Page 62 - NEWSLETTER 37

E.O.E Newsletter | www.huanet.gr
performance, because you don’t have a retropulsion, if you touch the mucosa, it doesn’t bleed and it has a very fast and effective dusting. So, I think now the pulsed Thulium:YAG and the Magneto Holmium:YAG are a step forward. Regarding the settings, I participated in some studies, where we evaluated the fragments and the temperature. We saw that there could be some issues with the temperature, when you begin and increase your energy settings, especially the frequency settings. We saw that the threshold was not so high and now I follow the results of these studies. We never go more than 20 Wats inside the kidney, using no more than 20 Hertz of frequency and in the ureter never more than 10 Wats. And I connect these choices with my preference for PCNL. If a stone requires excessive energy, high frequency, or long operative time, I consider it a wrong indication and prefer PCNL.
T.S.: When it comes to reconstructive and oncological urological surgeries, do you generally prefer conventional laparoscopy or robotic-assisted techniques? What informs your choice between the two?
I.K.G: Here there is also a bias! I was first trained in open surgery and then in laparoscopy, and I strongly believe in laparoscopy because of its clear benefits: faster recovery, precision in dissection, and reduced blood loss. I have not had the opportunity to work regularly with robotics, so naturally I am biased toward laparoscopy. I also think it benefits residents and young doctors that work with us to train in both open and laparoscopic techniques, so they are prepared for any situation. Surgeons trained only on robotics sometimes struggle without them (they have to call somebody else in the operating room if they face a
problem and I’m not a fan of this). That said, robotics has undeniable advantages, allowing surgeons that do not have experience in laparoscopy to perform minimally-invasive surgery, and patient demand is high. Social media also promote certain technologies. We are actually facing this reality: In my center we only perform laparoscopy and some patients prefer to go away, because they want to be operated by the robotics. So, I prefer laparoscopy but I admit- if you gave me a robot for free, I would accept it!
T.S.: To the best of our knowledge, you
have held an academic position since 2024. What does academia mean to you, both professionally and personally?
I.K.G: It is a milestone in my career. Although it is not the most important event in my professional career, it is a recognition of some sacrifices and dedication I had in the field of Urology, including a lot of studying. More importantly, I enjoy teaching, mentoring, and creating working groups of young people. Academia means not just knowledge, but transmitting it and seeing others grow. That is what satisfies me most- being like a coach and building a legacy.
T.S.: 1) How frequently do you visit Greece? Do you have a favorite location there? Have you ever considered returning to Greece on a permanent basis?
I.K.G: I come to Greece every summer (and maybe in Easter), mainly for family reasons- my elderly mother, my sister, and other relatives. My mother is older now and thus my trips now are a little bit different than in the past, when I visited Greece only for fan. My wife is Greek, and although my son was born in Italy, he feels very Greek. Professionally, I don’t think I will return to Greece. I am older now and you need a lot of energy to change country at this point. Fortunately, I am currently established in Italy, with strong academic and hospital ties. But Greece is always in my heart. My favorite place in Greece is Crete, where my mother is from. I have a special bond with Crete. I spent many months there as a kid, and I still dream of returning- not as a doctor, but to pursue something creative, such as painting. If I return, it will be to Crete, to start a new chapter.
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