LUIS DE LA TORRE, MD

Professor, Surgery-Peds Surgery

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Medical School
  • MD, National Autonomous University Of Mexico (1988)
Languages
Spanish, English
Department
Surgery-Peds Surgery

Professional Titles

  • Pediatric Colorectal Surgeon
  • Professor of Surgery

Recognitions

  • Iberoamericana Society of Pediatric Surgery, Medal "Alberto Peña" (2024)
    This medal was given for the contributions to the pediatric colorectal surgery in the world.
  • Ecuatoriana Society of Surgery, Bicentennial Award in Health and Life Sciences. (2021)
    Unprecedented and innovative contribution to surgical technique in the treatment of Hirschsprung’s disease.
  • Egyptian Paediatric Surgical Association, Silver Leaf as one of the Pediatric Surgeon (2015)
    Worldwide contribution to the surgical treatment of Hirschsprung disease.

Research Interests

My research interests are primarily focused on long-term outcomes of patients born with Hirschsprung disease, imperforate anus, cloaca anomaly, idiopathic constipation, and colorectal problems. The surgical reconstruction and associated malformations. I also believe in education and helping other countries to achieve excellence upon treatment of these conditions.

Publications

  • Vincent SA, Melkonian V, Bischoff A, Olson KE, Ketzer J; Hendren Project Global Surgery Research Initiative; Peña A, de la Torre L. Surgical management of hirschsprung disease: results of a worldwide survey. Pediatr Surg Int. 2026 Sep 17;42(1):410. doi: 10.1007/s00383-026-06568-3. PMID: 42753011.
  • Melkonian V, Vincent SA, De la Torre L, et al. Pediatric surgical care of anorectal malformations: a global survey. Pediatr Surgery International. 2026;42:294. doi:10.1007/s00383-026-06490-8.
  • Alzate-Ricaurte S, Ocampo Osorio F, Costa-Roig A, Gómez Ayala MC, Gomez IE, Arnold MA, Campos Garcia CI, Sanchez-Sosa S, Lovell M, Cruz-Suarez GA, Portilla-Buenaventura AM, Alzate Gallego ED, De La Torre L. Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease: A scoping review and rationale for a multicentric approach. J Pediatr Surg. 2026 Apr;61(4):162932. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2026.162932. Epub 2026 Jan 19. PMID: 41565153.
  • María Zornoza, Katherine González, Alejandro Ruíz, Luis de la Torre. Successful experience in the acute management of penetrating rectal trauma in children using the 4D protocol. Journal of Pediatric Surgery Open, Volume 16, 2026, 100295. ISSN 2949-7116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yjpso.2026.100295.
  • Bielicki I, Bischoff A, Ketzer J, de la Torre L. Permanent enterostomy in Hirschsprung disease: can we predict which patients are at risk? Pediatr Surg Int. 2026 Jul 16;42(1):305. doi: 10.1007/s00383-026-06526-z. PMID: 42461268.
  • Catherine C. Dawson-Gore, Isabella Bielicki, Sage Vincent, Dominique Doster, Veronica I. Alaniz, Luis de la Torre, Andrea Bischoff. Total colonic duplication in infancy: Case report and focused review of operative management, Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Report Volume 133, 2026,103325. ISSN 2213-5766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsc.2026.103325.
  • Evans LL, Vincent SA, Bothwell S, Friedman JC, Alaniz V, Harris K, Wilcox DT, Pena A, De la Torre L, Bischoff A. Characteristics of pelvic anatomy predict need for vaginal replacement during initial reconstruction of cloacal malformations. J Pediatr Surg. 2025 Nov 6;:162802. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 41205796
  • Merritt AT, Evans LL, Cooper EH, Peña A, de La Torre L, Bischoff A. Outcomes after appendicostomy and neo-appendicostomy in a single institution. Pediatr Surg Int. 2025 Jun 24;41(1):189. PubMed PMID: 40553246
