Faculty within the Division of Surgical Oncology (Dr. Linda M. Farkas and Dr. Wolfgang S. Schraut) have special expertise in colon and rectal surgery. There are strong ties with the Division of Gastroenterology and the Section of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, with UPCI and with the Magee Womens Hospital. This gives a multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of diseases such as Crohn's, inflammatory bowel disease, colon and rectal and anal cancer and for pelvic floor disorders such as rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence. Laparoscopic approaches are available for patients with inflammatory bowel disease who need surgery. Multidisciplinary approaches with medical oncology and radiation oncology in UPCI are available for the treatment of colon, rectal and anal cancer. Colorectal surgery also has a multi-disciplinary approach working with gynecological oncology urology and hepatobiliary to diagnose and treat hereditary colorectal cancers. Dr. Farkas is one of the few surgeons in the U.S. to perform trans-anal endoscopic microsurgery, minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) such as laparoscopic colorectal surgery and sphincter-sparing surgery to minimize the need for colostomies. Both Presbyterian and Shadyside Hospitals offer these surgical options which allow the surgeon to remove tumors without extensive abdominal surgery. The goal of the colorectal program is to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to patients with any disorder of the colon, rectum and anus in regards to cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic floor disorders.