Alessio Pigazzi,

M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.C.R.S.

Colorectal Surgeon

Location: City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center
1000 Five Point
Irvine, CA 92618

Specialties: Colon and Rectal Surgery

Education

Medical school:

Degrees

1987-2005, Doctor of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" (con lode), Sapienza, Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
1999-2003, Clinical Associate in Surgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
1993-1998, Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
1988-1991, Bachelor of Arts, Boston University, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts

Fellowship

2011-2012, Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship, University of California Irvine, UCI Medical Center, Orange, California
2003-2004, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery Fellowship, Hackensack University - University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Hackensack University Medical Center, Newark, New Jersey

Residency

1998-2003, General Surgery Internship Residency, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York

Professional Experience

2020-2024, Chief of Colorectal Surgery, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
2011-2020, Chief of the Divisions of Colorectal Surgery and Surgical Oncology, University of California Irvine Medical Center (and Vice Chair for Research and Staff Surgeon), University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California
2004-2011, Staff Surgeon, City of Hope National Medical Center, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
2003-2004, Attending Surgeon, Section of Trauma and Injury Prevention, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, New Jersey
1997-1998, Lecturer in Biology, Boston University Metropolitan College, Boston University Metropolitan College, Boston, Massachusetts

Academic Appointments

Executive Medical Director of Surgical Services for City of Hope Orange County and the Vice Chair of Clinical Network Surgery in the Department of Surgery
Clinical Professor in the Division of Colorectal Surgery

About Me

Alessio Pigazzi, MD is one of the country’s top colorectal surgeons, known for his skills in treating complex cancers of the colon, rectum and anus. At City of Hope^® Orange County Lennar Cancer Center, he uses the latest surgical techniques—including minimally invasive, robotic, and traditional open procedures—to give patients the best possible outcomes.

Dr. Pigazzi is also one of the few surgeons with expertise in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which involves applying heated chemotherapy directly inside the abdomen right after surgically removing tumors. This advanced approach offers new hope to patients with advanced cancers. Dr. Pigazzi’s research focuses on combining surgery with early chemotherapy to improve long-term survival.

Before joining City of Hope, Dr. Pigazzi led colorectal surgery programs at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and at UCI Medical Center, where he also oversaw surgical oncology.

He earned both his medical degree and PhD from Boston University, trained in general surgery at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, and completed advanced fellowships in minimally invasive and colorectal surgery. With a deep commitment to innovation and compassionate care, Dr. Pigazzi brings world-class expertise to every patient he treats.

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