  • Melkonian V, de la Torre L, Evans L, Ketzer J, Pena A, Bischoff A. Rectal prolapse in adult patients with anorectal malformations: considerations for adult colorectal surgeons. Pediatr Surg Int. 2025 Jun 15;41(1):171. PubMed PMID: 40517363
  • Alzate-Ricaurte S, Gallego EDA, De la Torre L, Costa-Roig A, Hwang C, Harris KT, Wilcox DT, Rove KO, Bischoff A. Role of urodynamics in predicting fecal incontinence in spina bifida and spinal cord injury patients. Pediatr Surg Int. 2025 Jun 7;41(1):159. PubMed PMID: 40481847
  • Vincent SA, Evans LL, Tong S, Mashhadi MP, Arnold M, Lovell M, Bischoff A, De La Torre L. Does the absence of hypertrophic nerves on rectal biopsy predict long-segment or total colonic aganglionosis?. Pediatr Surg Int. 2025 Jun 4;41(1):158. PubMed PMID: 40464991
  • Melkonian V, de la Torre L, Ketzer J, Rodriguez V, Schneider L, Martin H, Merritt A, Krause A, Wickham M, Pena A, Bischoff A. Economic Impact of Daily Bowel Management Regimens. J Pediatr Surg. 2025 Jan;60(1):161925. PubMed PMID: 39366798
  • Dawson-Gore CC, Evans L, Vincent S, Colbert MT, Harnke B, Moyer A, Alaniz VI, De la Torre L, Bischoff A. The need for screening recommendations after intestinal vaginal replacement: a systematic review of the literature. Pediatr Surg Int. 2025 Jun 16;41(1):172. PubMed PMID: 40522524
  • Wehrli LA, Harris KT, Wood DT, Wilcox DT, Cooper EH, Rieck JM, McGuire E, Ketzer J, De La Torre L, Peña A, Bischoff A. Urological outcomes in adult females born with anorectal malformation or Hirschsprung disease. Pediatr Surg Int. 2024 Jul 6;40(1):179. PubMed PMID: 38971909
  • Gerçel G, Azizoglu M, Karakas E, Risteski T, Escolino M, De La Torre L. Comparing Loop and Divided Colostomy for Anorectal Malformation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pediatr Surg. 2024 Sep 27;60(1):161974. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 39358082
  • Melkonian V, Wehrli L, Bischoff A, Cooper EH, Ketzer J, Judd-Glossy L, de la Torre L. Transanal proximal rectosigmoidectomy: a single-center experience in surgically treated severe medically refractory idiopathic constipation. Pediatr Surg Int. 2024 Jul 2;40(1):169. PubMed PMID: 38954056
  • Wehrli LA, Ariefdjohan M, Ketzer J, Matkins K, De la Torre L, Bischoff A, Judd-Glossy L. "Take It One Dilation at a Time": Caregiver Perspectives of Postoperative Anal Dilations in Pediatric Patients with Colorectal Conditions. Behav Sci (Basel). 2024 Apr 30;14(5). PubMed PMID: 38785870
  • Lazarte-Rantes C, Chirinos-Gambarini M, Sulca-Cruzado GJ, Ramirez-De la Cruz R, Trigoso V, Cerron-Vela C, De la Torre-Mondragon L. T2-based magnetic resonance genitography in children with complex anorectal malformations: experience at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Latin America. Pediatr Radiol. 2024 Mar;54(3):430-437. PubMed PMID: 38273134
  • Zornoza M, Muñoz L, Ruiz A, De la Torre L. Surgical maneuvers for long-segment Hirschsprung pull-through in unique patients. Pediatr Surg Int. 2024 Jul 8;40(1):180. PubMed PMID: 38976010
  • Simpson T, Scott S, Ketzer J, Matkins K, Schneider L, De La Torre L, Bischoff A, Melkonian V, Judd-Glossy L. Predictors of medical adherence following a bowel management program for youth and young adults with Spina Bifida. Pediatr Surg Int. 2024 Jul 15;40(1):188. PubMed PMID: 39008134
  • Melkonian V, de la Torre L, Ketzer J, Rodriguez V, Schneider L, Martin H, Merritt A, Krause A, Wickham M, Pena A, Bischoff A. Economic Impact of Daily Bowel Management Regimens. J Pediatr Surg. 2024 Sep 14;:161925. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 39366798
  • Melkonian, V., de la Torre, L., Ketzer, J., Rodriguez, V., Pena, A., & Bischoff, A. (2024). Colo-cutaneous fistula following A pull-through for Hirschsprung disease, A case series. Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports, 102, 102777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsc.2024.102777
