General Surgery
I treat the most common abdominal surgical conditions, favoring the laparoscopic approach, which, through small incisions, means less pain and a faster recovery.
Río Cuarto · Córdoba · Argentina
General, Minimally Invasive and Abdominal Wall Surgery
I am Dr. Ignacio Corteggiano, a general surgeon with a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery, a Master's in Abdominal Wall Surgery and international training. I explain every option clearly and stay with you from the first visit to discharge.
- Specialist in General Surgery
- Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery (DAICIM)
- Master's in Abdominal Wall Surgery
- Diploma in AI Applied to Medicine (Favaloro University)
- Training in Spain and France
About me
Why choose me?
Every visit begins with an interview about your history, symptoms and tests. I then perform a physical examination and explain, in plain words, what is happening and which treatment options we have, surgical or not.
When surgery is the best option, I propose less invasive techniques that solve the problem safely: laparoscopy, image-guided percutaneous procedures or abdominal wall reconstruction with current techniques. I trained in them in Argentina, Spain and France.
I am with you throughout the process: preparation, surgery and follow-up, with direct WhatsApp contact for any question.
See my training and backgroundSpecialties
Areas of expertise
Minimally Invasive and Percutaneous Surgery
Many problems can be solved without open surgery, through minimally invasive surgery or percutaneous procedures guided by ultrasound or CT, under local anesthesia or sedation. They are also an option for patients who cannot undergo major surgery.
Abdominal Wall Surgery
I trained specifically in hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction (Master's in Abdominal Wall Surgery, rotation at Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires). Each case is planned with imaging studies to choose the right technique and mesh.
3D reconstruction for surgical planning and navigation
From the patient's CT or MRI scan I build a 3D reconstruction of the organ: a model that can be rotated and shows the lesions together with the arteries, veins and bile ducts.
It is used to:
- Locate precisely each lesion and its relationship to the vessels and bile ducts.
- Plan the surgery: choose the approach, define what to resect and which structures to preserve, and calculate the remaining organ volume.
- Guide the operation (navigation), using the model as a map of the patient.
- Explain the case to the patient with a clear image.
Patient information
Common conditions
General information to understand each condition. It does not replace a consultation: every case is assessed individually.
Inguinal hernia
A bulge in the groin that appears when straining or standing and may hurt. It does not heal on its own and can become complicated if it gets trapped.
How is it treated?
It is repaired with a mesh, through open or laparoscopic surgery, depending on each patient. Hospital stay and recovery depend on the technique and on each case.
Umbilical and midline hernia
A bulge at or above the navel. It is common after pregnancy, with excess weight or chronic cough.
How is it treated?
Depending on the size of the defect, it is closed with or without mesh. It can be done through open or laparoscopic surgery: the technique is chosen after assessing each case.
Incisional hernia (hernia in a scar)
It appears over the scar of a previous operation. Over time it tends to grow and interfere with daily life.
How is it treated?
The abdominal wall is reconstructed with current techniques (mesh in the right position, component separation when needed). In large hernias the wall can be prepared before surgery, for example with botulinum toxin, to achieve a tension-free closure.
Diastasis recti
Separation of the abdominal muscles, common after pregnancy. It may come with hernias and lower back discomfort.
What are the options?
Not every diastasis needs surgery. The width, symptoms and any associated hernias are assessed, and physical therapy or surgical repair is recommended case by case.
Gallbladder (gallstones)
Gallstones can cause biliary colic, inflammation (cholecystitis) or pancreatitis.
How is it treated?
Cholecystectomy is done laparoscopically. The hospital stay is usually short and recovery is quick.
Fluid collections and abscesses
Build-ups of fluid or pus inside the abdomen, the liver or soft tissues, sometimes after surgery or an infection.
How are they treated?
In many cases they are drained percutaneously, without open surgery, with a catheter guided by ultrasound or CT. See percutaneous surgery.
Image-guided biopsies
When a scan shows a nodule or lesion, a biopsy tells what it is and helps define the treatment.
How are they done?
With a needle guided by ultrasound or CT, usually under local anesthesia and without a hospital stay.
