NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health Division of Gastroenterology provides diagnosis and treatment for a wide array of gastrointestinal disorders or diseases of the digestive system. The digestive system includes the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (esophagus, intestines, stomach) and the biliary organs (bile ducts, gallbladder, liver, pancreas).
Gastroenterological symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloated stomach
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Gas and gas pain
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Jaundice
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
Our board-certified gastroenterologists are here to help patients figure out the cause of their symptoms and provide them with the best treatment possible.
Diagnostic and treatment procedures often include anesthesia to minimize or eliminate any pain or discomfort for the patient. Procedures include:
- Upper Endoscopy: Examines the lining of the upper digestive tract using a small video camera on the end of an endoscope, a thin, long, flexible, lighted tube. Your doctor may take a tissue sample during the procedure for further testing.
- Colonoscopy: Inspects the large intestine, which includes the colon, rectum, and anus, using a small video camera on the end of an endoscope, a thin, long, flexible, lighted tube. Your doctor may take a tissue sample during the procedure for further testing.
- Enteroscopy: Allows doctors to examine the small intestine (small bowel) and treat it during the procedure if necessary. Techniques for this procedure include video capsules, balloons, and spiral enteroscopy.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Combines X-ray and endoscope, a thin, long, flexible, lighted tube. Doctors may perform an ERCP to diagnose and treat conditions such as gallstones and diseases related to the pancreas, bile ducts, or liver.
- Endoscopic Treatment: Doctors use various forms of endoscopy to treat different gastrointestinal conditions, including removing polyps and placing gastric feeding tubes for patients who cannot take food by mouth. Endoscopic treatment can reduce the need for major surgery and lessen hospital stays for many patients.
We have some of the best gastroenterologists in NYC who offer consultation with primary care doctors on all aspects of care for patients with suspected or diagnosed gastrointestinal or liver disease.
Colon Cancer Screening
One of the most important services we provide at our highly-rated Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit is colon cancer screening. Each year, colon cancer causes more than 1,500 deaths in New York City, despite being nearly 100% curable, if detected early. Colonoscopies can detect changes in the lining of your digestive system. Doctors can remove precancerous and cancerous polyps during the colonoscopy, effectively stopping cancer before it starts.
Men are at higher risk than women for developing colorectal cancer, and the risk of developing colon cancer increases with age. Early detection can save lives. That’s why we strongly recommend a colonoscopy for everyone beginning at age 45. This life-saving procedure can prevent colon cancer from occurring and detect cancer long before physical symptoms arise.
Colonoscopies are available at little or no cost to patients.
Chronic Conditions
Our center for gastroenterology provides diagnosis and treats chronic conditions, including:
- Celiac disease
- Diverticulitis
- Food allergies and intolerances
- (GERD)
- Hemorrhoids
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Stomach ulcers
- Helicobacter Pylori Infections
Patients who notice changes in their digestive habits or related symptoms should see a doctor.
For more information on Gastroenterology, or to schedule an appointment, please contact 1-844-692-4692.