  • Melkonian, V., Torre, L. de la, Ketzer, J., Rodriguez, V., Pena, A., & Bischoff, A. (2024). “Incisionless” colostomy creation: A case series. Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case Reports, 109, 102866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsc.2024.102866
  • Bischoff A, De la Torre, Peña A. (2024). Prenatal Diagnosis and neonatal management in anorectal malformations and cloaca. In: Crombleholme T, Lim F, Peiro JL, Simpson LL, Rintoul NE. Fetal and Neonatal Surgery and Medicine. United States: McGraw Hill LLC. ISBN: 9781260461558
  • Bischoff A., De La Torre L, Peña, A. (2024). Imperforate Anus. In: Wyllie R, Hyams J, Kay M. Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease (Seventh Edition), 573-580.e1. Elsevier ISBN: 9780443117602, eBook ISBN: 9780443117916
  • Pena A, Bischoff A, De la Torre L. Anorectal anomalies. In: Puri P Höllwarth, Pediatric Surgery, Second edition. ISBN9783030814878
  • Pena A, Bischoff A, De la Torre L. Anorectal anomalies. In: Puri P Höllwarth, Pediatric Surgery, Second edition. ISBN9783030814878
  • Bischoff A, Hayes K, Guimaraes C, Merritt A, Wickham M, Schneider L, Martin H, Ketzer J, Rodriguez V, Peña A, De La Torre L. Standardization of radiograph readings during bowel management week. Pediatr Surg Int. 2023 Jul 20;39(1):236. PubMed PMID: 37468717
  • Wehrli LA, Reppucci ML, De La Torre L, Ketzer J, Rieck JM, Cooper EH, Judd-Glossy L, Peña A, Bischoff A. Gastrointestinal quality of life and bowel function in adults born with anorectal malformation and hirschsprung disease. Pediatr Surg Int. 2023 Jul 18;39(1):234. PubMed PMID: 37464109
  • Domínguez-Muñoz A, De La Torre L, Santos-Jasso K, Schneider L, Merritt A, Wickham M, Ketzer J, Rodriguez V, Peña A, Bischoff A. Identifying predictive factors for bowel control in patients with spina bifida and spinal cord injuries. Pediatr Surg Int. 2023 Jul 11;39(1):231. PubMed PMID: 37432519
  • Domínguez-Muñoz A, Bischoff A, Wehrli LA, Judd-Glossy L, Schneider L, Merritt A, Wickham M, Ketzer J, Rodriguez V, Peña A, De La Torre L. Radiologically supervised bowel management program outcome in patients with chronic idiopathic constipation. Pediatr Surg Int. 2023 Jul 10;39(1):229. PubMed PMID: 37428259
  • Wehrli LA, Reppucci ML, Woodfield K, Ketzer J, Rieck JM, Cooper EH, De La Torre L, Pena A, Bischoff A, Alaniz VI. Fertility concerns and outcomes in females with anorectal malformations. Pediatr Surg Int. 2023 Jul 9;39(1):228. PubMed PMID: 37422894
  • Wehrli LA, Reppucci ML, Ketzer J, Dominguez-Muñoz A, Cooper EH, Peña A, Bischoff A, De La Torre L. Incidence of medullary thyroid carcinoma and Hirschsprung disease based on the cosmos database. Pediatr Surg Int. 2023 Jul 7;39(1):227. PubMed PMID: 37418029
  • Olivos M, Garcia V, De la Torre L. Evaluation of user satisfaction in parents or caregivers of pediatric patients with colorectal pathology in the use of telemedicine. JPS Open. 2023 Dec;4:100060. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yjpso.2023.100060
  • De la Torre L, Dominguez A, Arnold M, Lovell M, Martinez D, Bischoff A, Wehrli L. Histological transitional zone pull-through in Hirschsprung disease. Postoperative functional results and current recommendations. Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex. 2023;80(6) DOI:10.24875/BMHIM.23000050
  • Wehrli L, Reppucci M, Stevens J, Arnold M, Lovell M, Zornoza M, Bischoff A, De la Torre L . Should we perform a Hirschsprung redo pull-through on patients with retained transition zone? JPS Open. 2023;(3)100058. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yjpso.2023.100058
  • De la Torre L, Bischoff A. How Constipation can be Misdiagnosed as Hirschsprung Disease in ARM Patients. PTN magazine 2023. https://www.pullthrunetwork.org/ptn-articles
