Paolo Carcoforo
Curriculum Vitae
Personal Information
• Name: Paolo Carcoforo
• Place and Date of Birth: Ferrara, Italy – June 27, 1961
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
In 1980, Paolo Carcoforo graduated from the “L. Ariosto” Classical High School in Ferrara.
In the academic year 1980–1981, he enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ferrara, where he graduated on October 31, 1986, defending the thesis entitled “High-Resolution Ultrasound of the Carotid Bifurcation” under the supervision of Prof. I. Donini, obtaining a final score of 110/110 cum laude.
During his fourth year of medical school (academic year 1983–1984), he was awarded an international scholarship from the University of Ferrara, which enabled him to spend approximately one month at the Klinik für Unfallchirurgie of the University of Vienna.
During his fifth and sixth years of medical school, he attended the Institute of General Surgical Clinic and Surgical Therapy of the University of Ferrara, directed by Prof. I. Donini, as an internal student. During this period, he attended the surgical ward, operating theatre, and the Experimental Surgery Laboratory, participating in several studies concerning absorbable vascular prostheses and absorbable sutures in vascular surgery.
In the autumn session of the academic year 1985–1986, he passed the State Examination qualifying him to practice medicine and surgery, and since January 21, 1987, he has been registered with the Medical Board of Ferrara.
In the academic year 1986–1987, he enrolled in the School of Specialization in General Surgery at the University of Ferrara.
In June 1987, he visited the 2nd Department of Surgery of Montefiore Hospital at the University of Pittsburgh, directed by Prof. M.M. Ravitch.
In June 1987, he attended the course “The Surgical Anatomy and Operative Surgery of the Liver” at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
In 1987, he was awarded a scholarship by the Italian National League Against Cancer (Ferrara section) for a one-year clinical and epidemiological research project on esophageal carcinoma.
From September 1987 to December 1988, he fulfilled his military service obligations. He first attended the Medical Officers Training Course at the Military Air Force Health Academy in Florence and subsequently served at the medical facility of the 11th Gram Base in Poggiorenatico (Ferrara) as Director of the Medical Service.
In 1988, he received the annual scientific “Boari-Medini” Award for the work “Mechanical Sutures in the Treatment of Recurrent Achalasic Megaesophagus.”
In 1989, he again received the annual scientific “Boari-Medini” Award for the study “Aortic Anastomosis with Absorbable Sutures: Experimental Study in Rabbits.”
On October 27–28, 1989, he participated in the public competition for the position of University Researcher in General and Emergency Surgery at the University of Udine and was appointed winner.
From November 1989 to March 1990, he attended the Chair of General Surgery at the University of Udine as a visiting physician under Prof. Fabrizio Bresadola.
In January 1990, he was appointed Lecturer in General Surgery by the Faculty Council of the University of Udine.
On March 26, 1990, he took office as Assistant Professor (non-confirmed researcher) in General Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Udine.
At the 92nd Congress of the Italian Society of Surgery, held in Rome in October 1990, he received the “Young Surgeon Award” for the presentation “Proposal for a New Investigation in the Morphological and Functional Study of the Interposed Loop after Total Gastrectomy.”
On June 20, 1991, he obtained the Diploma of Specialization in General Surgery at the University of Ferrara, discussing the thesis “Morpho-functional Study of the Gastric Tube after Esophagectomy”, graduating with honors (70/70 cum laude).
From April 5–9, 1993, he attended the course “Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advances in Senology” organized by the Italian School of Senology.
On November 1, 1993, he became Confirmed Researcher at the Institute of General Surgical Clinic and Surgical Therapy of the University of Ferrara.
On March 23, 1995, he was granted the title and duties of University Assistant Professor.
On March 25, 1995, he received the Medical Specialist and Medical Management Allowance for intermediate medical management positions.
From March to May 1997, he attended the Department of Surgery of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, particularly the Breast Service and Colorectal Service.
On October 27, 1997, he obtained the Diploma of Specialization in Vascular Surgery at the University of Ferrara, discussing the thesis “Importance of ACE in Neointimal Proliferation after Carotid Endarterectomy: Possible Role in Restenosis”, graduating with honors (50/50 cum laude).
