Performing head and neck surgery is a complex process that demands both technical expertise and an in-depth understanding of patient care and anatomy. To be successful, surgeons must be able to perform with accuracy and attention to detail, while also prioritizing the patient’s overall well-being.
Dr. Mariano Sorrentino is an outstanding specialist in head and neck surgery. He has not only gained respect among his peers for his surgical expertise but has also brought hope to patients worldwide with his innovative approach.
Every surgery is unique and demands a tailored approach. It’s about achieving the best outcome while minimizing risk,” he says.
Trained at the University of Buenos Aires, Dr. Sorrentino is currently a PGY-3 General Surgery Resident at the Mayo Clinic, in Jacksonsville, Florida.
He is also certified by the ECFMG following successful completion of the USMLE.
“I believe the hallmarks of a great surgeon are resilience and adaptability, and the ability to realise you have never finished learning,” Dr. Sorrentino reveals.
“You should also be committed to forming meaningful connections with patients, empathizing with their experiences, and building a foundation of trust that goes beyond the typical doctor-patient relationship.”
He adds: “To me, this empathetic engagement is not separate from the exacting nature of surgery; rather, it enriches it, leading to improved patient results.”
Here, in this article, Dr. Sorrentino discusses some of the complexities of head and neck surgery.
Innovations in Minimally Invasive Procedures
Dr. Sorrentino has pioneered introducing and refining minimally invasive techniques in head and neck surgeries. These methods have revolutionized treatment by reducing recovery time and improving surgical outcomes.
Minimally invasive surgeries are less about the size of the incision and more about the magnitude of its impact on the patient’s life,” he says.
Dr. Sorrentino adds precision and hand-eye coordination are vital for navigating complex anatomy through small incisions: “Advanced knowledge of surgical robotics and endoscopic equipment is essential, as is the ability to interpret real-time imaging for accurate tumor localization and removal.
“As well as this, a proficiency in microsurgical techniques ensures minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.”
He asserts: “I want my patients to perceive me as both a consummate professional and a compassionate caregiver. I strive to create a comfortable and secure environment for them, where my approachability and humanity are as evident as my surgical expertise.”
Excellence in Oncological Surgery
In oncological surgeries, particularly those involving head and neck cancer, Dr. Sorrentino’s expertise becomes crucial. He combines surgical skill with an understanding of oncology to provide comprehensive care.
“Cancer treatment is a comprehensive process that involves not only the physical removal of the tumor, but also a deep understanding of the disease’s progression,” he reveals.
“As a doctor, you must be mindful of the impact on the patient’s overall well-being. It’s critical to approach cancer treatment holistically to ensure the patient’s complete recovery.”
“A surgeon must have an in-depth understanding of tumor biology and the complexities of cancer staging. Skillful execution of surgical techniques, including resection margins and lymph node dissection, is critical.”
Dr. Sorrentino adds: “Equally important is adeptness in minimally invasive approaches and reconstructive procedures to optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes. Patient safety, compassionate communication, and collaborative multidisciplinary coordination are indispensable.”
The Art of Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery following tumor removal or trauma is another area where Dr. Sorrentino excels. He blends aesthetic considerations with functional restoration, often using innovative techniques like microvascular free flap reconstructions.
Dr. Sorrentino believes reconstructive surgery is crucial in restoring form and function after trauma or cancer resections: “Surgeons must be precise and skilled in this field to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. For instance, facial reconstruction requires careful technique to restore aesthetics and the intricate workings of facial expressions,” he says.
He adds: “A surgeon must have a deep understanding of joint and muscle mechanics to ensure mobility is not impacted. Additionally, microsurgical skills are essential for reattaching nerves and vessels, which can make the difference between successful grafts and failure.”
In conclusion, Dr. Sorrentino says: “The specific domains of head and neck surgery require a surgeon’s utmost skill, precision, and an artistic touch to achieve the desired results.
“A surgeon must have an in-depth understanding of human anatomy and physiology, as well as the latest techniques and technologies available.
“I am always truly appreciative of the trust a patient puts in me when I operate on them.”
About Dr. Mariano Sorrentino
Dr. Mariano Sorrentino is an esteemed General Surgery Resident at the Mayo Clinic in Florida.
His comprehensive training and dedication to advancing surgical techniques have distinguished his early career. Particularly notable is his fellowship at AdventHealth Celebration in Florida, where he specialized in head and neck surgery, surgical oncology, and endocrine surgery.
Dr. Sorrentino is deeply invested in research, particularly in robotic and endocrine surgical methods, marking him as a leader in innovative surgical approaches.
Currently, Dr. Sorrentino is enhancing his surgical skills and patient care acumen at Mayo Clinic, where he started his residency in June 2023.
His professional journey includes significant roles and specialized training that have shaped his expertise.
From June 2021 to June 2023, he was a Fellow at AdventHealth, focusing on head and neck surgeries, which provided him with a rich experience in complex surgical procedures and patient management strategies.
Prior to this, Dr. Sorrentino honed his critical care skills as a Trauma Surgeon at Hospital Oncológico Maria Curie from September 2016 to June 2021, managing emergency cases that demanded precision under pressure. He also completed an observer and research rotation in head and neck surgical oncology at AdventHealth from March to June 2020.
Dr. Sorrentino’s surgical foundation was further solidified with a fellowship in head and neck surgery at Hospital Oncológico Maria Curie in Argentina, from June 2014 to March 2020.
During this time, he mastered the intricacies of surgical oncology and reconstruction. He also participated in an observer rotation at MD Anderson Cancer Center in early 2018, enhancing his surgical techniques in the head and neck domain.
His early surgical career began at Hospital Ramón Carrillo in Argentina, where he served as a General Surgeon from March 2014 to September 2016. Dr. Sorrentino completed his general surgery residency at Hospital General de Agudos Dr. E. Tornu in Argentina, which spanned from 2009 to 2014.
In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Sorrentino has pursued specialized training to refine his microsurgical skills at Mayo Clinic and further developed his reconstructive surgery capabilities at the University of Iowa.
Dr. Sorrentino has contributed to at least 11 surgical papers and created training and mentorship programs in a number of areas relating to facial trauma and head and neck surgery.
“I am passionate about sharing and passing knowledge as well as continuous learning, which I believe is the bedrock for improving surgery and practices in the next generaton,” he says.
Dr. Sorrentino also holds memberships in several prestigious organizations, reflecting his deep commitment to the surgical field.
He has been a member of the Municipal Physicians Association (AMM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, since 2009, and the Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AOCMF) since 2016.
He joined the Argentinian Association of Surgery (MAAC) in 2017, following a rigorous selection process that highlighted his surgical expertise and commitment to professional excellence.
Additionally, since 2023, he has been a member of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the Florida Duval County Medical Society, and the American Medical Association (AMA), engaging in ongoing professional development and collaborative efforts to advance surgical knowledge and practice.
His commitment to excellence in patient care, combined with his ongoing pursuit of knowledge, makes him a notable figure in the surgical community.
Dr. Sorrentino’s extensive international experience and proficiency in a wide range of surgical procedures have equipped him to deliver superior care and contribute significantly to the field of medicine.
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