Page 5 - Best Doctors in Italy — Get an Online Consultation

Member of SICOB - Italian Society of Obesity Surgery and ACOI - Association of Italian Hospital Surgeons                                               

Dr Braun is a board-certified general surgeon with over 25 years of experience specializing in gastrointestinal surgery, particularly in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) through Fundoplication surgery. He has performed over 500 successful Nissen and Toupet Fundoplication procedures, with a focus on minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. His expertise extends to diagnosing complex cases of GERD and offering comprehensive treatment plans to improve patient outcomes.

He has carried out his main training experiences in various international institutions and specialization courses in general and digestive system surgery, including a two-year training internship at Johns Hopkins University, Division of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery and numerous courses in Madrid, with Prof. E. Moreno Gonzales (Curso Internacional de Actualizaciòn en chirurgia General y del Aparato Digestivo) or in New Orleans (Medical Education at the 90th Annual Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons).

Dr. Braun has extensive expertise in the field of digestive surgery. He has focused on implementing advanced protocols and optimizing surgical techniques, while maintaining high standards of safety and patient care. He has collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to provide an integrated and personalized approach in the management of obese or digestive disorder patients, improving quality of life and reducing post-operative complications.

After graduating in Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Saltutti specialized in Urology, gaining advanced expertise in treating disorders of the male and female urinary system, as well as the male reproductive system. Throughout his professional journey, he has focused on innovative and minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as robotic and laparoscopic surgery, especially for the treatment of prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers.

Over the years, Dr. Saltutti has attended numerous national and international conferences, expanding his knowledge and contributing to the advancement of therapeutic and surgical techniques in the urological field. He is known for his clinical expertise and dedication to his patients, adopting a personalized approach to each case to ensure effective, high-quality care.

His work at GVM facilities, which boast cutting-edge technologies and a highly qualified medical team, allows Dr. Saltutti to offer comprehensive services ranging from early diagnosis to treatment and post-operative rehabilitation. His areas of specialization include, in addition to urological cancers, the treatment of prostate conditions, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, and male sexual dysfunction.

Thanks to his experience and passion for the medical profession, Dr. Carlo Saltutti is a reference point for patients seeking excellent urological care at the GVM group

Prof. Savini works at the Cardiac Surgery Department at the Maria Cecilia Hospital, as one of the main specialists, with an international background. He worked for the best European institutions for cardiology as Staff Surgeon, such as the Civil Hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico; at the Vall d’Hebron Hospital, Barcelona, Spain and at the St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, Holland; at the San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy and at the OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium.

Prof. Savini specializes in Mitral restorative surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Percutaneous aortic valve, Thoracic Aortic Surgery, Atrial Fibrillation Surgery, Cardiac Transplant and Decompensation Surgery, and extracorporeal circulation and myocardial protection.

In 1994 Prof. Savini graduated in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Bologna with full marks, where he later specialized in Cardiac Surgery with a thesis in Myocardial protection. In 2017 he completed a PhD research in the field of Surgical Treatment of Aortic Valve Stenosis – Role of new technologies. 

He works as Associate Professor at Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna

His scientific interest is focused on Mitral restorative surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Percutaneous aortic valve, Disompensation Surgery and Extracorporeal circulation and myocardial protection. 

Member of scientific societies:

• Italian Society of Cardiac Surgery (SICCH)
• Italian Society of Cardiac Surgery (SICCH)
• European Association for CardioThoracic Surgery (EACTS)
• International Society of Minimal Invasive Cardiac Surgery (ISMICS)

Prof. Savini is author and co-author of several publications in the field of coronary artery and thoracic aortic diseases, aortic valve repair treatment and replacement, all available on the Website of the National Library of Medicine

With his in-depth medical knowledge and passion for preventing premature aging, he now serves as a Medical Tutor at the Lucia Magnani Health Clinic, a center of excellence offering comprehensive check-ups and programs for healthy and long-lasting living.

Education and Specializations:

• Doctor of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bologna, 1980
• Specialization in Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, University of Ferrara, 1992
• Advanced Training in Diagnostic Ultrasound in Internal Medicine

Areas of Expertise:

• Prevention and management of gastrointestinal conditions: anemia, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, gallstones
• Performing advanced ultrasound diagnostics and evaluations as part of personalized check-up programs
• Promoting holistic wellness through an integrated approach to health and long-term prevention
• Professional Experience

Medical Director and Head of General Medicine and Ultrasound Services, with over 30 years of experience managing patients and supervising medical teams.

Speaker on national and local TV programs, sharing his medical expertise on gastroenterology and internal medicine.

At the Lucia Magnani Health Clinic, Dr. Nonni serves as a Medical Tutor, guiding patients through personalized prevention and health improvement programs. He collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to integrate traditional medical knowledge with innovative approaches in wellness and longevity.

Dr. Nonni firmly believes that prevention is the key to a healthy and long life. Through in-depth health assessments and tailored programs, he supports patients at the Lucia Magnani Health Clinic in achieving lasting wellness.