From October to November 1998, he again attended the Breast Service of the Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
Since 1999, he has been a member of the New York Academy of Sciences.
On July 8, 2002, he took office as Confirmed Researcher in the General Surgery Section of the Department of Surgical, Anesthesiological and Radiological Sciences at the University of Ferrara.
In March 2004, he again attended the Breast Service of the Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
From 2004 to 2023, for twenty consecutive years, he received local scientific research funding (ex 60%) as principal investigator.
From June 2005 to 2016, for eleven consecutive years, he was a faculty member of the international course “Normal and Abnormal Growth of Tissues and Organs” organized in collaboration with Maastricht University, where he delivered lectures and practical surgical teaching in English in the field of breast surgery.
From April 2005 to July 2009, he served as Director of the Departmental Research and Service Center for Intraoperative Radioguided and Radioimmunoguided Diagnosis and Therapy of Tumors at the University of Ferrara.
From 2007 to 2009, he was a member of the Executive Board of the Italian Society of University Surgeons (SICU), serving as Secretary.
In June 2008, he received a three-year research grant from the Foundation of the Ferrara Savings Bank to support the study “Measurement of Metalloproteases in Serum and Urine as an Early Marker of Breast Cancer.”
Since March 2010, he has been a member of the Selection Committee of the Interdepartmental Oncology Center.
In October 2010, he was deemed eligible for the position of Associate Professor in General Surgery (MED/18).
On November 1, 2010, he took office as Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Ferrara.
Since November 2010, due to his recognized clinical and emergency surgical autonomy, Prof. Alberto Liboni repeatedly entrusted him with the clinical and academic responsibility of the Surgical Clinic of the University of Ferrara.
On December 17, 2010, he was appointed Senior Specialist Consultant in Radioguided Surgery at the University Hospital of Ferrara.
In January 2011, he received the donation of an important surgical device (“Peak Surgical Device”) intended for the treatment of breast cancer patients.
From 2012 to 2020, he served on the State Examination Commission for medical licensing.
From November 2012 to 2015, he coordinated a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter trial evaluating LF-PB in the treatment of lymphorrhea after axillary dissection in breast cancer patients.
He collaborated on the AIRC-funded research project “Circulating microRNAs as Cancer-Specific Biomarkers” (2012–2014).
In April 2013, he received a LILT research grant for the project “Identification of Circulating microRNAs for Early Diagnosis of Colorectal and Breast Cancer.”
In November 2013, he was appointed Co-Director of the postgraduate Master Program for Operating Room Nursing at the University of Ferrara.
On November 1, 2013, he became Confirmed Associate Professor in General Surgery (MED/18) at the University of Ferrara.
On December 16, 2013, the National Scientific Qualification Commission unanimously recognized his full scientific maturity for appointment as Full Professor.
In December 2014, he obtained the diploma in Management of Complex Healthcare Organizations from the University of Ferrara with highest honors.
In 2015, he was entrusted with the strategic planning of the Ferrara School of Medicine in the fields of breast and endocrine surgery.
On March 1, 2015, he was appointed Director of the Departmental Unit of Breast and Radioguided Surgery at the University Hospital of Ferrara.
In September 2015, his Ministry of Health-funded research project “Axillary Reverse Mapping (ARM): Identification and Preservation of Lymphatic Pathways in Breast Cancer Surgery to Prevent Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema” ranked seventh nationally among more than 3,000 submitted projects.
On February 9, 2016, he won the national selection procedure for the position of Full Professor in General Surgery (MED/18).
Since April 1, 2016, he has served as Full Professor of General Surgery at the Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara.
From November 2016 to November 2018, he served on the National Scientific Qualification Commission for General Surgery.
In November 2017, he was appointed member of the Executive Board of the Italian Society of Geriatric Surgery.
Since January 2018, he has been a member of the Executive Board of the Italian Society of Endocrine Surgery.
On April 13, 2017, he was appointed Director of the Operative Unit of Surgery 2 at the University Hospital of Ferrara, primarily dedicated to breast surgery.
In October 2018, he was elected to the Executive Board of the College of Full Professors of Surgery.
Since November 2018, he has served as Director of the School of Specialization in General Surgery at the University of Ferrara.
In October 2019, he was elected Treasurer of the Executive Board of the College of Full Professors of Surgery.
In October 2021, he was elected Secretary of the Executive Board of the College of Full Professors of Surgery.
Since November 2021, he has been reconfirmed as Director of the School of Specialization in General Surgery at the University of Ferrara.
In January 2022, he was appointed President-elect of the Italian Society of Geriatric Surgery.
In March 2022, he became Director of the University Research Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pelvic Floor Diseases.
In May 2022, his five-year appointment as Director of Surgery 2 at the University Hospital of Ferrara was renewed.
In July 2023, he was appointed Director of the Breast Surgery Unit at the University Hospital of Ferrara.
In January 2024, he officially took office as President of the Italian Society of Geriatric Surgery.
In October 2025, he was elected to the Executive Board of the Italian Society of Surgery for the 2025–2028 term.
ACADEMIC AND CLINICAL CAREER SUMMARY
• 1986: Degree in Medicine and Surgery, cum laude – University of Ferrara
• 1987: Medical License
• 1987: Director of Medical Services, 11th Gram Air Force Base, Poggiorenatico
• 1990: Assistant Professor in General Surgery – University of Udine
• 1991: Specialization in General Surgery, cum laude – University of Ferrara
• 1993: Confirmed Researcher in Surgery – University of Ferrara
• 1995: University Assistant Professor qualification
• 1997: Specialization in Vascular Surgery, cum laude – University of Ferrara
• 1999: Member of the New York Academy of Sciences
• 2005–2009: Director, Departmental Center for Radioguided Surgery – University of Ferrara
• 2010: Associate Professor of General Surgery – University of Ferrara
• 2010: Senior Specialist Consultant in Radioguided Surgery
• 2013: National Scientific Qualification for Full Professorship
• 2015: Director, Departmental Unit of Breast and Radioguided Surgery
• 2016: Full Professor of General Surgery – University of Ferrara
• 2017: Director, Surgery Unit 2 – University Hospital of Ferrara
• 2018–present: Director, School of Specialization in General Surgery
• 2022–present: Director, Pelvic Floor Research Center
• 2023–present: Director, Breast Surgery Unit – University Hospital of Ferrara
AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND RESEARCH GRANTS
• 1984: International Scholarship – University of Vienna
• 1987: Scholarship from the Italian National League Against Cancer
• 1988: “Boari-Medini” Scientific Award
• 1989: “Boari-Medini” Scientific Award
• 1990: Italian Society of Surgery “Young Surgeon Award”
• 2003–2023: Local Scientific Research Grants (Principal Investigator)
• 2012: AIRC-funded project on circulating microRNAs
• 2013: LILT research grant
• 2015: Ministry of Health Research Grant for ARM Project
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AND STUDY PERIODS
• 1984: Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, University of Vienna
• 1987: Department of Surgery, Montefiore Hospital, University of Pittsburgh
• 1987: Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
• 1997: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York – Clinical Observer
• 1998: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York – Clinical Observer
• 2004: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York – Clinical Observer
• 2013: University Clinic of Halle, Germany – Clinical Observer
TEACHING ACTIVITY
Prof. Paolo Carcoforo has held extensive teaching responsibilities at the University of Ferrara in undergraduate medical education, nursing sciences, radiology, specialization schools, and international inter-university programs.
He has taught courses including:
• General Surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Geriatric Surgery
• Radioguided Oncologic Surgery
• Surgical Anatomy
• Emergency Surgery
• Vascular Access Surgery
• Clinical Surgical Sciences
• Integrated Approach to Severe Obesity
He has also served continuously for over 11 years as faculty member of the international inter-university course “Normal and Abnormal Growth of Tissues and Organs” organized with Maastricht University, delivering lectures and surgical training in English.
Since 2018, he has served as Director of the School of Specialization in General Surgery at the University of Ferrara.
LANGUAGES
• Italian: Native language
• English:
o Reading: Excellent
o Writing: Good
o Speaking: Good
SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY AND RESEARCH
Books, Monographs and Book Chapters
Prof. Paolo Carcoforo contributed as author or co-author to numerous textbooks and monographs, including:
1. Acute Abdomen – Surgical Semiology and Methodology (1993)
2. Manual of Surgical Pathology and Nursing Care (1995)
3. Breast Cancer Surgery: Multidisciplinary Aspects (1998)
4. Dangers in Surgery (2000)
5. Therapy of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (2009)
6. Atlas of Lymphoscintigraphy and Sentinel Node Mapping – Springer (2012)
7. Thyroidectomy with Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring
8. General Surgery – chapter on breast cancer demolitive surgery (2019)
9. Emergency Surgery – chapter on trauma surgery in pediatric, geriatric and pregnant patients
10. Thyroid Surgery – Springer (2023)
SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES AND RESEARCH GROUPS
• Fellow of the International College of Surgeons
• Member of the Italian Multicentric Study Group (SOLISM-IMI)
• Director of the Center for Radioguided Tumor Surgery and Research
• Member of the Interdepartmental Oncology Center Selection Committee
• Member of the International Study Group of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)
• Director of the Pelvic Floor Research Center, University of Ferrara
RESEARCH PROJECTS AND CLINICAL TRIALS
Prof. Paolo Carcoforo has coordinated and participated in numerous national and international clinical and translational research projects in:
• Breast cancer surgery
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy
• Axillary reverse mapping
• Thyroid surgery
• Melanoma surgery
• Colorectal cancer surgery
• Intraoperative neuromonitoring
• Vascular surgery
• Lymphorrhea prevention
• Biomarkers and circulating microRNAs
He served as Principal Investigator or Coordinator in multiple multicenter prospective randomized clinical trials approved by ethics committees and international study groups.
CLINICAL ACTIVITY
According to the official operative records of the University Hospital of Ferrara, from November 1, 1993 to December 31, 2023, Prof. Paolo Carcoforo personally performed:
16,442 surgical procedures
as first operator, both elective and emergency procedures.
SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS
• Italian Society of Phlebology and Lymphology
• Italian Society of Surgery (since 1991)
• Italian Society of Young Surgeons
• National Task Force on Breast Cancer
• Italian Society of Surgical Oncology
• International College of Surgeons
• Italian Society of University Surgeons
• International Study Group of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring
• College of Full Professors of Surgery
• Italian Association of Breast Surgeons
• Italian Society of Geriatric Surgery
• Italian Society of Endocrine Surgery
CONFERENCES AND INVITED SPEAKING
Participation in 181 national and international congresses:
• 44 International Congresses (10 as invited speaker)
• 169 National Congresses (74 as speaker or moderator)
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
• Total publications: 323
• Publications in journals with impact factor: 179
• First-author publications: 33
• Second-author publications: 15
• Senior-author publications: 22
Bibliometric Indicators
• Total citations: 4,383
• H-index: 38
• Total Impact Factor: 609.416
FUNDING AND RESEARCH SUPPORT
Prof. Paolo Carcoforo successfully attracted major research funding, including:
• 2008: €81,000 grant from the Foundation of the Ferrara Savings Bank
• 2012: €150,000 AIRC-funded research project
• 2013: €14,000 LILT grant
• 2013: €150,090 multicenter clinical trial funding
• 2015: €306,000 Ministry of Health research grant
These funds enabled the acquisition of advanced surgical and radioguided equipment and supported:
• 1 Scholarship
• 5 Research Fellowships
• 4 PhD positions for young medical specialists
CURRENT POSITIONS
• Full Professor of General Surgery – University of Ferrara
• Director, Breast Surgery Unit – University Hospital of Ferrara
• Director, School of Specialization in General Surgery – University of Ferrara
• President, Italian Society of Geriatric Surgery
• Director, Pelvic Floor Research Center – University of Ferrara
Curriculum Vitae
Personal Information
• Name: Paolo Carcoforo
• Place and Date of Birth: Ferrara, Italy – June 27, 1961
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
In 1980, Paolo Carcoforo graduated from the “L. Ariosto” Classical High School in Ferrara.
In the academic year 1980–1981, he enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Ferrara, where he graduated on October 31, 1986, defending the thesis entitled “High-Resolution Ultrasound of the Carotid Bifurcation” under the supervision of Prof. I. Donini, obtaining a final score of 110/110 cum laude.
During his fourth year of medical school (academic year 1983–1984), he was awarded an international scholarship from the University of Ferrara, which enabled him to spend approximately one month at the Klinik für Unfallchirurgie of the University of Vienna.
During his fifth and sixth years of medical school, he attended the Institute of General Surgical Clinic and Surgical Therapy of the University of Ferrara, directed by Prof. I. Donini, as an internal student. During this period, he attended the surgical ward, operating theatre, and the Experimental Surgery Laboratory, participating in several studies concerning absorbable vascular prostheses and absorbable sutures in vascular surgery.
In the autumn session of the academic year 1985–1986, he passed the State Examination qualifying him to practice medicine and surgery, and since January 21, 1987, he has been registered with the Medical Board of Ferrara.
In the academic year 1986–1987, he enrolled in the School of Specialization in General Surgery at the University of Ferrara.
In June 1987, he visited the 2nd Department of Surgery of Montefiore Hospital at the University of Pittsburgh, directed by Prof. M.M. Ravitch.
In June 1987, he attended the course “The Surgical Anatomy and Operative Surgery of the Liver” at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
In 1987, he was awarded a scholarship by the Italian National League Against Cancer (Ferrara section) for a one-year clinical and epidemiological research project on esophageal carcinoma.
From September 1987 to December 1988, he fulfilled his military service obligations. He first attended the Medical Officers Training Course at the Military Air Force Health Academy in Florence and subsequently served at the medical facility of the 11th Gram Base in Poggiorenatico (Ferrara) as Director of the Medical Service.
In 1988, he received the annual scientific “Boari-Medini” Award for the work “Mechanical Sutures in the Treatment of Recurrent Achalasic Megaesophagus.”
In 1989, he again received the annual scientific “Boari-Medini” Award for the study “Aortic Anastomosis with Absorbable Sutures: Experimental Study in Rabbits.”
On October 27–28, 1989, he participated in the public competition for the position of University Researcher in General and Emergency Surgery at the University of Udine and was appointed winner.
From November 1989 to March 1990, he attended the Chair of General Surgery at the University of Udine as a visiting physician under Prof. Fabrizio Bresadola.
In January 1990, he was appointed Lecturer in General Surgery by the Faculty Council of the University of Udine.
On March 26, 1990, he took office as Assistant Professor (non-confirmed researcher) in General Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Udine.
At the 92nd Congress of the Italian Society of Surgery, held in Rome in October 1990, he received the “Young Surgeon Award” for the presentation “Proposal for a New Investigation in the Morphological and Functional Study of the Interposed Loop after Total Gastrectomy.”
On June 20, 1991, he obtained the Diploma of Specialization in General Surgery at the University of Ferrara, discussing the thesis “Morpho-functional Study of the Gastric Tube after Esophagectomy”, graduating with honors (70/70 cum laude).
From April 5–9, 1993, he attended the course “Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advances in Senology” organized by the Italian School of Senology.
On November 1, 1993, he became Confirmed Researcher at the Institute of General Surgical Clinic and Surgical Therapy of the University of Ferrara.
On March 23, 1995, he was granted the title and duties of University Assistant Professor.
On March 25, 1995, he received the Medical Specialist and Medical Management Allowance for intermediate medical management positions.
From March to May 1997, he attended the Department of Surgery of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, particularly the Breast Service and Colorectal Service.
On October 27, 1997, he obtained the Diploma of Specialization in Vascular Surgery at the University of Ferrara, discussing the thesis “Importance of ACE in Neointimal Proliferation after Carotid Endarterectomy: Possible Role in Restenosis”, graduating with honors (50/50 cum laude).
From October to November 1998, he again attended the Breast Service of the Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
Since 1999, he has been a member of the New York Academy of Sciences.
On July 8, 2002, he took office as Confirmed Researcher in the General Surgery Section of the Department of Surgical, Anesthesiological and Radiological Sciences at the University of Ferrara.
In March 2004, he again attended the Breast Service of the Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
From 2004 to 2023, for twenty consecutive years, he received local scientific research funding (ex 60%) as principal investigator.
From June 2005 to 2016, for eleven consecutive years, he was a faculty member of the international course “Normal and Abnormal Growth of Tissues and Organs” organized in collaboration with Maastricht University, where he delivered lectures and practical surgical teaching in English in the field of breast surgery.
From April 2005 to July 2009, he served as Director of the Departmental Research and Service Center for Intraoperative Radioguided and Radioimmunoguided Diagnosis and Therapy of Tumors at the University of Ferrara.
From 2007 to 2009, he was a member of the Executive Board of the Italian Society of University Surgeons (SICU), serving as Secretary.
In June 2008, he received a three-year research grant from the Foundation of the Ferrara Savings Bank to support the study “Measurement of Metalloproteases in Serum and Urine as an Early Marker of Breast Cancer.”
Since March 2010, he has been a member of the Selection Committee of the Interdepartmental Oncology Center.
In October 2010, he was deemed eligible for the position of Associate Professor in General Surgery (MED/18).
On November 1, 2010, he took office as Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Ferrara.
Since November 2010, due to his recognized clinical and emergency surgical autonomy, Prof. Alberto Liboni repeatedly entrusted him with the clinical and academic responsibility of the Surgical Clinic of the University of Ferrara.
On December 17, 2010, he was appointed Senior Specialist Consultant in Radioguided Surgery at the University Hospital of Ferrara.
In January 2011, he received the donation of an important surgical device (“Peak Surgical Device”) intended for the treatment of breast cancer patients.
From 2012 to 2020, he served on the State Examination Commission for medical licensing.
From November 2012 to 2015, he coordinated a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter trial evaluating LF-PB in the treatment of lymphorrhea after axillary dissection in breast cancer patients.
He collaborated on the AIRC-funded research project “Circulating microRNAs as Cancer-Specific Biomarkers” (2012–2014).
In April 2013, he received a LILT research grant for the project “Identification of Circulating microRNAs for Early Diagnosis of Colorectal and Breast Cancer.”
In November 2013, he was appointed Co-Director of the postgraduate Master Program for Operating Room Nursing at the University of Ferrara.
On November 1, 2013, he became Confirmed Associate Professor in General Surgery (MED/18) at the University of Ferrara.
On December 16, 2013, the National Scientific Qualification Commission unanimously recognized his full scientific maturity for appointment as Full Professor.
In December 2014, he obtained the diploma in Management of Complex Healthcare Organizations from the University of Ferrara with highest honors.
In 2015, he was entrusted with the strategic planning of the Ferrara School of Medicine in the fields of breast and endocrine surgery.
On March 1, 2015, he was appointed Director of the Departmental Unit of Breast and Radioguided Surgery at the University Hospital of Ferrara.
In September 2015, his Ministry of Health-funded research project “Axillary Reverse Mapping (ARM): Identification and Preservation of Lymphatic Pathways in Breast Cancer Surgery to Prevent Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema” ranked seventh nationally among more than 3,000 submitted projects.
On February 9, 2016, he won the national selection procedure for the position of Full Professor in General Surgery (MED/18).
Since April 1, 2016, he has served as Full Professor of General Surgery at the Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara.
From November 2016 to November 2018, he served on the National Scientific Qualification Commission for General Surgery.
In November 2017, he was appointed member of the Executive Board of the Italian Society of Geriatric Surgery.
Since January 2018, he has been a member of the Executive Board of the Italian Society of Endocrine Surgery.
On April 13, 2017, he was appointed Director of the Operative Unit of Surgery 2 at the University Hospital of Ferrara, primarily dedicated to breast surgery.
