The Division of Digestive Surgery deals with surgical treatment, even in integrated multidisciplinary programs, of all digestive tumors: oesophageal tumors, gastric tumors, duodenum, small bowel, colorectal, anus, liver and pancreas carcinomas. The surgeons of the Division have also developed a specific competence for the treatment of abdominal sarcomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), neuroendocrine tumors of the digestive tract, the peritoneal carcinomatosis and pelvic recurrences.
A significant portion of routine clinical activity usually involves a close cooperation with other IEO clinical Divisions (Gynaecologic Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Urologic Surgery and Melanoma) in order to provide comprehensive care for oncologic diseases demanding skills and medical knowledge from different specialties (advanced ovarian carcinomas, oesophageal neoplasms extending into the abdomen, highgrade male pelvis tumours, visceral deposits of melanomas).
A significant part of the surgical procedures are carried out with a minimally invasive approach (laparoscopic and robotic), at present time regularly applied to the treatment of tumors arising from colon and rectum, stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas and adrenal glands.
The case histories of patients undergoing robotic surgery for the treatment of rectal cancer exceeds 300 cases treated and ranks among the most numerous in the world.
The Division includes the following units: Multidisciplinary Surgical Techniques Unit and Innovative Surgical Techniques Unit