Grand Rounds Highlight | IPMN with Francesco M. Serafini, MD, FACS

Feb 28, 2026

The Department of Surgery was honored to welcome Francesco M. Serafini, MD, FACS, Assistant Professor of Surgery and Director of Surgical Oncology at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County and South Brooklyn Hospital, as our Grand Rounds speaker. 

In his presentation, “Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (IPMN) — Are We All Reading from the Same Page?”, Dr. Serafini delivered a thoughtful and nuanced discussion of IPMN, focusing on current diagnostic frameworks, the challenges of risk stratification, and how these factors influence management decisions between ongoing surveillance and surgical intervention. He emphasized the complexity of caring for patients with pancreatic cystic lesions, particularly when imaging, clinical findings, and guideline recommendations do not always align neatly. 

Dr. Serafini highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, underscoring the essential collaboration among surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and pathologists in evaluating these lesions and determining the most appropriate course of action. His talk also explored the areas of uncertainty that continue to shape clinical practice, including how to balance the risks of overtreatment against the need to identify lesions with malignant potential in a timely fashion. 

The session sparked robust discussion among faculty and trainees regarding variability in practice patterns, evolving consensus guidelines, and the importance of developing a shared framework for interpretation and decision-making. As pancreatic cyst surveillance and management continue to evolve, Dr. Serafini’s presentation served as a valuable reminder of the importance of clinical judgment, interdisciplinary communication, and evidence-based care in navigating this challenging disease process. 

We thank Dr. Serafini for an engaging and highly educational presentation, and for sharing his expertise on this important and increasingly relevant topic in surgical oncology.