Somebody finally examined them
Several of these patients spent years being told their scans were normal. Slipping rib syndrome and costal cartilage injuries are diagnosed by hand, not by imaging.
How slipping rib is diagnosed →
Verified Patient Reviews · LondonThese are real, verified reviews from patients treated for lung cancer, rib conditions, pleural disease, chest wall problems, and more — across private hospitals in London.
From patients who travelled internationally to patients who waited years for the right diagnosis.
“ Surgery after other surgeons had refused ★★★★★“Mr Scarci operated on my ribs after others had refused to. He understood my concerns and was willing to discuss the technicalities in depth, which was reassuring. He is very well versed and is sharp with his knowledge. I can’t thank him enough for resolving my long-standing issue with my broken rib, which required plate fixation.”
“ Straight to the definitive option ★★★★★“Dr Marco at The Cromwell Hospital was very compassionate, caring, kind and very knowledgeable. As soon as he looked at my scans and found my problem, he straight away offered me definitive treatment, which was surgery. He understood that I am young and my pain could not be managed long term, so he cared to fix me permanently, which is so refreshing and has my respect. Other surgeons may take you on a journey through pain management, but Dr Marco got straight to the definitive option.”
“ 6 years of NHS bouncing — resolved ★★★★★“I had rib pain for 6 years, was bounced around NHS without diagnosis at my wits end. I was recommended to Mr Scarci — at consultation within minutes he knew what the problem was: slipping rib syndrome. Most importantly it could be fixed. Was then offered surgery date the next week. 2 weeks post surgery I am almost back to full health. I truly cannot recommend Mr Scarci highly enough — he is simply amazing!”
From first consultation to post-operative recovery — across all conditions and locations.
Showing all 20 reviews
“ Six years bounced around the NHS — diagnosed in minutes ★★★★★“I had rib pain for 6 years and was bounced around the NHS without a diagnosis, at my wits’ end. I was recommended to Mr Scarci — at consultation, within minutes, he knew what the problem was: slipping rib syndrome. Most importantly, it could be fixed. He recommended an ultrasound, the diagnosis was confirmed, and I was offered a surgery date the next week. Two weeks post-surgery I am almost back to full health. I truly cannot recommend Mr Scarci highly enough — he is simply amazing!”
“ “Finding him changed my world” ★★★★★“Dr Scarci is absolutely amazing. After being with another specialist, finding him changed my world. I’ve been diagnosed and treated for slipping rib syndrome, and feel so safe in his hands. Undergoing another operation soon, I have zero worries because I feel listened to and truly safe.”
“ Straight to the definitive option ★★★★★“Dr Marco at The Cromwell Hospital was very compassionate, caring, kind and very knowledgeable. As soon as he looked at my scans and found my problem, he straight away offered me definitive treatment, which was surgery. He understood that I am young and my pain could not be managed long term, so he cared to fix me permanently, which is so refreshing and has my respect. Other surgeons may take you on a journey through pain management, but Dr Marco got straight to the definitive option.”
“ Three years, five specialists, one examination ★★★★★“I’d seen five specialists over three years. Every scan was normal. I’d been told it was stress, then a pulled muscle. Mr Scarci did the hooking test in the first five minutes and said ‘I know exactly what this is.’ I cried with relief.”
“ Plate fixation after other surgeons had refused ★★★★★“Mr Scarci operated on my ribs after others had refused to. He understood my concerns and was willing to discuss the technicalities in depth, which was reassuring. He is very well versed and is sharp with his knowledge. I can’t thank him enough for resolving my long-standing issue with my broken rib, which required plate fixation.”
“ Back on the bike two weeks after rib surgery ★★★★★“I had surgery at the Cromwell Hospital two weeks ago with Mr Marco Scarci on my ribs. The staff at the hospital were amazing, but most of all was Mr Scarci’s confidence in what he does, which gave me so much confidence. I was out in two days and have already been back on the bike — indoors for now — and now start my build to race again.”
“ Nerve block within days of a cycling accident ★★★★★“I broke five ribs in a cycling accident and was sent home from A&E with tramadol. Two weeks later I was worse — I couldn’t sleep and I was terrified to cough. Mr Scarci saw me within four days, did a nerve block that week, and the change was immediate. I could finally breathe properly again.”
