Mr Paul Thiruchelvam was awarded the iWantGreatCare certificate of excellence in 2024 for delivering outstanding care.

 

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Written by a NHS patient at Charing Cross Hospital
2nd May 2021


Dr Paul Thiruchelvam was the first doctor i spoke to when i was diagnosed with breast cancer and he (with two other surgeons (dr. Leff and dr. Jonathan)) performed extensive surgery on me (double mastectomy, reconstructive, and LYMPHA). Throughout my treatment he treated me with patience and objectivity and I always had confidence in his expertise. He explained the details and prognosis of my triple negative condition clearly, which was hard to take, but it gave me confidence he told me the facts. He explained the pros and cons of all treatment options carefully and without pushing me in any direction, but making it possible for me to make well-considered decisions. He worked 8,5 hours on my surgery, which must have required enormous energy and concentration and the results were extremely satisfactory. There were no complications, my breast implants look very nice and i am very happy with the LYMPHA surgery which will reduce the risk of Lymphoedema. In the days after the surgery dr. Thiruchelvam came to check up on me to make sure everything was all right. Throughout my treatment, I was also supported by specialist nurse Ms. Orla O'Neill, who was very knowledgeable, patient and approachable. She would always be available to explain things in more detail and to answer questions during the treatment, both from me and my husband. All in all, my husband and I feel we could not have been in better hands.

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Written by a private patient at King Edward VII Hospital
9th April 2021


When I decided to move from the NHS to private care last December due to delays in my breast cancer treatment plan I was extremely anxious. Dr Paul Thiruchelvam had been highly recommended to me and I could not have had a better surgeon. Dr Paul was very thorough in every step of the way, from diagnosis to surgery (I had numerous imaging done as my tumour was not easily seen on the previous scans), he once said to me that 'We plan for the worst and hope for the best.' and I believe that is how you deal with cancer, you can't take any risks! He recommended neoadjuvant chemo and in the end I had complete pathological response which was fantastic! He has a very busy schedule but still took time to answer all my questions and believe me I had so many! Dr. Paul recently performed a double mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction as well as sentinel node biopsy for me. My operation was very challenging as I had had a mastopexy in the past, I was in theatre for 12hs and when I woke up I could see him and his team! He called my husband to say everything went to plan. I had an excellent recovery, left hospital on day 4 and I'm very pleased with the results 4 weeks post op. I appreciate so much the amazing work Dr Paul and his team have done and feel very safe that he will be the one following me up in the next few years. He is a wonderful surgeon and I recommend him to anyone needing breast surgery.

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Written by a NHS patient at Charing Cross Hospital
19th March 2021


I had full confidence in Mr Thiruchelvam. He was very clear as to my treatment options, and gave me time to consider which of the two recommended options I would go for. He answered my questions clearly, if perhaps a little starkly ("choosing x won't mean you die any sooner"). Having prepared myself for a considerable cosmetic change due to the placement of the tumour, I was delighted by the outcome of the surgery, as Mr Thiruchelvam chose a broad incision that left me with great shaping. Thoroughly recommend him, and indeed the whole team.

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Written by a NHS patient at Charing Cross Hospital
15th March 2021


Following my recent Mastectomy operation I have nothing but praise for my Consultant Breast Surgeon and his team at The Breast Services Unit at Charing Cross Hospital. At each of my Consultations Mr Theruchelvum was clear, courteous, professional and patient in his response to my various questions. I felt that I was not being rushed at any time. Following my operation he took the time to call my wife to explain that he was pleased with the way the the operation had gone. At a stressful time this his call was very important, and reassuring. In 12 months time I have a follow up Consultation with Mr Theruchelvum and I hope there will be a change in present circumstances ,which will allow me to shake his hand.

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Written by a NHS patient at Charing Cross Hospital
13th March 2021


Mr Thiruchelvam explained everything carefully to me and ensured I understood the surgery to be performed.I was very grateful to receive all the necessary pre op investigations efficiently and quickly at the height of the pandemic.I am very satisfied with the outcome of my surgery thanks to Mr Thiruchelvam and his team....all healed well and the appearance is just as he explained it would be! Many thanks to a dedicated surgeon!

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Profile

Paul is a Consultant Breast and Reconstructive Surgeon at Imperial College NHS Trust and an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Surgery at Imperial College, London.

He graduated from Imperial College in 2000 and undertook his Surgical Training in North West Thames, during which time he rotated through the breast units at Imperial College and The Royal Marsden. He completed his surgical training as a National Oncoplastic Group (TIG) fellow at the Nottingham Breast Institute, where he undertook research mapping the anatomy of chest wall perforator flaps (LICAP & LTAPs) in partial and total breast reconstruction.

Paul has undertaken travelling fellowships to the MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centers, and was awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Fellowship in 2016, visiting the United States and Japan to observe the use of axillary reverse mapping (ARM) and Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventing Healing Approach (LYMPHA) in primary lymphoedema prevention. Paul is actively involved in lymphedema prevention and surveillance.

As a member of the member of the expert panel on breast cancer related lymphoedema, he was involved in drafting best practice guidelines for the American Society of Breast Surgeons. He is the current Chair of oncoplastic breast surgery for the American College of Surgeons and the and serves on the oncoplastic faculty for the American Society of Breast Surgeons and teaches on Surgical Techniques for the Prevention and Management of Lymphedema for the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

Paul received his PhD in Molecular Oncology from Imperial College in 2010, under supervision from Professors Simak Ali, Laki Buluwela and Charles Coombes. He was awarded the first joint clinical research fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons and Cancer Research:UK to fund his research. He is actively involved in clinical trials, including the multi-centre PRADA trial.