Digestive and Colon-Rectal Surgery

The Digestive and Colon-Rectal Surgery Unit treats abdominal surgical pathologies according to modern national and international guidelines. The surgical team consists of high-profile professionals with many years of experience in the field of Oncological Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery, Emergency Surgery and Organ Transplant Surgery. The activity focuses on abdominal surgery of the colorectal intestine, stomach and gastro-oesophageal junction, liver and pancreas with particular reference to the treatment of cancers and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

All patients are managed according to multidisciplinary guidelines that involve the specialties involved in the treatment process (oncology, radiology, radiotherapy, endoscopy, gastroenterology, pathological anatomy). More than 85% of the procedures are performed with a minimally invasive-laparoscopic technique with an average hospital stay of no more than 5 days thanks to the application of the principles of the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols with pre-surgery, specific anesthesiological measures, early mobilization and refeeding.

The Operating Unit carries out scheduled hospitalizations and the evaluations of preparation for the intervention are carried out before the hospitalization in pre-hospitalisation with a consolidated and efficient path during which the patient is fully guided. Hospitals with a "fast-track" approach are offered to patients outside the region with a pre-hospitalisation and same-day hospitalisation programme. Emergency admissions are provided for patients coming from the Emergency Department who have an indication for non-procrastinating surgery. The Digestive and Colon-Rectal Surgery Unit provides outpatient visits for preoperative assessments and postoperative and follow-up checks over time.

All outpatient and surgical activities are carried out in agreement with the National Health System (demanding of the general practitioner) and on a private basis for insured or self-paying patients if requested by the patient. The latter, in case of hospitalization and interventions, will be welcomed in a dedicated department with single rooms and managed by the appropriate administrative staff functional to the private intramoenia activity.

Descrizione della struttura

The department is located on the 2nd floor. The rooms have two beds with bathrooms and overlooking the lungotevere. The operating rooms are located on floor -1. Equipped with the most modern technologies: 4K-3D laparoscopes and monitors, indiocyanine green, ultrasound instruments, radiofrequency instruments, standard ultrasound, intraoperative ultrasound, laparoscopic ultrasound.

Practical informations

Those who need a specialist evaluation (NHS and Private) can contact us by phone or by booking a Digestive Surgery visit online (Reservation Code 89.7 – general surgery). For any further information or request, you can use the email address indicated.The patient taken care of by the UOC will be taken to the personalized clinical-instrumental path in which all the appointments for the assessments necessary for the definition of the diagnosis and the programming of the surgical intervention will be automatically set in a short time.

Main conditions treated

Colon cancer, rectal cancer, stomach cancer, cardia cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, gallbladder and biliary tract cancer, liver metastasis, GIST, carcinoid, neuroendocrine cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative rectocolitis, ileostomy, colostomy, diverticulitis, complicated diverticular disease, bowel stenosis, volvulus of the colon.

Services provided

• Laparoscopic/minimally invasive surgeries – Surgeries with open technique
• Resections of the colon and rectum, 
• Stomach resections
• Liver resections
• Pancreatic resections
• Ileostomy closure
• Colostomy closure

Outpatient activity

• Outpatient surgical visits – first visit
• Outpatient surgical visits – follow-up visit

Scientific research activities

It takes place on various clinical and biomolecular topics aimed at understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of the development of the most frequent tumors and the search for specific target treatments according to the latest knowledge of translational medicine. The focus of clinical research is represented by the identification of clinical rationales for surgery in the oncology patient, in particular in the elderly patient. The objective of biomolecular research involves the study of markers involved in the development of cancer and in particular the role of copper in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. The UOC actively participates in National Multicentre clinical research protocols. 

Teaching activities

• Headquarters for the Specialization School of General Surgery of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome
• Teaching of General Surgery in the sixth year of the Degree Course in Medicine and Surgery (English course) of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome
• Teaching of General Surgery in the sixth year of the Degree Course in Medicine and Surgery of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome