A suspicious skin lesion can trigger a difficult waiting period between initial dermatological evaluation and surgical excision, prompting the Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Luigi Gonzaga in Orbassano to launch a specialized oncology department aimed at shortening diagnostic and procedural delays.
Mondosanità reported that this pathway involves an initial dermatological visit, a subsequent request for deeper evaluation, scheduling for surgical removal, and a final wait for histological analysis.
New Outpatient Clinic Handles Urgent Cases and Chronic Wounds
- Priority Triage: A second outpatient clinic opens in December 2026 to handle urgent cases classified as priority U (within 72 hours) or B (within 10 days).
- Multidisciplinary Scope: Beyond skin cancers like melanoma, the facility treats chronic wounds and difficult ulcers through dedicated vulnology pathways.
Integrating Dermatology and Surgery at San Luigi Gonzaga
The new Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Dermatochirurgia Oncologica is designed to eliminate unnecessary administrative steps that separate diagnosis from treatment. The facility is directed by Massimo Rizzo, a general surgeon specializing in oncological surgery and cutaneous lesions.
The operational model allows clinicians to perform outpatient procedures, including complex excisions, when clinically appropriate. Investire sulla dermatochirurgia significa intervenire su uno dei punti più critici del percorso dermatologico, il passaggio dalla diagnosi alla cura, stated Davide Minniti, general manager of AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, as reported by Mondosanità.
Regional health authorities emphasize that tackling waiting lists requires structural reorganization rather than merely increasing appointment volume. “Per ridurre le liste d’attesa non basta aumentare il numero delle prestazioni, ma serve organizzare percorsi di cura più rapidi ed efficaci,” observed Federico Riboldi, regional health councillor for Piemonte, according to Mondosanità.
Expanding Capacity for Urgent Dermatological Care
To address priority cases, a second outpatient clinic is scheduled to open in December 2026, operating alongside the existing service.
The system prioritizes prescriptions marked with class U for urgent evaluations within 72 hours and class B for short-term access within 10 days.
Diagnostic Precision in Skin Cancers and Chronic Wounds
The department handles malignant pathologies, including melanomas, epitheliomas, and basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas.
| Condition / Procedure | Clinical Focus | Target Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Class U Priority | Urgent dermatological evaluations | Within 72 hours |
| Class B Priority | Short-term diagnostic reviews | Within 10 days |
| San Lazzaro Consultant | Oncological dermatosurgery agenda | Beginning January 2027 |
In addition to oncology, the unit addresses chronic wounds and difficult ulcers through its vulnology sector.
Patient Intake Expands After Second Clinic Opens in December 2026
The new structure will expand its patient intake following the opening of its second dedicated clinic in December 2026.
References
- Mondosanità. Un neo sospetto, la visita e poi l’attesa: l’ospedale che vuole accorciare i tempi tra diagnosi e intervento.