  • Reppucci ML, De La Torre L, Pickett K, Wehrli L, Nolan MM, Ketzer J, Bischoff A. Social media communities for patients and families affected by congenital pediatric surgical conditions. Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Jul;38(7):1047-1055. PubMed PMID: 35588326
  • Reppucci ML, De La Torre L, Peña A, Judd-Glossy L, Pickett K, Ketzer J, Bischoff A. The use of social media among the pediatric colorectal community. Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Jan;38(1):43-50. PubMed PMID: 34554295
  • Reppucci ML, Alaniz VI, Wehrli LA, Torre L, Wood D, Wilcox DT, Appiah LC, Peña A, Bischoff A. Reproductive and family building considerations for female patients with anorectal and urogenital malformations. J Pediatr Surg. 2022 Sep 19. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 36229236
  • Vargas MC, Wehrli LA, Louiselle A, Ketzer J, Reppucci ML, Juddy-Glossy L, Alaniz VI, Wilcox DT, Wood DN, Peña A, De La Torre L, Bischoff A. Do adult patients with congenital colorectal conditions know their diagnosis?. Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Dec;38(12):1723-1728. PubMed PMID: 36129533
  • Wehrli LA, Reppucci ML, Ketzer J, de la Torre L, Peña A, Bischoff A. Stricture rate in patients after the repair of anorectal malformation following a standardized dilation protocol. Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Dec;38(12):1717-1721. PubMed PMID: 36107235
  • Wehrli LA, Bischoff A, De La Torre L, Reppucci ML, Ketzer J, Peña A, Alaniz VI. Pelvic exams and cervical cancer screening in patients with anorectal malformations. Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Dec;38(12):1681-1684. PubMed PMID: 36107236
  • Reppucci ML, Wehrli LA, Wilcox D, Ketzer J, Pena A, de la Torre L, Bischoff A, Wood D. Patient-reported urinary outcomes in adult males with congenital colorectal conditions. Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Dec;38(12):1709-1716. PubMed PMID: 36151341
  • Reppucci ML, Wehrli LA, Wilcox D, Ketzer J, Pena A, de la Torre L, Bischoff A, Wood D. Sexual function and fertility of adult males with anorectal malformations or Hirschsprung disease. Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Dec;38(12):1693-1699. PubMed PMID: 36151340
  • Reppucci ML, Nolan MM, Cooper E, Wehrli LA, Schletker J, Ketzer J, Peña A, Bischoff A, De la Torre L. The success rate of antegrade enemas for the management of idiopathic constipation. Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Dec;38(12):1729-1736. PubMed PMID: 36107238
  • Reppucci ML, Wehrli LA, Schletker J, Nolan MM, Rieck J, Fares S, Ketzer J, Rove K, Pena A, de la Torre L, Bischoff A. The effect of an enhanced recovery protocol in pediatric patients who undergo colostomy closure and Malone procedures. Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Dec;38(12):1701-1707. PubMed PMID: 36098796
  • Judd-Glossy L, Ariefdjohan M, Ketzer J, Wehrli LA, Pena A, de la Torre L, Bischoff A. Long-term outcomes of adult patients following surgery for congenital colorectal conditions: analysis of psychosocial functioning. Pediatr Surg Int. 2022 Dec;38(12):1685-1692. PubMed PMID: 36127514
  • De la Torre. Current management of idiopathic constipation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y29egGqlXco&t=44s
  • De la Torre. Obstructive problems after Hirschsprung pull-through. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6EboUIWolw&t=7s
  • De la Torre, L. How Constipation can be Misdiagnosed as Hirschsprung Disease in ARM Patients PTN magazine
  • Hall J, Schletker J, Judd-Glossy L, Edmonds T, Krause A, Simmons H, Ketzer J, Peña A, De la Torre L, Bischoff A. A review of adopted colorectal patients: a parent's perspective. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Jan 21. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33475771
