Robotic Assisted Thoracic Surgery - Da Vinci Robot
Robotic Navigational Bronchoscopy ION

Mr Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos was part of the pioneering surgical team at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) that performed London’s first robotic thoracic procedure in December 2015. Building on this milestone, he later joined Cleveland Clinic London, where he performed the hospital’s very first robotic thoracic surgery following its opening in April 2022. 

Our team is one of the very few in London and United Kingdom fully trained and qualified to perform chest surgery with the Intuitive Da Vinci Robotic System.
 
Utilizing the most advanced technology today, the Da Vinci Robot provides the surgeon with enhanced vision, surgical precision, increased range of motion, dexterity and improved access to perform even the most complex surgeries such as:

  •   Lung resection (segmentectomy, lobectomy, metastases from other cancers and other complex lung resections)
  •   Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis
  •   Thymectomy for Thymoma, Thymic cyst, Thymic Carcinoma, Thymic lipoma
  •   Resection of other mediastinal masses (pericardial cyst, bronchogenic cyst, schwannoma, neurogenic tumours)
  •   Plication of the diaphragm for paralysed diaphragm, Repair of ruptured diaphragm, resection of endometriosis from diaphragm
  •   Robotic sympathectomy for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and long QT syndrome

Robotic Surgery is performed through tiny incisions between the ribs.

The benefits for the patient include: Less tissue trauma, less pain, shorter hospital stay, faster return to normal activity and less scarring.

Robotic Navigational Bronchoscopy ION

Early lung cancer detection is evolving.
Robotic navigational bronchoscopy allows us to reach small, hard-to-access lung nodules with exceptional precision—often avoiding more invasive procedures.

By combining advanced robotics, real-time navigation, and minimally invasive techniques, we can achieve more accurate diagnoses, improved safety, and faster recovery for patients.

Innovation in thoracic surgery isn’t just about technology—it’s about delivering better outcomes, earlier answers, and personalised care.