In October 2018, he was elected to the Executive Board of the College of Full Professors of Surgery.
Since November 2018, he has served as Director of the School of Specialization in General Surgery at the University of Ferrara.
In October 2019, he was elected Treasurer of the Executive Board of the College of Full Professors of Surgery.
In October 2021, he was elected Secretary of the Executive Board of the College of Full Professors of Surgery.
Since November 2021, he has been reconfirmed as Director of the School of Specialization in General Surgery at the University of Ferrara.
In January 2022, he was appointed President-elect of the Italian Society of Geriatric Surgery.
In March 2022, he became Director of the University Research Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pelvic Floor Diseases.
In May 2022, his five-year appointment as Director of Surgery 2 at the University Hospital of Ferrara was renewed.
In July 2023, he was appointed Director of the Breast Surgery Unit at the University Hospital of Ferrara.
In January 2024, he officially took office as President of the Italian Society of Geriatric Surgery.
In October 2025, he was elected to the Executive Board of the Italian Society of Surgery for the 2025–2028 term.
ACADEMIC AND CLINICAL CAREER SUMMARY
• 1986: Degree in Medicine and Surgery, cum laude – University of Ferrara
• 1987: Medical License
• 1987: Director of Medical Services, 11th Gram Air Force Base, Poggiorenatico
• 1990: Assistant Professor in General Surgery – University of Udine
• 1991: Specialization in General Surgery, cum laude – University of Ferrara
• 1993: Confirmed Researcher in Surgery – University of Ferrara
• 1995: University Assistant Professor qualification
• 1997: Specialization in Vascular Surgery, cum laude – University of Ferrara
• 1999: Member of the New York Academy of Sciences
• 2005–2009: Director, Departmental Center for Radioguided Surgery – University of Ferrara
• 2010: Associate Professor of General Surgery – University of Ferrara
• 2010: Senior Specialist Consultant in Radioguided Surgery
• 2013: National Scientific Qualification for Full Professorship
• 2015: Director, Departmental Unit of Breast and Radioguided Surgery
• 2016: Full Professor of General Surgery – University of Ferrara
• 2017: Director, Surgery Unit 2 – University Hospital of Ferrara
• 2018–present: Director, School of Specialization in General Surgery
• 2022–present: Director, Pelvic Floor Research Center
• 2023–present: Director, Breast Surgery Unit – University Hospital of Ferrara
AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND RESEARCH GRANTS
• 1984: International Scholarship – University of Vienna
• 1987: Scholarship from the Italian National League Against Cancer
• 1988: “Boari-Medini” Scientific Award
• 1989: “Boari-Medini” Scientific Award
• 1990: Italian Society of Surgery “Young Surgeon Award”
• 2003–2023: Local Scientific Research Grants (Principal Investigator)
• 2012: AIRC-funded project on circulating microRNAs
• 2013: LILT research grant
• 2015: Ministry of Health Research Grant for ARM Project
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AND STUDY PERIODS
• 1984: Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, University of Vienna
• 1987: Department of Surgery, Montefiore Hospital, University of Pittsburgh
• 1987: Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
• 1997: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York – Clinical Observer
• 1998: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York – Clinical Observer
• 2004: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York – Clinical Observer
• 2013: University Clinic of Halle, Germany – Clinical Observer
TEACHING ACTIVITY
Prof. Paolo Carcoforo has held extensive teaching responsibilities at the University of Ferrara in undergraduate medical education, nursing sciences, radiology, specialization schools, and international inter-university programs.
He has taught courses including:
• General Surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Geriatric Surgery
• Radioguided Oncologic Surgery
• Surgical Anatomy
• Emergency Surgery
• Vascular Access Surgery
• Clinical Surgical Sciences
• Integrated Approach to Severe Obesity
He has also served continuously for over 11 years as faculty member of the international inter-university course “Normal and Abnormal Growth of Tissues and Organs” organized with Maastricht University, delivering lectures and surgical training in English.