Lipomas and cysts
Lumps under the skin, usually benign, that may grow, cause discomfort or become infected.
How are they treated?
They are removed in outpatient surgery under local anesthesia in most cases.
Care
Support at every stage
- Consultation. An interview about your history and symptoms, a physical examination and a review of your tests.
- Plan. I explain the options, risks and benefits in writing and in plain words.
- Preparation. You will receive instructions and pre-operative tests by WhatsApp or in print.
- Surgery and follow-up. Check-ups after the operation and contact for any question.
In the operating room
Laparoscopic and robotic surgery
Background
Training and experience
- 2025–2026Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery, DAICIM Foundation.
- 2025International observership at IRCAD, Strasbourg (France), and advanced courses in laparoscopic, robotic and hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery.
- 2025Rotation at the Abdominal Wall Unit, Hospital Alemán (Buenos Aires).
- 2025Diploma in Artificial Intelligence Applied to Medicine, Favaloro University.
- 2024Master's in Abdominal Wall Surgery, Francisco de Vitoria University (Madrid).
- 2024–2025Staff surgeon, Instituto de Urología Río Cuarto.
- 2023–2025Chief Resident in General Surgery, Instituto Médico Río Cuarto.
- 2023Training stay in General Surgery, Coloproctology and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia (Spain).
- 2020–2024Residency and board certification in General Surgery, Instituto Médico Río Cuarto.
- 2013–2019Medical degree, Catholic University of Córdoba.
Publications
- Espínola F, Giménez M, Innocenzi C, Corteggiano I, et al. Intraoperative biliary anatomy visualization using indocyanine green fluorescence micro-dosing: a quantitative preclinical study. Surgical Endoscopy, 2026. doi:10.1007/s00464-026-13156-y
- Giménez ME, Innocenzi C, Corteggiano I, et al. Clinical outcomes of magnesium-based balloon-expandable biodegradable stenting for benign biliary strictures. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A, 2026. doi:10.1177/10926429261486279
Awards and conferences
- First Prize, Argentine Congress of Surgery 2023: "Giant incisional hernia repair with botulinum toxin".
- Scientific video, Argentine Congress of Surgery 2023: "Laparoscopic Spigelian hernia repair with articulated instruments".
- Invited resident panelist, Spanish Association of Surgeons (2022): webinar on demanding situations and postoperative complications in colorectal surgery.
Teaching
Lecturer in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Catholic University of Córdoba.
Lecturer in charge of Human Morphophysiology, School of Nursing (2024–2025).
Research
Artificial intelligence applied to surgery
Besides operating, I work on applying artificial intelligence to surgery. I train neural networks on surgical images and develop support tools for surgeons.
I am developing a platform for abdominal wall surgeons with an artificial intelligence assistant that supports every case: it brings together case registry, hernia classification (EHS), risk assessment, up-to-date scientific evidence and patient follow-up.
I'm a surgeon and want to learn moreCommon questions
Frequently asked questions
Does every hernia need surgery?
Most do, because they do not heal on their own and tend to grow. Some cases without symptoms can be monitored. We decide together at the consultation.
What should I bring to the consultation?
Any tests related to the problem (ultrasound, CT scans, lab results) and a list of the medications you take.
Do you accept health insurance?
Ask via WhatsApp which health insurance plans are accepted at each location.
How long is the recovery?
It depends on the type of surgery. After laparoscopic hernia or gallbladder surgery, most people resume light activities within a few days. Recovery from large incisional hernias takes longer.
Do you offer remote consultations?
Yes, video consultations can be arranged to review tests or for follow-up visits.
Contact
Appointments and enquiries
The fastest way is WhatsApp. Please include your name, health insurance and the reason for your visit.
WhatsApp: +54 9 358 561-3924Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @dr.corteggianoignacio
Locations
Grupo Instituto Médico
Instituto de Urología, Nefrología y Unidad Cardiológica
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
Mitre 1064, Río Cuarto · Directions
Institute's WhatsApp: 358 411-5204
Policlínico San Lucas
To book an appointment, message me
In-person visits in Río Cuarto at Grupo Instituto Médico (Tuesday and Thursday afternoons) and Policlínico San Lucas, and by video call.