Surgery as holistic care: the testimony of Matilde Tettamanzi

Some choose surgery for the precision of the technical gesture, while others—like Matilde Tettamanzi—for the possibility of giving hope back. From the University of Sassari to the wards of Niguarda Hospital in Milan, the young surgeon, now in her fourth year of specialisation in plastic surgery, moves between operating rooms, multidisciplinary teams, and international experiences that have profoundly shaped her way of understanding care.

The impact with Niguarda

Having joined just a few months ago the Complex Unit of Plastic Surgery and the Burn Center at Niguarda, Tettamanzi faced an intense beginning. «What struck me most were the patients,” she explains: “clinically and humanly fragile, yet at the same time capable of extraordinary resilience». It was a strong impact, which pushed her to pursue her training «with even more motivation, both as a doctor and as a person».

At Niguarda, she was gradually able to take on greater responsibilities, from direct patient management to follow-up care, and eventually to operating room work. «Every complex case—from trauma to breast reconstructions to burn victims—has been both a challenge and an opportunity for growth», she says. The trust she received from the department allowed her to gain confidence and autonomy, consolidating her awareness of her role.

An international outlook

The young surgeon’s path has been enriched by periods abroad, between Boston and Valencia. «Abroad, I found highly structured protocols and a strong focus on technological innovation,” she points out. An experience that allowed her not only to learn new techniques but also to realise “how important it is to keep an open outlook and adapt what you learn to different contexts».

Her journey has also been marked by experiences with deep human impact. From oncology and breast cancer patients, with whom «relationships of trust are built that go beyond the surgical act», to children from Gaza admitted to Niguarda for reconstructions after blast injuries. «Listening to their stories and seeing their strength despite their suffering was a great lesson in humanity».

The importance of teamwork

Tettamanzi has no doubts: «No one could face the complexity of our patients alone». From daily collaboration with colleagues, nurses, physiotherapists, and psychologists, she has learned how valuable everyone’s contribution is—not only on the clinical level but also on the human one. «The real richness of our work is its collective dimension», she adds.After years of experience in Italy and abroad, for Tettamanzi care no longer coincides only with the surgical act. «It means taking charge of the person in their entirety—with their history, their fragility, and their resources», she explains. Alongside technique, the relationship with the patient becomes an integral part of the process. «Care also means restoring dignity and hope».