Milan is renowned for its exceptional general surgeons who deliver advanced surgical care across emergency, oncologic, abdominal, and minimally invasive procedures. General surgeons in Milan manage hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, thyroid and endocrine disorders, abdominal wall defects, skin and soft tissue issues, gastrointestinal cancers, trauma surgery, and complex digestive system operations. Patients have access to diagnostics like ultrasound, CT-scan, MRI, fine needle aspiration biopsies, and preoperative risk evaluation. Treatment options range from laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, open resections, thyroidectomy, hernia repair, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, colorectal resections, bariatric surgery, to skin-sparing excisions and reconstructive techniques. Major hospitals such as Policlinico di Milano, Ospedale Niguarda Ca’ Granda, Humanitas Research Hospital, San Raffaele, and Auxologico offer advanced operating theatres, 24/7 emergency surgery, specialized digestive surgery units, and multidisciplinary surgical teams.
The surgical workload in Milan is substantial. For example, the General & Specialized Surgery unit at Humanitas operates with 759 beds and runs dozens of operational theatres delivering high-volume general surgery, digestive surgery, and emergency care. The Department of General Surgery and Oncology at Policlinico San Marco performs over 1,200 procedures annually for obesity and abdominal diseases, with more than 90% using laparoscopic approaches. The Fatebenefratelli hospital’s General Surgery unit handles over 1,500 operations per year, including major colorectal, oncologic, and minimally invasive surgery. Auxologico’s Prof. Giancarlo Roviaro alone has performed over 50,000 surgical interventions in his career, including more than 10,000 using minimally invasive laparoscopic or thoracoscopic methods. These statistics highlight Milan’s strong surgical capacity, high patient volumes, and reputation for general surgery quality, making the city one of the top choices in Italy for surgical treatment.
A skilled general surgeon can make all the difference when facing surgery for cancer, acute abdomen, or chronic digestive conditions. Milan’s surgical specialists are among the best in combining technical expertise with patient-oriented care. Here are compelling reasons to choose Milan:
➤ Academic leadership and surgical research – Many general surgeons in Milan are professors or hold academic roles at the University of Milan, Vita-Salute San Raffaele, and other research hospitals. They contribute to innovation in minimally invasive surgery, large-scale clinical studies, and guideline development.
➤ Broad spectrum of surgical services – From emergency general surgery to cancer resections, endocrine surgery, hernia and abdominal wall repair, digestive disease operations, bariatric surgery, skin lesion excision and reconstructive procedures, patients can find comprehensive general surgery under one roof.
➤ Advanced technology and modern operating theatres – Use of robotics, HD laparoscopy, endoscopic methods, state-of-the-art surgical instrumentation, rapid-recovery programs, and imaging support ensure surgeries are safer, less invasive, and with quicker healing.
➤ High operative volumes and strong outcomes – Surgeons treating many cases (hernia, gallbladder, colorectal cancer) tend to have better surgical outcomes. Milan’s surgical departments routinely do large numbers of operations annually, reducing complication rates and improving survival.
➤ Access via public and private systems – Surgical care is offered through Italy’s SSN in public hospitals and via private clinics with shorter waiting times. This offers flexibility, especially for foreign or private-pay patients.
➤ Patient-centered support and international patient readiness – Many general surgeons speak English; hospitals provide international patient offices, interpreter services, assistance with travel and accommodation, and coordinated pre- and post-operative care for those coming from abroad.
Here are some of the most respected general surgeons in Milan, with recognized expertise, hands-on surgical experience, and strong academic or clinical reputation:
Prof. Giancarlo Roviaro
Prof. Roviaro is one of Milan’s senior general surgeons, director of Clinical Surgery 1 at the State University and Policlinico. He has carried out over 50,000 surgical interventions, more than 10,000 of which used minimally invasive laparoscopic or thoracoscopic techniques. He is known for his work in gastrointestinal cancer surgery and thoracic resections, often combining open and video-assisted methods and contributing extensively to teaching and surgical innovation.
Prof. Efrem Civilini
While his primary field is vascular surgery, Prof. Civilini at San Raffaele contributes to complex general surgery when vascular components overlap, especially for patients needing combined resection and repair. He trained in minimally invasive aortic procedures, and his work includes treatment of abdominal and thoracic aneurysms, carotid disease, and peripheral artery disease. His high technical skill makes him valuable for multidisciplinary surgical cases.
Dr. Gianluca Matteo Sampietro
Dr. Sampietro is part of the General Surgery and HPB division in Milan (including Rho Memorial Hospital), with expertise in colorectal disease, gallbladder and liver pathologies, and complicated hernia repairs. He is also involved in research and teaching, especially in laparoscopy and emergency abdominal cases, bringing precision and efficiency to both elective and urgent surgeries.
Prof. Paolo Antonio Boccasanta
Prof. Boccasanta is a professor at the University of Milan and a leading figure in colorectal surgery. He has subspecialty work in proctologic disease, rectal cancers, and anorectal pathology with high success rates in functional outcomes. His contributions extend to European surgical boards and training in proctology across Italy.
Dr. Andrea Valer Gatti
Dr. Gatti works in Milan in major general surgical units (San Carlo Borromeo, Humanitas, etc.), handling emergency cases, liver and pancreatic pathology, and reconstructing complex abdominal wall defects. His experience in high-pressure surgical settings and trauma makes him reliable in urgent and complex surgery.
Choosing the right general surgeon for abdominal cancer, emergency surgery, or elective operations is a big decision. Best Clinic Abroad supports patients in Milan by connecting you with surgical experts, simplifying planning, and ensuring smooth recovery.
➤ Personalized surgeon matching – We match you with general surgeons in Milan whose experience aligns with your condition (hernia, digestive tract tumors, emergency surgery, endocrine or HPB surgery).
➤ Diagnostic coordination – We arrange preoperative imaging, lab work, risk assessment, biopsy, or CT/MRI, so your first surgical consult is as productive as possible.
➤ Appointment scheduling & hospital logistics – From booking consultations to organizing hospital stay, admission, and surgical planning so that everything proceeds without delays.
➤ Transparent cost estimates – You receive detailed breakdowns for surgery fees, hospital stay, operating room, post-operative care, and any implant or prosthetic costs, so you know financial expectations ahead.
➤ Support for international patients – Travel assistance, accommodation booking, interpreter services, visa help, and guidance for private or public hospital choices.
➤ Post-operative follow-up & rehabilitation – After your surgery, we arrange follow-ups, physical recovery programs, wound care, monitoring for complications, and lifestyle guidance for long-term health.
With Best Clinic Abroad, you gain access to the leading general surgeons in Milan, modern operating facilities, and expert care pathways. Whether you need urgent surgery, oncologic care, or minimally invasive procedures, we help you get the best treatment with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
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