“ Correcting a rib injury caused elsewhere ★★★★★“Mr Scarci is excellent and I can’t recommend him highly enough. He and his colleagues are professional, friendly and exceptionally efficient. He is rectifying a broken rib caused by another surgeon that had left me in severe pain for months.”
“ Efficient from first consultation through to follow-up ★★★★★“From initial consultation, through the surgical procedure and follow-up care, everything has been handled by Mr Scarci with extreme efficiency and confidence. He has been kind and informative, always concerned that I understood my condition, what to expect following treatment and the prognosis. It is extremely reassuring to know that I may continue to refer back to him should I have any future queries.”
“ Operating within 24 hours of the CT scan ★★★★★“Mr Marco Scarci was outstanding from start to finish. Within 24 hours of the CT scan he was operating to repair my broken breastbone. His incredibly sympathetic and professional bedside manner meant I went into theatre full of confidence, and he was straight round to see me after the operation. The whole thing could not have gone better. He is the best surgeon I have encountered.”
“ Stress-free surgery, clear communication throughout ★★★★★“Clear and concise communication during the initial consultation, with excellent follow-up. The subsequent surgery was successful and stress-free due to a professional and empathetic approach. Highly recommended.”
“ Two years of unanswered questions, resolved in one consultation ★★★★★“I have just had a first, remote consultation with Mr Scarci. I am completely stunned and so, so happy to have found him. In one consultation he offered clarity on conditions I have been trying to speak to doctors about and get help for for some two years, and a positive plan forward.”
“ Honest about what imaging can and cannot show ★★★★★“The consultation was conducted in a professional and thorough manner. My symptoms and concerns were listened to carefully, and the possible diagnoses were explained clearly, including the limitations of imaging in my case. I appreciated the clear explanation of the proposed management plan, as well as the discussion of potential risks and benefits, which helped me make an informed decision.”
“ Walked out knowing how the problem would be fixed ★★★★★“Mr Marco Scarci was very patient and listened to me. He explained what the problem might be very clearly, and I walked out with a lot of confidence in how the problem will be fixed. Very happy.”
“ Diagnosis, explanation and options at the first appointment ★★★★★“Mr Scarci was very helpful. He diagnosed my condition, explained it, and informed me of the available treatments within the first consultation.”
“ Assembling the right team after a disabling accident ★★★★★“Dr Marco Scarci is a deeply knowledgeable, open-minded and empathetic surgeon. He has been tirelessly working to get the right surgical team together for me after an accident ten years ago that has left me severely disabled. He listens to details and solves problems to truly deliver the most optimal results. As a medical professional myself, I can tell you that finding a specialist like Dr Scarci is very rare, and it is a privilege to have him in my corner.”
“ Honest about the right procedure — not just any procedure ★★★★★“Mr Scarci was amazing. He asked me to come and visit him in person to look at my pectus excavatum. His knowledge is unquestionable. He explains everything so clearly and is honest about the right procedure for me. I can’t say a bad word about him — professional and caring throughout.”
“ Video consultation, then an in-person check before committing ★★★★★“This was a video consultation that ended with Mr Scarci wanting to see me in person to make sure the procedure needed is the correct one for me. Very professional, and I appreciate a consultant taking the time and effort to make sure everything is correct for me and my situation.”
“ A physician travelling from the United States ★★★★★“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. He is the most brilliant and compassionate cardiothoracic surgeon I have encountered. I am travelling to him from the United States despite the fact that I am 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.”
“ Reachable from abroad, at any point ★★★★★“As an international patient, I couldn’t have asked for better care. Mr Scarci is an exceptional surgeon — professional, compassionate and always available. He responds immediately to any concern, even from afar. Truly outstanding experience.”
These reviews are collected independently by Top Doctors UK and Doctify, where the full set for Mr Scarci’s whole practice — including lung and pleural surgery — can be read. Read all reviews on Top Doctors.
Several of these patients spent years being told their scans were normal. Slipping rib syndrome and costal cartilage injuries are diagnosed by hand, not by imaging.
How slipping rib is diagnosed →Patients repeatedly contrast a permanent fix with being cycled through pain management. Where a structural problem exists, it is treated as one.
Rib fracture treatment →Sternal fixation within 24 hours of a CT. Surgery offered the following week. With rib injuries, speed is not a luxury — it changes what the operation can achieve.
Book a consultation →A consultation gives you a clear diagnosis, a treatment plan, and direct access to a surgeon who will remain responsible for your care throughout.