  • Hall J, Schletker J, Judd-Glossy L, Edmonds T, Krause A, Simmons H, Ketzer J, Peña A, De la Torre L, Bischoff A. A review of adopted colorectal patients: a parent's perspective. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Apr;37(4):431-435. PubMed PMID: 33475771
  • Schletker J, Wiersch J, Ketzer J, Edmonds T, Krause A, Simmons H, Peña A, De La Torre L, Bischoff A. An overview of opioid usage and regional anesthesia for patients undergoing repair of anorectal malformation. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Jan 7. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33415489
  • Schletker J, Wiersch J, Ketzer J, Edmonds T, Krause A, Simmons H, Peña A, De La Torre L, Bischoff A. An overview of opioid usage and regional anesthesia for patients undergoing repair of anorectal malformation. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Apr;37(4):457-460. PubMed PMID: 33415489
  • Judd-Glossy L, Ariefdjohan M, Ketzer J, Curry S, Schletker J, Edmonds T, Krause A, Simmons H, Pena A, De La Torre L, Bischoff A. Analysis of patients' and caregivers' psychosocial functioning in colorectal conditions: comparison of diagnosis, gender, and developmental functioning. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Jan 9. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33423102
  • Judd-Glossy L, Ariefdjohan M, Ketzer J, Curry S, Schletker J, Edmonds T, Krause A, Simmons H, Pena A, De La Torre L, Bischoff A. Analysis of patients' and caregivers' psychosocial functioning in colorectal conditions: comparison of diagnosis, gender, and developmental functioning. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Apr;37(4):437-444. PubMed PMID: 33423102
  • Olivos M, Correa C, De la Torre L. Current practice of rectal biopsies for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease in Latin America: an international online survey. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Jan 12. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33433662
  • Olivos M, Correa C, De la Torre L. Current practice of rectal biopsies for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease in Latin America: an international online survey. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Apr;37(4):479-483. PubMed PMID: 33433662
  • Alaniz VI, Wilcox DT, Arnold M, Bodmer JL, de la Torre L, Peña A, Bischoff A. Neovagina stricture complicated by high-grade dysplasia in a patient with history of cloaca and ulcerative colitis: a case report and review of the literature. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Jan 12. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33433664
  • Bischoff A, Guimaraes CVA, Mirsky DM, Santos-Jasso KA, Zaretsky MV, Ketzer J, Hall J, Mueller C, de La Torre L, Peña A, Meyers ML. Visualization of the fetal anus by prenatal ultrasound for the diagnosis of anorectal malformations: is it feasible?. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Apr;37(4):425-430. PubMed PMID: 33399927
  • Bischoff A, Guimaraes CVA, Mirsky DM, Santos-Jasso KA, Zaretsky MV, Ketzer J, Hall J, Mueller C, de La Torre L, Peña A, Meyers ML. Visualization of the fetal anus by prenatal ultrasound for the diagnosis of anorectal malformations: is it feasible?. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Jan 5. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33399927
  • Pena A, Bischoff A, de la Torre L. Reply to letter to the editor. J Pediatr Surg. 2021 Jun;56(6):1254. PubMed PMID: 33608107
  • Bischoff A, De La Torre L, Peña A. Letter to the Editor, “Assessing the benefit of reoperations in patients who suffer from fecal incontinence after repair of their anorectal malformation”. J Pedi Surg. Article in Press.:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.01.019
