Cedars-Sinai Selects New Colorectal Surgery Leader
Innovative Surgeon Alessio Pigazzi, MD, PhD, an Expert in Robot-Assisted Techniques, to Direct Faculty Division of Colorectal Surgery
Cedars-Sinai has selected Alessio Pigazzi, MD, PhD, to lead the newly created Faculty Division of Colorectal Surgery in the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery.
Widely known as a pioneer in robot-assisted colorectal surgery, Pigazzi performed the world’s first robot-assisted tumor removal for rectal cancer more than 20 years ago. He has continued to advance the colorectal surgery field with his expertise in robot-assisted, laparoscopic and open surgical techniques to treat complex colorectal conditions such as recurrent and metastatic colorectal cancer.
Pigazzi brings to Cedars-Sinai a rich history of surgical leadership. Most recently, Pigazzi was division director of Colorectal Surgery at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He also was executive director for Surgical Services, vice chair of Clinical Network, and professor in the Department of Surgery at City of Hope Orange County.
In his new role at Cedars-Sinai, Pigazzi will concentrate on developing the academic colorectal practice, opening novel clinical trials and advancing translational research.
“Cedars-Sinai’s new Faculty Division of Colorectal Surgery will continue to build best-in-class, patient-centered care by staying on the forefront of the latest surgical techniques, clinical trials and clinical practices,” said Cristina Ferrone, MD, chair of the Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai. “Under Dr. Pigazzi’s esteemed leadership, we will also enrich our training programs as we develop the colorectal surgical leaders of tomorrow.”
In addition to his clinical practice, Pigazzi is involved in many significant research initiatives, including a translational research effort investigating the role dietary sugars play in the development of colorectal cancer. His extensive publication record includes more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and 16 book chapters.
“Dr. Pigazzi’s innovative clinical work and research discovery for colorectal cancer aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing leading-edge expertise and care for our Cedars-Sinai Cancer patients,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer.
Pigazzi earned both his medical and doctoral degrees at Boston University School of Medicine. He then completed his general surgery residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical College, followed by advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center and in colorectal surgery at the University of California, Irvine.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring my passion to this leadership role in the Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai,” Pigazzi said. “I look forward to growing the division to be the best in the region in terms of clinical, research and academic excellence.”
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