Irvine, Calif.-based City of Hope Orange County has tapped Alessio Pigazzi, MD, PhD, as clinical professor of surgery, executive medical director of colorectal surgery and vice chair of clinical network affairs for the Department of Surgery, according to an Aug. 22 report from the Los Angeles Times.
Two decades ago, Dr. Pigazzi performed the world’s first robot-assisted tumor removal for rectal cancer at City of Hope in Duarte, Calif.
In his role, Dr. Pigazzi will lead a team of surgeons specializing in complex colon, rectal and anal cancers, advance research in early-onset colorectal cancer and minimally invasive techniques to improve recovery after surgery and oversee optimal access and utilization of surgical services.
Dr. Pigazzi specializes in laparoscopic, robot-assisted and open surgical techniques. His research includes neoadjuvant therapies for colon and rectal cancer.