LARISSA TEMPLE, MD
Osteopathic Medicine at York Ave, New York, NY

General Surgery, Colon & Rectal Surgery

Colon & Rectal Surgery, 2005, General Surgery, 2001

Healthgrades Honor Roll

English

I am a surgical oncologist and board certified colorectal surgeon with special training in the treatment of colon, rectal, and anal cancer. My patient-centered practice emphasizes sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer, which enables patients to avoid having a permanent colostomy (commonly called “a bag”). I am the co-principal investigator of a protocol involving implantation of an artificial bowel sphincter in select rectal cancer patients who would otherwise require a permanent colostomy. Whenever possible, I perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) colorectal surgery to minimize incisions and reduce pain. For more complex cases, I am part of a multidisciplinary team of specialists performing extensive open surgeries such as sacrectomy, total pelvic exenteration, and debulking of appendiceal cancers, as well as palliative procedures for patients with metastatic disease. My clinical practice also includes many patients who have anorectal squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, I oversee the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Colorectal Survivorship Clinic. I have received multiple research grants. My research focuses on patient functional issues and quality of life after colorectal cancer surgery. I assess bowel, bladder and sexual function in patients who have undergone rectal cancer treatment, measuring the impact of functional changes on their quality of life. I am currently developing educational tools that will enhance communication between physicians and patients. The purpose of this is to empower patients so that they can make informed, realistic decisions about surgical options and participate more fully in their own care. Also, I have a special interest in the concerns of women with colorectal cancer, and am currently involved in a funded study to improve women’s sexual health following rectal cancer treatment. I am a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Canada). I have co-authored many papers on colon and rectal cancer treatment and outcomes, and lecture on these topics nationally and internationally.

Colon & Rectal Surgery, Surgery

Memorial Sloan-Kettering
1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065

University Of Calgary Faculty Of Medicine (1994)