Gender equity and professional experience of female colorectal surgeons in Italy: results of a National survey

Gender disparities in surgical careers are increasingly recognized in both academic research and everyday clinical practice. Although women now represent a substantial proportion of medical graduates and surgical trainees, they remain underrepresented in surgical specialties, particularly in technically demanding and high-stress fields such as colorectal surgery. In Italy, Women in Surgery (WIS) has previously explored gender dynamics among surgeons in general. The aim of the present study was to investigate the professional experience of female colorectal surgeons. A national, anonymous, web-based survey was conducted as a joint initiative of Women in Surgery Italia (WIS) and the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR). The questionnaire was developed, reviewed, and finalized collaboratively by members of both societies. A total of 119 female surgeons completed the survey. Operative exposure was limited, and perceptions of gender bias and microaggressions were common. Ergonomic discomfort and challenges related to maternity reintegration were frequently reported. This study provides the first national overview of the professional experiences of female colorectal surgeons in Italy and highlights persistent structural and cultural barriers affecting career development.