City of Hope Orange County has announced that Dr. Alessio Pigazzi, a leading colorectal surgeon known for his pioneering work in robotic surgery, is joining their team. Dr. Pigazzi, who first made headlines two decades ago by performing the world’s first robot-assisted tumor removal for rectal cancer, will now take on key leadership roles at the cancer research and treatment center.
In his new position, Dr. Pigazzi will oversee surgical teams focused on treating complex colon, rectal, and anal cancers. He’ll also spearhead research on early-onset colorectal cancer and continue to develop minimally invasive surgical techniques aimed at improving patient recovery.
Dr. Pigazzi expressed a deep personal connection to City of Hope, describing his return as a “homecoming.” He noted, “I’m truly impressed by the level of care and innovation here. City of Hope offers something special—comprehensive, patient-centered cancer care that makes a real difference in people’s lives.”
Colleagues at City of Hope, including Dr. Edward S. Kim, expressed excitement about working with Dr. Pigazzi. “His expertise has changed the way we approach colorectal cancer, and I’m thrilled he’s back with us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer treatment,” said Dr. Kim.
Dr. Pigazzi is highly regarded for his skill in both traditional and robot-assisted surgeries, as well as a specialized procedure known as cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This advanced technique, where heated chemotherapy is applied directly to the abdomen after tumor removal, offers hope to patients with advanced or inoperable cancers.
Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, sees Dr. Pigazzi’s arrival as a crucial step as the organization prepares to open a new cancer hospital in 2025, which will be the first in Orange County dedicated exclusively to cancer care. “Having Dr. Pigazzi on our team means that patients in our community will have access to some of the best cancer treatment available,” she said.
Dr. Pigazzi’s work extends beyond surgery to research, where he’s currently exploring how dietary sugars might influence the development of early-onset colorectal cancer—a growing concern nationally and regionally. His research also includes finding ways to make minimally invasive and robotic surgeries more widely available and effective.