Prof. Filippini began his career in 1980 and has been teaching at the University of Chieti since the 1990s in the fields of General Surgery, Microsurgery, Reconstructive Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Orthopedics, and Gynecology. His primary focus is oncological surgery, particularly specializing in "The surgical treatment of locally advanced tumors and multi-organ resections." He has enriched his expertise by visiting prominent reference centers in the United States, including the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan, New York City. There, he delved into minimally invasive, laparoscopic, and microsurgical techniques under the guidance of esteemed mentors such as John Daly, Michele Gagner, and Murray Brennan. Additionally, in 2005, he further expanded his skills at the City of Hope Oncology Center in Los Angeles, focusing on robotic surgery in oncology.

In 1980, Prof. Filippini graduated in Medicine and Surgery from the G. D'Annunzio University of Chieti in Italy with honors, presenting an experimental thesis on lympho-venous anastomosis using microsurgical techniques. He completed his specialization in general surgery at the University of Pisa with distinction after five years. In 1990, he obtained another specialization in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery from the University of Padua in Italy, where he maintained a stellar academic record.

Prof. Filippini has presented at numerous national and international conferences and authored over 100 scientific publications. Additionally, he has co-authored two monographs. 

Prof. Deraco has dedicated his career to helping patients with complex cancers, particularly those affecting the peritoneum, a membrane in the abdomen. He began his medical career in 1989 at the Surgery and Experimental Oncology Departments of the Fondazione IRCCS, National Cancer Institute in Milan, Italy. Over the years, he has played a key role in advancing treatments for peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM). For more than a decade, he was the lead physician for the Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Program. Since 2017, he has served as the director of the Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Unit, where he continues to focus on providing cutting-edge care for his patients.

Prof. Deraco’s expertise is in specialized cancer treatments like Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS), Hyperthermic Intra-Peritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), and Pressurized Intra-Peritoneal Aerosolized Chemotherapy (PIPAC). These techniques aim to remove cancer and deliver heated chemotherapy directly to the abdomen, giving patients with PSM new hope. He has successfully treated over 1,200 patients using these advanced methods.

In addition to his clinical work, Prof. Deraco is a professor at Milan University, where he teaches future surgeons about peritoneal surface malignancies. His teaching extends internationally, as he has mentored over 30 postdoctoral fellows from prestigious institutions worldwide.

Prof. Deraco’s educational background is extensive. He earned his medical degree from the University of Messina in 1987 with top honors, followed by a specialization in general surgery five years later. His training continued in Paris, where he specialized in oncology at the prestigious Paris Dauphine University. He further honed his skills through fellowships in world-renowned institutions such as the Gustave Roussy Institute in France, the Royal Marsden Hospital in the UK, and the Washington Cancer Institute in the USA.

Throughout his career, Prof. Deraco has remained actively involved in research and professional organizations. He has published over 250 scientific articles and 25 book chapters, contributing to the advancement of cancer treatment globally. He serves on the board of multiple scientific societies dedicated to cancer research, including the Peritoneal Surface Oncology International Group (PSOGI) and the Italian Society for Loco-Regional Cancer Therapy (SITILO).

Prof Spiezia works for our private clinic in Naples, Clinica Ruesch. He is also the Head of the Endocrine Surgery Operative Unit at Ospedale del Mare Hospital, specializing in surgical procedures related to endocrine disorders, particularly thyroid and adrenal surgeries. He is also the Head of the Endocrine Surgery Regional Network, and consultant in the field of diagnostics and ultrasound-interventional therapy. 

Professor specializes in all endocrine pathologies with minimally invasive thyroid-saving interventions, on the parathyroids and lymph nodes, through video-assisted techniques, thermoablation with radio frequency for thyroid nodules, microwave thermoablation, and with laser.

He diagnoses the thyroid and lymph nodes by means of ultrasound-guided needle aspiration. Qualified as a robotic surgeon, coordinates training schools in endocrine ultrasound and has promoted various scientific meetings and training courses, emphasizing the care pathways for patients with thyroid pathologies. 

EDUCATION

Prof Stefano Spiezia holds a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Naples, graduating cum laude in 1981. He specialized in Emergency Surgery at the same university, obtaining his diploma in 1986. In 1993, he completed a six-month specialization course in Minimally Invasive Surgery, followed by a managerial course in 1996 focused on healthcare organization management. He received accreditation for ultrasound units in 1997 and achieved a II level University Master’s Degree in Endocrine Surgery from the Seconda Università degli studi di Naples in 2007. This extensive educational background underscores his expertise in surgical practice and healthcare management.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY

Stefano Spiezia has held several significant roles both in Italy and internationally, including:

• Head of the Endocrine Surgery Operative Unit, Naples, Italy
• Adjunct Professor at the University of Turin, Italy (2011-2025)
• Professor at Second University of Naples for Endocrine surgery, and Interventional diagnostics of the neck (1998-2014)
• Coordinator of the Training School at the Italian Society of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (SIUMB).
• Director and founder of the "Save Your Thyroid" International School of SIUMB, operating in Naples, Italy, and Cairo, Egypt
• Consultant in the Visiting Professor program at the Saudi German Hospital in Cairo, Egypt.
• Speaker and Organizer at various international congresses, including the ACTA Congress in Taipei, and the American Thyroid Association Congress in Chicago 

RESEARCH, PUBLICATIONS, MEMBERSHIP

Prof. Stefano Spiezia's research primarily focuses on endocrine disorders, particularly in the context of thyroid and adrenal surgeries: the development and application of minimally invasive surgical techniques, particularly for thyroid and adrenal surgeries, and is recognized as an expert in thermal ablation of the thyroid. 

