Gastroenterology
At Westchester Health, our Gastroenterology Department consists of board trained and certified physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the digestive system.
Our gastroenterologists all have extensive experience in their field, using the latest technology and techniques to treat and provide preventative care for all types of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including colon polyps, diverticulosis, gallstones, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hepatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases and ulcers.
Prevention as well as treatment
At Westchester Health, our focus is not only on the evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders but also on preventative care. In addition to providing the highest quality of digestive system care, our Gastroenterology group works closely with your primary care provider and other specialists to implement a total treatment plan customized for your specific condition to achieve the best possible outcome. We also focus on educating you and your family about lifestyle changes you can make to control, improve or even eradicate your gastrointestinal disorder.
What makes Westchester Health’s Gastroenterology Department different?
At Westchester Health, we firmly believe that good treatment starts with good listening. We also believe that the best patient is an informed patient, and that patient education is critical to your long-term health.
From the first time you arrive at our offices, we spend as much time with you and your family as is necessary to make sure you understand your condition, the diagnostic tests we are recommending and all of your treatment options. Throughout your journey with us, we will continue to explain our recommended course of treatment and answer any questions you may have so that you understand what to expect.
Whether you have been with Westchester Health for years or are new to our practice, you quickly recognize that our Gastroenterology group truly cares about each and every one of our patients. When you need us, we are here for you.
Always at the forefront of medicine
The world of medicine continues to change and evolve, especially regarding the treatment of diseases and disorders of the digestive system. As part of Northwell Health, our gastroenterologists participate in its Department of Gastroenterology training programs, making sure they are continually up-to-date on the newest breakthrough treatments for our patients’ gastrointestinal conditions. This emphasis on ongoing training also ensures that our gastroenterologists have ready access to the latest technological advances in disorders of the digestive system.
Pediatric Gastroenterology
To provide the highest quality of care to children with digestive disorders, we have a pediatric gastroenterologist on staff who is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in children. This specialist works closely with your child’s pediatrician and other specialists to coordinate and implement the best treatment plan for your child’s individual needs. To learn more, visit our Pediatric Gastroenterology page.
Gastroenterologists are experts at treating a variety of GI disorders, including:
Diseases of the small intestine and colon
Responsible for digesting most of the foods you eat, the small intestine connects the stomach to the large intestine, folding many times to fit inside your abdomen. Problems with the small intestine can include celiac disease, Crohn's disease, intestinal cancer and irritable bowel syndrome. Located in the same general area of the body is the colon. People can also experience problems with the colon and rectum, including diverticular disease, hemorrhoids, benign polyps and malignant lesions, each one requiring its own particular treatment.
Esophageal diseases
The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from your mouth to your stomach. Esophageal disorders encompass a broad class of diseases, including hiatal hernias, heartburn/acid reflux (GERD), esophageal motility disorders, and benign and malignant tumors. Symptoms vary widely but commonly manifest as the sensation of food sticking in your throat, chest pain or regurgitation.
Gallbladder and biliary diseases
The biliary tract consists of small ducts that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the small intestine. Bile helps aid digestion by making cholesterol, fats and fat-soluble vitamins easier to absorb. Gallbladder and biliary diseases include gallstones, tumors, acute acalculous cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, cholangiocarcinoma, biliary obstruction and parasites.
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Inflammatory bowel disease is an overall term used to describe disorders that involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The most common of these are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, both of which usually involve severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. To confirm a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, tests and procedures include blood tests, colonoscopy, endoscopy, balloon-assisted enteroscopy, x-ray, CT scan and MRI.
Liver diseases
The liver plays an important role in many bodily functions, from protein production and blood clotting to cholesterol, glucose (sugar) and iron metabolism. A variety of illnesses can affect the liver, including excessive amounts of acetaminophen, cirrhosis, alcohol abuse, hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, auto-immune hepatitis, Epstein Barr virus (mononucleosis), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and iron overload. Some liver problems can be treated with lifestyle modifications, such as or losing weight or avoiding alcohol. Others may need medication, surgery, or in severe cases, a liver transplant.
Pancreatic diseases
The pancreas, a long, flat gland located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen, produces enzymes (that help digestion) and hormones (that help regulate the way your body processes glucose). Pancreatic diseases include acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder. The pancreas also plays a role in type 1 and type 2 diabetes when it produces insufficient insulin or no insulin at all. Treatment for pancreatic disease can include enzyme supplements, changes in diet and surgery.
Peptic ulcer diseases
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine, and include stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastritis and Helicobacter pylori. The most common peptic ulcer symptom is burning stomach pain. Effective treatments include medications that block acid production, neutralize stomach acid and protect the lining of the stomach and small intestine.
We offer the following treatment and services for disorders of the digestive system:
- Capsule endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Colon polyp removal
- CT and MRI enterography
- Blistering diseases
- EGD (upper endoscopy)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
- Esophageal dilation
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography)
- Iron infusion
- Push enteroscopy
- Stents for the gastrointestinal tract
- Variceal banding