Mr Tom Routledge
- Leading expertise and state-of-the-art expertise
- Specialist surgical care with a personal approach
- Proven outcomes with faster healing
Pioneering techniques tailored to your needs
Every patient is unique, and so is Mr Routledge’s approach to your treatment. He offers a wide range of thoracic surgical procedures – including highly complex robotically assisted surgery.
His focus is always on achieving the best possible outcome for each patient, with the least disruption. His use of advanced technology, along with his calm, compassionate approach helps patients feel informed and supported throughout their treatment, while delivering consistently better patient outcomes than traditional open surgery.
Mr Routledge also recognises that exceptional results start with an exceptional team. He works with experienced thoracic specialists, all of whom are trained in advanced robotically assisted techniques.
You can find information on the conditions Mr Routledge treats below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t worry, you can get in touch and a member of the team will be happy to help.
- 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)
- Surgical treatment of chest wall and rib trauma or pain
- Robotically assisted diaphragmatic plication (for diaphragmatic paralysis)
- Robotically assisted sympathectomy (for hyperhidrosis)
Surgical removal of lung tumours – primary or secondary (metastatic)
Mr Routledge and the anaesthetic team will review your medical history and medications in detail, and you’ll have a thorough assessment including scans, blood tests and lung function tests. If you’re a smoker, you’ll be advised to stop, and you may also have to pause certain medications, such as blood thinners.
A few days before surgery, the team will confirm your admission time and provide instructions on fasting (when to stop eating and drinking before the operation) and what to bring with you.
You’ll arrive at the hospital, usually early in the morning, and be welcomed by the nursing team. They’ll check your details, review your consent form, confirm when you last ate or drank and help you get ready for theatre.
Before surgery, you’ll see Mr Routledge and your anaesthetist, who will talk you through the procedure and answer any questions you have. They’ll make sure you’re comfortable and fully understand what’s about to happen.
The procedure will be carried out under general anaesthetic and, wherever possible, Mr Routledge will use robotic or minimally invasive techniques to remove the tumour precisely while minimising pain, scarring and recovery time.
When the operation is complete, you’ll be moved to the recovery area, where you’ll be closely monitored as you wake up. The team will check in with you at regular intervals and you’ll have oxygen support and pain relief as needed.
Surgery for other chest tumours (benign and malignant)
Mr Routledge will talk through your diagnosis, the type of tumour and the treatment plan. He’ll also be able to answer any questions you may have about the surgery. Imaging, such as a CT or MRI scan will give him a detailed picture of the tumour’s size and location. You may also have blood tests and, in some cases, lung function tests to assess your general health and readiness for surgery. If you’re a smoker, you’ll be advised to stop, and you may also have to pause certain medications, such as blood thinners.
A few days before surgery, the team will confirm your admission time and provide instructions on fasting (when to stop eating and drinking before the operation) and what to bring with you.
You’ll check in to the hospital, usually in the morning, and be welcomed by the nursing team. They’ll confirm your details, review your consent form and help you get ready for theatre.
Before your operation, you’ll meet with Mr Routledge and your anaesthetist, who will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. They’ll ensure you’re fully informed, comfortable and confident about the plan for your surgery.
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic. Whenever suitable, Mr Routledge uses robotically assisted or minimally invasive techniques to remove the tumour safely and precisely, helping to reduce discomfort, scarring, and recovery time.
Robotically assisted diagnostic biopsy of lung nodules (Ion™ System)
You’ll be welcomed by the nursing team, who will check your details and help you get ready. Before the procedure begins, you’ll see Mr Routledge and your anaesthetist. They’ll go over the plan again, answer any final questions, and make sure you’re completely at ease.
You’ll be prepared under sedation or light general anaesthesia. Using the Ion™ robotic bronchoscopy system, Mr Routledge can navigate precisely to the nodule and take a tissue sample through a tiny airway scope, even from hard-to-reach areas of the lung. The procedure is safe, minimally invasive, and typically quicker than traditional biopsy methods.
You’ll rest in recovery while you’re breathing, and your vital signs are checked. Most patients can go home the same day or after a short stay. Results are usually ready within a few days and will guide any next steps.
Afterwards, you’ll be moved to a recovery area, where nurses will monitor your breathing, oxygen levels, and make sure you’re comfortable as you wake up. Most patients are able to go home the same day, though occasionally an overnight stay may be recommended for observation.
Treatment of pleural effusions
Before treating a pleural effusion, Mr Routledge will carry out a full assessment to understand the cause and choose the safest and most effective approach for you. You’ll have imaging, usually a chest X-ray or CT scan, to confirm the presence of fluid and see how much is there. This information will help guide Mr Routledge in planning treatment.
Mr Routledge will review your medical history, current medications and any allergies. He may advise you to pause blood-thinning medicines for a few days before the procedure. You’ll also receive instructions about fasting and what to bring with you on the day.
On arrival, the nursing team will check your details and explain the steps. Before the procedure, you’ll meet Mr Routledge and your anaesthetist to discuss what to expect, answer any questions you have at this stage and confirm your consent.
The procedure involves draining fluid from around the lung using a fine needle, small drainage tube, or keyhole surgery, depending on your situation. You might have a local anaesthetic with sedation or a general – either way, you’ll be closely monitored throughout.
Management of pneumothorax (collapsed lung repair)
On arrival, the nursing team will check your details and explain the steps. Before the procedure, you’ll meet Mr Routledge and your anaesthetist to talk you through the planned procedure, answer any questions you have at this stage and confirm your consent.
