Neil graduated from Cardiff in 1982 and underwent specialist ENT training in London, Australia, South Africa and USA. He was appointed Consultant Surgeon at St Mary’s in 1994. He pioneered head and neck robotic surgery in the UK. He was the first surgeon to use robotic techniques for the treatment of cancer, sleep apnoea and for surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. He has a national and international reputation in his field and is lead for ENT training in North Thames. He has in excess of 160 peer-reviewed publications and has supervised several PhD, MD and MSc students. His specialist area of interest is thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Latest Contribution


Anxiety and acronyms – musings of an otolaryngologist

Personal protective equipment (PPE) has been a focus of attention and concern for healthcare workers around the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neil Tolley discusses some of the issues. I write this article in mid-May when, were it not for...


The Surgical Skills Centre in BACO 2018: pride of place

Simulation in medical training is gaining prominence with every passing year, and BACO will have a large space showcasing this area. We hear from the organisers. In recognition of the developing importance of simulation in surgical training, BACO 2018 has...


Surgical challenges in advanced or recurrent thyroid malignancy

The management of thyroid malignancy and extent of surgery is controversial, especially considering the limitations of preoperative diagnosis. Neil Tolley provides guidance and reminds us of our responsibility not to over-treat. In the UK, 16% of thyroidectomies are performed for...


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