Since 2018, he has served as Director of the School of Specialization in General Surgery at the University of Ferrara.
LANGUAGES
• Italian: Native language
• English:
o Reading: Excellent
o Writing: Good
o Speaking: Good
SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY AND RESEARCH
Books, Monographs and Book Chapters
Prof. Paolo Carcoforo contributed as author or co-author to numerous textbooks and monographs, including:
1. Acute Abdomen – Surgical Semiology and Methodology (1993)
2. Manual of Surgical Pathology and Nursing Care (1995)
3. Breast Cancer Surgery: Multidisciplinary Aspects (1998)
4. Dangers in Surgery (2000)
5. Therapy of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (2009)
6. Atlas of Lymphoscintigraphy and Sentinel Node Mapping – Springer (2012)
7. Thyroidectomy with Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring
8. General Surgery – chapter on breast cancer demolitive surgery (2019)
9. Emergency Surgery – chapter on trauma surgery in pediatric, geriatric and pregnant patients
10. Thyroid Surgery – Springer (2023)
SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES AND RESEARCH GROUPS
• Fellow of the International College of Surgeons
• Member of the Italian Multicentric Study Group (SOLISM-IMI)
• Director of the Center for Radioguided Tumor Surgery and Research
• Member of the Interdepartmental Oncology Center Selection Committee
• Member of the International Study Group of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)
• Director of the Pelvic Floor Research Center, University of Ferrara
RESEARCH PROJECTS AND CLINICAL TRIALS
Prof. Paolo Carcoforo has coordinated and participated in numerous national and international clinical and translational research projects in:
• Breast cancer surgery
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy
• Axillary reverse mapping
• Thyroid surgery
• Melanoma surgery
• Colorectal cancer surgery
• Intraoperative neuromonitoring
• Vascular surgery
• Lymphorrhea prevention
• Biomarkers and circulating microRNAs
He served as Principal Investigator or Coordinator in multiple multicenter prospective randomized clinical trials approved by ethics committees and international study groups.
CLINICAL ACTIVITY
According to the official operative records of the University Hospital of Ferrara, from November 1, 1993 to December 31, 2023, Prof. Paolo Carcoforo personally performed:
16,442 surgical procedures
as first operator, both elective and emergency procedures.
SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS
• Italian Society of Phlebology and Lymphology
• Italian Society of Surgery (since 1991)
• Italian Society of Young Surgeons
• National Task Force on Breast Cancer
• Italian Society of Surgical Oncology
• International College of Surgeons
• Italian Society of University Surgeons
• International Study Group of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring
• College of Full Professors of Surgery
• Italian Association of Breast Surgeons
• Italian Society of Geriatric Surgery
• Italian Society of Endocrine Surgery
CONFERENCES AND INVITED SPEAKING
Participation in 181 national and international congresses:
• 44 International Congresses (10 as invited speaker)
• 169 National Congresses (74 as speaker or moderator)
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
• Total publications: 323
• Publications in journals with impact factor: 179
• First-author publications: 33
• Second-author publications: 15
• Senior-author publications: 22
Bibliometric Indicators
• Total citations: 4,383
• H-index: 38
• Total Impact Factor: 609.416
FUNDING AND RESEARCH SUPPORT
Prof. Paolo Carcoforo successfully attracted major research funding, including:
• 2008: €81,000 grant from the Foundation of the Ferrara Savings Bank
• 2012: €150,000 AIRC-funded research project
• 2013: €14,000 LILT grant
• 2013: €150,090 multicenter clinical trial funding
• 2015: €306,000 Ministry of Health research grant
These funds enabled the acquisition of advanced surgical and radioguided equipment and supported:
• 1 Scholarship
• 5 Research Fellowships
• 4 PhD positions for young medical specialists
CURRENT POSITIONS
• Full Professor of General Surgery – University of Ferrara
• Director, Breast Surgery Unit – University Hospital of Ferrara
• Director, School of Specialization in General Surgery – University of Ferrara
• President, Italian Society of Geriatric Surgery
• Director, Pelvic Floor Research Center – University of Ferrara