In Clinical Trials, he is the Principal Investigator (PI) of the first in-human clinical trial (NP-TF-024) aimed at treating benign thyroid nodules, which highlights his commitment to advancing treatment options in endocrine surgery.

Stefano Spiezia is a member of several professional societies, including:

• Founder member of the EUROMIT in Minimally Invasive Thyroid Treatments
• American Thyroid Association: A leading organization focused on thyroid health and research.
• North American Society for Interventional Thyroidology: This society is dedicated to advancing the field of interventional thyroidology.
• Italian Society of Endocrine Surgery (SIUEC): He is a member and serves as a regional delegate in this society, which focuses on endocrine surgical practices in Italy.
• Italian Society of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (SIUMB): He is a member and currently serves as the General Secretary of this society, which promotes the use of ultrasound in medical practice

His  Editorial Roles:  Review Editor on the Editorial Board of Thyroid Endocrinology and a member of the Video Endocrinology editorial board in the ATA. 

Author of 7 books and 68 scientific publications.

His work has been cited 3,466 times across 2,256 documents, indicating a significant impact in his field.

The Director of Doctor’s Equipe Clinic. The inventor of the Microfat system. Maxillofacial Surgery and Aesthetic Cosmetic Correction specialist.

Dr. Vincenzo Tondolo is the Director of the General Surgery Unit at Mater Olbia Hospital. He earned his Medical Degree with Honors and completed his General Surgery specialization at the Catholic University of Rome.

Dr. Tondolo has performed more than 1,300 surgeries as lead surgeon. His experience includes liver, pancreas, and kidney transplants. He has also carried out over 500 oncologic operations, mainly using laparoscopic techniques. In addition, he has managed more than 370 emergency surgeries.

He is a member of the Italian Society of Surgery and the Italian Society of Oncologic Surgery. Dr. Tondolo has published work as both author and co-author in international medical journals.

Dr. Piero Giustacchini is the Director of the Endocrine and Bariatric Surgery Unit at Mater Olbia Hospital. He also leads the Bariatric Center at the same hospital.

He earned his Degree in Medicine and Surgery from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome. He also holds a Specialist Certificate in General Surgery from the same university.

Dr. Giustacchini focuses on laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. He treats morbid obesity and endocrine diseases, such as thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and neuroendocrine tumors.

He has performed over 4,500 surgical procedures. He was the lead surgeon in more than 1,500 of these cases. Dr. Giustacchini has also taught at top Italian medical institutions and national surgical societies.

Dr. Milutin Bulajic is a leading gastroenterologist and clinical researcher. He specializes in therapeutic and interventional endoscopy, colorectal diseases, chronic pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal oncology. He is known for his work in endoscopic bariatric procedures and advanced therapeutic endoscopy. His main interests include colorectal cancer screening and regenerative medicine for gastrointestinal diseases.

Dr. Bulajic is currently the Director of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy. He has held several leadership positions. He was Head of GI Endoscopy at University Clinic Belgrade from 2007 to 2012. He also served as Assistant Medical Director at Academic Hospital Center Udine from 2013 to 2019. From 2009 to 2017, he was Associate Professor of Gastroenterology at the Medical Faculty of Belgrade.

Dr. Giorgia Garganese is the Director of the Gynecology and Breast Care Center at Mater Olbia Hospital. She also leads the hospital’s Women’s Care Center. She specializes in minimally invasive and guided surgery for breast and gynecologic cancers. Her main focus is on oncoplastic techniques and vulvar cancers. Dr. Garganese has performed more than 2,000 surgical procedures.

She is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Catholic University in Rome. She is also a faculty member at the Royal College of Surgeons in England. Dr. Garganese coordinates research projects on new cancer treatments, prognostic markers, therapeutic targets, and advanced ultrasound imaging for women’s cancers.

Dr. Giovanni Sabatino is the Director of the Neurosurgery Unit at Mater Olbia Hospital. He also serves as an Assistant Professor at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome. He holds a degree in Medicine and Surgery and a specialist certificate in Neurosurgery.

Dr. Sabatino treats neuro-oncological, vascular, and spinal conditions. He focuses on minimally invasive surgery and uses advanced tools such as intraoperative CT, ultrasound, neuronavigation, and neurophysiological monitoring.

He has performed over 4,000 surgical procedures. In more than 2,000 of these, he was the lead surgeon. He has achieved excellent results in both planned and emergency neurosurgical cases.