Carlo Conti
I am a specialist in Otorhinolaryngology with a focused interest in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery. Born in 1995, I earned my medical degree with honors from the University of Milan in 2020, where I developed a strong foundation in clinical medicine and research. My thesis explored the use of machine learning and big data analytics to predict prognosis in advanced head and neck cancer patients a topic that shaped my ongoing interest in the intersection of technology and surgical oncology.
In 2025, I completed my residency in Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Brescia, graduating with full marks and honors. My residency thesis addressed the epidemiological and prognostic features of head and neck sarcomas, based on a tertiary-care center experience. During this period, I also engaged in a variety of clinical and research experiences that enriched my training, including a fellowship at the Institut Gustave Roussy and Hôpital Lariboisière in Paris, and a collaborative thesis project with Universidad Politécnica de Madrid on AI-driven cancer prognosis models.
My clinical experience includes work as a continuity care physician in Piacenza and as a clinical data analyst at the National Center of Oncologic Hadrontherapy (CNAO). I have also participated in several humanitarian missions, including medical volunteer work in Tulear, Madagascar, where I provided general outpatient care and assisted in ward management.
Education and training have been key elements of my professional development. I have served as a tutor at numerous national and international surgical training programs, including the International Summer School on Transnasal Endoscopic Surgery and courses on endoscopic sinus surgery and complication management. I have presented my research at major congresses such as the SIOeChCF, CEORL-HNS, and the IFHNOS World Congress.
I have authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. These include work on surgical management of paranasal sinus osteomas, artificial intelligence in nasal polyposis detection, financial toxicity in cancer care, and innovative approaches to oncologic laryngology. I strive to integrate scientific rigor with clinical relevance in all my research efforts.
Fluent in English and proficient in French, I also maintain strong digital skills, including the use of data management systems, statistical tools, and multimedia editing platforms. I believe that innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning are essential for advancing patient care and improving surgical outcomes.
Currently, I am working at the Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery of IRCCS San Martino in Genova. My clinical focus includes endoscopic approaches to skull base pathology and oncologic surgery.
Session
Description: This 30-minute instructional lecture offers a focused overview of endonasal mucosal and regional flaps, which are integral to reconstruction in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery. With the expansion of endoscopic approaches to address a wide spectrum of skull base and sinonasal pathologies, the need for reliable closure techniques has become paramount. Vascularized flaps have proven essential in minimizing complications such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, infections, and delayed healing.
The lecture begins with a concise review of relevant nasal and skull base anatomy, followed by an in-depth discussion of the most commonly used flaps. Emphasis will be placed on the Hadad-Bassagasteguy nasoseptal flap due to its versatility and widespread application. Additional mucosal flaps—including the inferior turbinate, middle turbinate, and lateral nasal wall flaps—will be introduced as alternatives for smaller or anatomically constrained defects. The role of regional flaps, such as the pericranial and temporoparietal fascia flaps, will be briefly covered for use in extended defects or revision surgery.
Participants will learn techniques for flap design, elevation, and inset, supported by high-definition surgical video and illustrative case examples. Key considerations such as flap selection based on defect location, vascular pedicle preservation, and handling of intraoperative complications will be addressed.
Outcomes: By the end of the session, participants will:
· Understand the anatomical foundations and surgical principles underlying the use of endonasal mucosal and regional flaps.
· Be able to identify appropriate flaps for various skull base defect locations and sizes.
· Gain familiarity with technical steps for safe and effective flap harvesting and inset.
· Recognize common challenges and complications in flap-based reconstruction and strategies for management.
· Be prepared to integrate reconstructive planning into routine endoscopic sinus and skull base procedures.
Objectives: At the conclusion of this lecture, attendees will be able to:
1. Describe the key anatomical landmarks and vascular supply relevant to mucosal and regional flap design in endoscopic surgery.
2. Differentiate between the primary types of endonasal mucosal flaps and regional flaps, including their indications and limitations.
3. Demonstrate the basic principles of harvesting, positioning, and securing mucosal and regional flaps using endoscopic techniques.
4. Select the most appropriate flap type based on surgical defect characteristics and reconstructive requirements.
5. Manage common intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with flap-based reconstruction.