Dr. Zoe Garoufalia is currently a Clinical Fellow in Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida, under the guidance of Director Steven D. Wexner (August 2023 to August 2025).
Prior to that, Dr. Garoufalia worked as a Colorectal Research Fellow at Cleveland Clinic, delving deep into the intricacies of colorectal surgery from July 2021 to July 2023, while completing her PhD in Medicine (2023) from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, focusing on the wound healing effects of IGF-1. Her journey began to take shape earlier at Laiko Hospital in Athens, Greece, where she served as a General Surgeon from December 2020 to July 2021. She previously completed her general surgery residency in the same Department (Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery) and also spent time in the Colorectal Surgery Department of Addenbrooke’s Hospital as an Honorary Clinical Fellow.
Beyond her clinical pursuits, Dr. Garoufalia is deeply involved in shaping the future of surgical practice. As the Chair of the Y-ESCP (Young European Society of Coloproctology) since September 2023, she leads strategic initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of surgical talent within the European Society of Coloproctology. She is heavily involved in various committees and societies, including the European Society of Coloproctology and The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
Dr. Garoufalia holds editorial and reviewer roles in leading journals such as Colorectal Disease Journal, International Journal of Colorectal Surgery, and Frontiers in Surgery. Currently, she has co-authored over 120 international publications and presented over 100 posters and podium presentations in national and international meetings.
Selected publications from PubMed
Propensity-Score Matched Analysis of Short-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Compared to Open Surgery in Octogenarian and Nonagenarian Patients With Colon Cancer.
Emile SH, Garoufalia Z, Wignakumar A, Perets M, Wexner SD
Am Surg. 2026 Sep;92(9):2387-2395 doi: 10.1177/00031348261441676.
Clinicopathologic Characteristics, Treatments, and Survival Outcomes of Early-onset Compared to Later-onset Colorectal Mucinous Adenocarcinomas: A Population-based SEER Analysis.
Emile SH, Barnes S, Garoufalia Z, Wexner SD
J Gastrointest Cancer. 2026 Aug 28;57(1) pii: 201. doi: 10.1007/s12029-026-01576-x.
Comparing international and US medical graduates in surgical subspecialties: meta-analysis of residency matching, research output, and postoperative outcomes.
Horesh N, Emile SH, Garoufalia Z, Setton IG, Menzo EL, Wexner SD, Rosenthal RJ
Surg Endosc. 2026 Sep;40(9):8109-8119 doi: 10.1007/s00464-026-13225-2.
Using the Fragility Index analysis for assessment of the robustness of evidence in randomized controlled trials cited in the NCCN guidelines for gastric cancer.
Kahana N, Boaz E, Horesh N, Dourado J, Rogers P, Aeschbacher P, Hany Emile S, Garoufalia Z, Lo Menzo E, Wexner SD, Rosenthal RJ
Surgery. 2026 Aug;196:110176 doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2026.110176.
Survival benefit of adjuvant radiation therapy after local excision of T1-2 and N0 anal squamous cell carcinoma: A National Cancer Database Analysis.
Emile SH, Horesh N, Garoufalia Z, Perets M, Wignakumar A, Wexner SD
Surgery. 2026 Jul;195:110240 doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2026.110240.
In this AIS webinar titled "Fecal Incontinence" a distinguished international faculty provides a comprehensive update on the clinical approach. The session addresses the condition's epidemiology, including its incidence and prevalence , alongside modern protocols for patient evaluation and nonsurgical management strategies. The program further explores surgical and technological advancements, debating the current role of sphincter repair and the application of Sacral Neuromodulation.
With Medtronic
Published
Mar 2026
Surgical adhesions remain one of the most challenging complications in abdominal and pelvic surgery, impacting millions of patients worldwide with chronic pain, bowel obstruction, infertility, and the need for reoperations. This July, AIS Channel brings together an esteemed international faculty to explore the full spectrum of surgical adhesions, from early diagnosis to evidence-based prevention strategies. Join renowned experts Dr. Steven D. Wexner (USA), Dr. Richard Ten Broek (Netherlands), Dr. Oded Zmora (Israel), and Dr. Zoe Garoufalia (USA) as they share the latest advances in imaging, discuss the clinical and economic burden of adhesions, and review practical surgical approaches to reduce their incidence. This comprehensive program will conclude with an interactive panel discussion moderated by Dr. Wexner, offering an opportunity to engage with leaders shaping the future of adhesion management.
With Baxter
Published
Jul 2025
Recent advances in technology and techniques have significantly improved outcomes for patients with rectal cancer. This event will spotlight two of the most groundbreaking innovations in the field. Our expert panel will present data on lateral pelvic node dissection and the use of indocyanine green (ICG), along with the integration of these methods. The program will emphasize the cost-effective laparoscopic approach to lateral pelvic node dissection and demonstrate how ICG enhances the safety and precision of pelvic dissection. Internationally renowned faculty will share valuable insights, including data, surgical videos, and practical tips for adopting these laparoscopic techniques globally.
With Medtronic
Published
Aug 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of surgical practice, responsibility stands as a cornerstone principle that permeates every aspect of the surgical profession. From the operating room to the boardroom, from mentorship to patient care, mastering the art of surgical responsibility is paramount. Join us for an enlightening event brought to you by the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP), where we will delve into the core of surgical responsibility and explore how to seamlessly integrate it into every facet of our work. This interactive session promises engaging discussions and practical takeaways for surgeons striving to uphold the highest standards of responsibility in their practice.
With Johnson & Johnson MedTech
Published
May 2024
The management of anal fistulas is one of the greatest challenges. The need to preserve continence while permanently eradicating the fistula is the ultimate desired goal. Unfortunately, none of the ever-expanding myriads of treatments is a panacea; high rates of failure and of recurrence are consistently experienced. Regenerative or autologous tissue replacement therapies differ from all other options in encouraging tissue growth rather than destroying, ablating, or excising tissue. This program will demonstrate the role of autologous stem cells and gracilis muscle interposition in the treatment of some of the most challenging fistulas.
With Takeda
Published
Jun 2023
1. Welcome and Introduction - Dr. Luis Felipe Cabrera Vargas (Colombia) 2. Residents Worldwide - Testimonials and perspectives 3. The RR: Highlights - Dr. Luis Felipe Cabrera Vargas (Colombia) 4. Industry Perspective- Mr. Rich Merklinger (USA) 5. The Resilient Chain - Dr. Barham Abu Dayyeh (USA), Dr. Julia Coleman (USA), Dr. Zoe Garoufalia (USA), Dr. James Glasbey (UK), Dr. Geeta Lal (USA), Dr. Emanuele Lo Menzo (USA), Dr. Winnie Mathur (India), Dr. Violeta Moizé (Argentina), Dr. Sara Tavares Nogueira (Spain), Dr. Daniel Tomey (USA) 6. Closing remarks - Dr. Luis Felipe Cabrera Vargas (Colombia)
With Johnson & Johnson MedTech
Published
Dec 2022
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