The Division emphasizes a team approach, enlisting the cooperation of other departments in providing a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Clinical programs are closely linked to the programs of the Digestive and Liver Center, of which the Gastrointestinal Surgical Division is a key integral part. This interaction provides a large number of specialists to provide the most advanced techniques in diagnosis and therapy.

Development of new patient care strategies is based upon the broad based research and educational interests of the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. The Gastrointestinal Division includes a broad based multidisciplinary clinical program for malignant disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The program offers evaluation and treatment for patients with cancer of the digestive tract and liver. The Division works within a multidisciplinary framework including gastroenterologists and oncologists from the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center. Combined therapies including laparoscopic procedures, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and laser therapy are available.