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

 

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
5th December 2020


I would definitely recommend Mr Thiruchelvam to anyone. It's a scary situation to be in, but I felt positive that all options were offered to me and thankfully resolved. I felt I was extremely well informed, with Mr Thiruchelvam giving his time to explain everything and allowing me to ask any questions that I had. I was extremely impressed with the timescale especially during this pressured time for the NHS, which was just over 2 weeks from biopsy results to surgery. A problem which has been worrying me for a couple of months can now be forgotten thanks to Mr Thiruchelvam!

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
23rd November 2020


I can't praise Dr Thiruchelvam highly enough. I have seen him on all of my visits which was reassuring. He discussed each step with me giving me my options without any bias. After some thought I decided to have a mastectomy and I can honestly say I have been amazed by the speed of my recovery. I was home within a few hours of coming out of the operating theatre and I only took painkillers on the first day as I haven't needed any since. I was given very helpful information sheets at each stage by Stephanie my breast care nurse so I knew what to expect. The whole process from my first mammogram to mastectomy was only one month, amazing especially considering the Covid restrictions. I did google Dr T before my operation and was given confidence by what I read. Since having my operation I can now say that confidence was very well placed and I would definitely recommend him to anyone needing breast surgery.

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
19th November 2020


I cannot recommend Mr Paul Thiruchelvam highly enough! When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer he was both reassuring, practical and always professional. He was extremely informative and kind when he explained my both my procedures thoroughly before carrying them out which put me at ease when I was very anxious. I would like to say that all of Mr Paul Thiruchelvam’s team were brilliant and have been supportive, caring and kind at all times. I would also like to take the opportunity to specifically mention Breast Nurse Orla O’Neill who was wonderful and a true credit to the NHS, so, so supportive.

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
10th November 2020


I have seen Paul for multiple appointments following a breast cancer diagnosis in April 2020. I thoroughly appreciate his complete honesty in relation to all benefits and risks/possible side effects of the relevant treatment and surgery options as it has allowed me to feel involved in the decision making process while being fully aware of the implications. I have never felt rushed during an appointment despite Paul’s extremely busy schedule. He has allowed me to ask any questions I have and has happily run through queries multiple times with clear answers. Paul recently performed a double mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction as well as sentinel node biopsy for me. My operation took place in the evening meaning I only woke up quite late, however Paul and the other surgeon came past at 10pm to check in and let me know how the operation went. I am extremely impressed and happy with the results 4 weeks post op. Amidst the issues experienced as a result of Covid-19, Paul has made every effort to ensure I get the best treatment available by adjusting my plan appropriately and advocating for availability of relevant options. This has taken a lot of stress off my plate and been extremely appreciated.

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Written by a patient at Charing Cross Hospital
9th November 2020


I had a multi focal breast cancer on one breast and needed a mastectomy after months of chemotherapy. Paul was the surgeon assigned to my case and after many difficult moments when I had to choose between implants and flap. Paul explained the many risks which accompany both procedures and was very keen for me not to be influenced by him or the plastic surgeon to make a decision, which was hard for me as I did not feel I had the expertise to make such a decision. However, once I chose the implant reconstruction, things started to fall into place and the operation happened. It went extremely well, and the result is amazing: Paul managed to save my nipple and the scars are very discreet. The reconstructed breast looks like the normal breast, even now only 2 weeks after the operation. My family was very impressed and relieved and we all believe that I was extremely lucky to have Paul as a surgeon as he is really brilliant at what he does, takes great pride in it and is very involved in the process. The only comment I would make is that at times before the operation, Paul seemed a bit clinical and maybe lacked empathy; but it may have been a temporary thing as Paul is now a lot more emotionally involved. I trust him completely and would highly recommend him and his work.

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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.