cares for patients with a wide range of thoracic conditions – from small lung nodules and early cancers to more complex chest wall, pleural and diaphragm problems. He also treats rare conditions such as thymomas and other benign or malignant tumours within the chest.
A diagnosis can feel worrying, particularly when it’s unexpected, but you’ll be in expert hands. With decades of experience and a leading role in advancing minimally invasive and robotically assisted thoracic surgery, Mr Routledge brings deep knowledge and a calm, steady manner to even the most complex situations.
His focus is always on understanding your condition clearly, explaining your options and creating a plan that feels right for you. That means combining medical expertise with kindness, honesty and a genuine commitment to your recovery and peace of mind.
Conditions Mr Routledge treats include:
- Lung cancer (primary and secondary / metastatic)
- Benign and malignant chest tumours, including thymoma
- Undiagnosed or incidental lung nodules
- Pleural effusions (fluid around the lung)
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Chest wall and rib trauma or pain (with or without fracture)
- Diaphragmatic paralysis
- Excessive sweating or facial blushing
Precision surgery, proven outcomes
Precision surgery for a faster recovery
Mr Routledge offers the full spectrum of thoracic treatments, from surgery for lung cancer and other tumours to procedures for chest wall, diaphragm and pleural conditions – even for cases other teams may consider inoperable. Every treatment plan is designed around the individual patient – combining clinical excellence with compassion and clear communication at every stage.
Robotically assisted surgery allows procedures to be performed through very small incisions with exceptional accuracy, and typically means less pain, fewer complications and a quicker return to everyday life for his patients.
Working with a highly specialised team at London Bridge Hospital, he’ll ensure you have the benefits of state-of-the-art technology within a calm, patient-centred environment. Whether you need complex cancer surgery or a procedure for a benign chest condition, you’ll receive expert care focused on safety, recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Treatments Mr Routledge offers include:
- Surgical removal of lung tumours (primary or secondary/metastatic)
- Surgery for other chest tumours (benign and malignant)
- Robotically assisted diagnostic biopsy of lung nodules using the Ion™ robotic bronchoscopy system
- Treatment of pleural effusions
- Management of pneumothorax (collapsed lung repair)
- Surgical treatment of chest wall and rib trauma or pain
- Robotically assisted diaphragmatic plication
- Robotically assisted sympathectomy
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Thoracic surgery FAQs
Minimally invasive thoracic surgery uses small incisions and specialised instruments to perform complex operations. This usually results in a better outcome for the patient, including less pain and a faster recovery – which means a shorter stay in hospital for many. Robotically assisted surgery adds precision and control, allowing the surgeon to operate in tight or difficult areas with increased safety and accuracy.
As mentioned, robotically assisted surgery is carried out using smaller incisions. This, in turn, means less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays and a faster return to day-to-day activity for the majority of patients.
It also allows surgeons to perform complex procedures more safely and accurately, even in cases where conventional minimally invasive techniques may prove challenging.
During your consultation, Mr Routledge will take the time to talk to you about your medical history, any current symptoms you might be experiencing, and test results you may have.
If necessary, he’ll arrange for an assessment with imaging and lung function tests, and discuss the potential treatments open to you, the expected outcomes and any associated risks. This way, you’re completely informed at every stage and can feel confident that you’re having the safest and most effective approach for your condition.
Preparation will usually involve a series of blood tests, imaging scans and lung function tests. You may need to adjust some of your medications (if you have any), stop smoking and follow some straightforward pre-operative instructions. This is important to optimise your recovery and minimise any risk.
Mr Routledge and his team will give you detailed guidance, tailored to your procedure and individual health needs.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure you’re having. Most patients who have minimally invasive or robotically assisted surgery will typically experience less pain and a quicker recovery.
Post-operative care can include help with pain management, physiotherapy, breathing exercises and follow-up appointments to check how you’re healing and assess your lung function.
Yes, they are. Age alone isn’t a barrier to surgery. Mr Routledge will assess your overall health, lung function and any coexisting conditions you may have in order to plan surgery as safely as possible. Minimally invasive and robotically assisted techniques are often particularly beneficial for older patients, reducing pain, complications and promoting a faster recovery.
Your suitability will depend on your diagnosis, overall health and the complexity of the procedure you need.
Mr Routledge will assess any imaging and lung function test results and consider any other health factors. He’ll then talk you through whether a robotically assisted or minimally invasive approach offers the best outcomes for your individual case. Rest assured, you’ll be fully informed at every stage.
The outcomes of any procedure will depend on your condition, your current health and the specific procedure you need.
Evidence shows that high-volume, experienced teams, especially those using minimally invasive or robotically assisted techniques, achieve excellent results with fewer complications, less pain, and faster recovery.
Get in touch
Booking an appointment couldn’t be simpler. You can arrange a consultation at a time that suits you either on the phone or via email.
How to find us
Tuesdays from 9.30am – 12.00pm
“I’ve got nothing but positive things to say about Mr Routledge, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him as a surgeon.”
““Beyond a Surgeon – A Steady Hand in the Storm. There are doctors who perform surgeries, and then there are those rare few who walk with you through the storm.”
“Words cannot do justice to my experience with Mr Routledge. He was an exceptional support during both of my lung surgeries recently, from pre-care, honest guidance, compassion and empathy, to post-care check in and follow ups.”