  • Bischoff A, Torre L, Peña A. Letter to the Editor. J Pediatr Surg. 2021 Jun;56(6):1255. PubMed PMID: 33509655
  • Stevens J, de La Torre L, Hall J, Simmons H, Krause A, Ketzer J, Schletker J, Judd-Glossy L, Trainor S, Wilson P, Peña A, Bischoff A. The importance of dedicated colorectal team participation in the management of spina bifida and spinal cord injury patients. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Oct 13. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 34647156
  • Judd-Glossy L, Ariefdjohan M, Ketzer J, Matkins K, Schletker J, Krause A, Simmons H, Pena A, De La Torre L, Bischoff A. Considering the value of online support groups for colorectal conditions: perspectives from caregivers and adult patients. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Sep 25. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 34562117
  • Reppucci ML, Arnold MA, Lovell M, Santos-Jasso K, Ketzer J, Pena A, de la Torre L, Bischoff A. Is the appendix a good organ to diagnose total colonic aganglionosis?. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Sep 23. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 34554294
  • Alaniz VI, Wilcox DT, Arnold M, Bodmer JL, de la Torre L, Peña A, Bischoff A. Neovagina stricture complicated by high-grade dysplasia in a patient with history of cloaca and ulcerative colitis: a case report and review of the literature. Pediatr Surg Int. 2021 Apr;37(4):491-494. PubMed PMID: 33433664
  • Dewberry L, Alaniz V, Wilcox D, De La Torre L, Peña A, Bischoff A. From Prenatal Diagnosis Through Transition to Adult Care: What Everyone Should Know About Anorectal Malformations. Curr Treat Optios Peds 6(2020) 91-100. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40746-020-00194-4
  • Bischoff A, de La Torre L, Peña A. Comparative effectiveness of imaging modalities for preoperative assessment of anorectal malformation in the pediatric population. J Pediatr Surg. 2020 Feb;55(2):354. PubMed PMID: 31718867
  • De La Torre L, Zornoza M, Peña A, Bischoff A, Ketzer J, Ruiz A. Transanal rectal mucosectomy and muscular plication: A new technique for rectal prolapse in patients with an anorectal malformation. J Pediatr Surg. 2020 Nov;55(11):2531-2535. PubMed PMID: 32586611
  • Vuille-Dit-Bille RN, de La Torre L, Hall J, Ketzer J, Peña A, Bischoff A. Hirschsprung disease and anorectal malformations - An uncommon association. J Pediatr Surg. 2020 May 16. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 32507634
  • Peña A, De La Torre L, Belkind-Gerson J, Lovell M, Ketzer J, Bealer J, Bischoff A. Enema-Induced spastic left colon syndrome: An unintended consequence of chronic enema use. J Pediatr Surg. 2020 Oct 31. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33199058
  • De la Torre L, Zornoza M, Cogley K, Calisto J, Wehrli L, Ruiz A, Santos K.Transanal endorectal approach for the treatment of idiopathic rectal prolapse in children: Experience with the modified Delorme's procedure. J Ped Surg 2019 April;54(4):857-61.
  • De la Torre L, Cogley K, Cabrera M, Frias J, Wehrli L. Transanal proximal rectosigmoidectomy. A new operation for severe chronic idiopathic constipation associated with megarectosigmoid. J Ped Surg 2019 November;54(11):2311-17.
  • De la Torre L, Wehrli L. Error trap and culture of safety in Hirschsprung disease. Sem Ped Surg 2019 June;28(3):151-159.
  • Bischoff A, De La Torre L, Peña A. Comparative Effectiveness of Imaging Modalities for Preoperative Assessment of Anorectal Malformation in the Pediatric Population. J Pediatr Surg. 2019 Oct 27. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 31718867
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Professional Memberships