You’ll be treated under local or general anaesthesia. Small pneumothoraces can often be managed with a chest tube, while larger or recurrent cases may need robotic or minimally invasive surgery to repair the lung and prevent recurrence.
After the procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery area or the ward, where we’ll closely monitor your breathing and oxygen levels.
You’ll receive pain relief to make breathing and moving easier, and you’ll be encouraged to do gentle breathing exercises to help your lung fully re-expand and prevent chest infections. Most patients start to feel more comfortable as the lung recovers over the next few days.
Once your lung is fully expanded and the air leak has stopped, you’ll be given advice on caring for your wound, resuming normal activities and what symptoms to look out for at home. We may also book a follow-up appointment or chest X-ray to check your ongoing recovery.
Surgical treatment of chest wall and rib trauma
Before your operation, you’ll have an assessment, often including blood tests, to make sure you’re fit for surgery. As well as reviewing your medical history, current medications and any allergies, Mr Routledge may advise you to pause blood-thinning medicines for a few days before the procedure.
Imaging such as X-rays or CT scans will give Mr Routledge a detailed picture of your ribs and chest, helping him to plan the best approach for your specific case. You’ll also receive instructions about fasting before the procedure, as well as what to bring with you on the day.
On the day of your surgery, you’ll be greeted by the nursing team, who will check your details and make sure you’re comfortable.
Next, you’ll meet Mr Routledge and your anaesthetist, who will review the plan with you, answer any questions, and confirm that you’re ready to proceed. They’ll ensure you’re fully informed, comfortable and confident about the plan for your surgery.
Most patients will be under a general anaesthetic for this type of surgery. Mr Routledge stabilises or repairs the affected ribs or soft tissue using robotic or minimally invasive techniques where suitable, an approach that helps to reduce pain and promote quicker healing.
After your surgery, you’ll be taken to the recovery area, where the team will closely monitor your breathing, oxygen levels and heart rate as you wake up from the anaesthetic.
Once you’re comfortable and stable, you’ll be transferred to the ward for further care and observation. Your recovery time will depend on the extent of your injuries, but most people begin to feel stronger within a few days. The team will let you know when you’re ready to go home, explain how to care for your wounds, and arrange a follow-up appointment to check your healing and recovery progress.
Robotically assisted diaphragmatic plication
Diaphragmatic plication is a surgical procedure to treat conditions such as diaphragmatic paralysis, by folding and suturing the diaphragm to a more normal position.
Before your operation, you’ll have an assessment, often including blood tests, to make sure you’re fit for surgery. As well as reviewing your medical history, current medications and any allergies, Mr Routledge may advise you to pause blood-thinning medicines for a few days before the procedure.
Before your surgery, Mr Routledge will give you a full assessment and discuss the details of the operation. This can include a review of your medical history, tests such as lung function studies, blood tests, X-rays or a CT scan to assess your diaphragm and your overall fitness for surgery.
When you arrive at the hospital, the nursing team will welcome you, confirm your details and help you get ready for theatre. You’ll also meet with Mr Routledge and your anaesthetist, who’ll talk you through the planned procedure – usually performed under general anaesthetic – and answer any questions you might have at this stage.
Mr Routledge uses robotically assisted techniques to carefully fold and secure the affected diaphragm through small, keyhole incisions. This restores its natural position and contour and improves breathing capacity while minimising disruption to nearby tissue. He’ll talk you through the benefits a robotically assisted approach can bring, such as smaller incisions, greater precision and faster recovery.
After your operation, you’ll be moved to a recovery area, where we’ll closely monitor your breathing and oxygen levels. You may have a small chest drain in place to remove any air or fluid from around the lung – this will usually be removed after a short time.
Pain relief will be provided to help you breathe deeply and move comfortably. The team will encourage gentle breathing and physiotherapy exercises to help your lung fully expand.
Most patients spend a day or two in hospital and are then able to return home with simple pain medication. You’ll receive advice on caring for your wounds, resuming normal activities, and when to attend your follow-up appointment.
Robotically assisted sympathectomy
Robotically assisted sympathectomy is a surgical procedure that Mr Routledge uses to treat conditions such as hyperhidrosis or facial blushing. Before the operation you’ll have pre-operative assessments, which may include imaging tests and a review of your medical history and any medications you’re taking. If you’re on blood-thinning medicines, Mr Routledge may ask you to pause these for a few days before the procedure.
When you arrive, the nursing team will check your details and help you prepare for surgery. You’ll see Mr Routledge and your anaesthetist, who will go through the planned procedure with you and answer any questions you may have.
The procedure is carried out using robotically assisted keyhole technology, and under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout. Working through tiny incisions, Mr Routledge gently interrupts the overactive sympathetic nerves responsible for excessive sweating or facial blushing. This technique allows for exceptional accuracy and control, which can help minimise side effects and speed recovery.
After your procedure, you’ll be moved to the recovery area, where we’ll closely monitor your breathing and oxygen levels. You may experience some mild chest or shoulder discomfort, which can be well controlled with simple pain relief.
Recovery is typically quick, with most patients able to go home the same day, or after an overnight stay. You’ll be encouraged to move around and take deep breaths as soon as you feel ready.
Most patients spend a day or two in hospital and are then able to return home with simple pain medication. You’ll receive advice on caring for your wounds, resuming normal activities, and when to attend your follow-up appointment to check your progress.