  • American Pediatric Surgical Association, Member
  • American Academic of Pediatrics, Member
  • American College of Surgery, Fellow
  • Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Member
  • Mexican College of Pediatric Surgery, Fellow

Practice Locations

Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
13123 East 16th Ave
Aurora, CO 80045
720-777-1234

Hospital Affiliation
  • Children's Hospital Colorado
  • University of Colorado Hospital

Specialty Information

Specialties
  • Colon and Rectal Surgery (1994, 2019)
  • Pediatric Surgery, Certificate (1994)
  • Pediatric Colorectal Surgery, Specialized Training (1995)
Conditions & Treatments
  • Surgery
Clinical Interests
My clinical interests focus on the comprehensive evaluation, surgical reconstruction, and long-term management of children with complex congenital colorectal and urogenital conditions. These include anorectal malformations (imperforate anus), cloacal malformations, cloacal exstrophy, vaginal agenesis, Hirschsprung disease, and total colonic aganglionosis. I also have a strong clinical interest in **bowel management**, particularly the treatment of fecal incontinence and chronic idiopathic constipation. My approach emphasizes individualized care, restoration and optimization of bowel function, and long-term follow-up, with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life and helping children achieve their fullest potential.

Care Philosophy
My philosophy of care is centered on providing the highest standard of surgical and clinical excellence while recognizing that every patient and family deserves compassionate, individualized, and comprehensive care. I believe in taking the time to build meaningful relationships with my patients and their families, ensuring they fully understand their child's condition, treatment options, prognosis, and long-term expectations. As a pediatric colorectal surgeon, I recognize that surgical reconstruction is often just one step in a lifelong journey. I am committed to helping families understand not only the immediate goals of treatment but also the potential long-term implications for bowel function, quality of life, and overall well-being. Above all, **I believe that our responsibility to our patients extends far beyond the operating room.** I am deeply committed to providing continuity of care, supporting my patients and their families through every stage of growth and development, and remaining involved in their care as they transition into adulthood. My ultimate goal is not simply to achieve excellent surgical outcomes, but to help every child reach their fullest potential and enjoy the best possible quality of life.

Personal Interests
I enjoy spending time with family, and practicing outside sports (running, biking, swimming). I also enjoy traveling the world to try to improve colorectal care for children everywhere.

Volunteer Activities
Traveling the world to try to improve colorectal care everywhere. I have traveled to more than 50 different countries to give lectures and live surgical demonstrations on how to treat congenital colorectal problems.

Public Speaking
Yes
My public speaking interests focus on the **comprehensive surgical management of pediatric colorectal conditions**, from prenatal diagnosis and counseling to surgical reconstruction, postoperative care, and long-term functional outcomes. I am particularly passionate about organizing and participating in **intensive educational workshops and hands-on surgical training programs**, including live surgical demonstrations, to share advanced techniques and best practices in the management of complex pediatric colorectal and urogenital anomalies. My goal is to advance surgical education, improve postoperative management and bowel function, and promote multidisciplinary approaches that optimize long-term outcomes and quality of life for children with colorectal conditions.

School of Medicine

CU Anschutz

Fitzsimons Building

13001 East 17th Place

Campus Box C290

Aurora, CO 80045

303.724.5375

School
General
Students