The Division of Gastroenterology is a full-service digestive disease center that offers highly advanced care for the diagnosis and treatment of all gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. We provide unparalleled services for our patients in state-of-the-art facilities at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, North Shore University Hospital, South Shore University Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital and Staten Island University.
Within our gastroenterology services division is the Digestive Disease Institute, where our specialists integrate their diagnostic skills with the latest medical technologies to develop and provide therapies tailored to the needs of our patients. We collaborate to provide both outpatient and inpatient consultative and endoscopic services, research programs, community outreach and education.
Specialized treatments
- ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
- Esophageal and anal motility
- Small bowel enteroscopy
- Advanced small bowel enteroscopy
- Endoscopic capsule endoscopy
- Endoscopic pseudocyst drainage and pancreatic necrosectomy
- Endoscopic mucosal resection and dissection
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- Advanced therapeutic biliary and pancreatic endoscopy
- Bravo placement
- pH testing
- Barrex treatment for Barrett’s esophagus
- Cryotherapy for Barrett’s esophagus
- Pseudocyst drainage
- Botox injection for achalasia, noncardiac chest pain, gastroparesis, functional rectal sigmoid obstruction
- Lactulose and lactose breath testing
- Novel therapy for noncardiac chest pain
- Novel therapy for gastroparesis
Inflammatory bowel disease care
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is mainly subdivided as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is estimated to affect more than 1 million people in the United States. With recent advances in therapy, the goal is no longer to merely control symptoms, but to truly control the disease, prevent complications and restore a normal quality of life.
The Crohn’s and Colitis Program at Northwell Health coordinates and delivers seamless care. With a core faculty of board-certified gastroenterologists, surgeons and subspecialists in Great Neck and Manhattan, the program is committed to providing the most up-to-date, hands-on and convenient care to all patients. The well-integrated physician network of our health system also provides easy access to the most advanced imaging and laboratory services.
Treating gastrointestinal conditions
Many GI conditions can be managed with simple lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and weight management. However, other digestive problems may be more serious and require medication or surgery. It is important to speak with your primary care physician about how you can take care of your GI health and whether you would benefit from seeing a GI specialist.
If you are suffering from one or more of these common GI symptoms, our specialists can customize a diagnostic and treatment plan that is right for you:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Blood in stool or changes in stool color
- Nausea or vomiting
About the Gastrointestinal Health Center for Women
Women are unique when it comes to gastrointestinal (GI) health. Some digestive problems are more common in women, and some affect women differently than men. There are also life events exclusive to women that may cause GI issues, such as menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause.
The Gastrointestinal Health Center for Women provides a multidisciplinary approach to the care of women with GI issues. Our team of medical professionals uses state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques to diagnose and treat women with a wide range of GI conditions, as well as screen for GI cancers.
Our board-certified gastroenterologists collaborate with specialists in the areas of urogynecology, colorectal surgery, gynecology, nutrition, psychiatry and primary care to provide comprehensive care in a comfortable setting.
GI conditions we treat that are common to women include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Fecal incontinence
- Liver disease
Your first visit
During your initial visit, you will be seen by a gastroenterologist with clinical expertise in treating and managing GI conditions in women. We will ask you about your symptoms, previous medical and family history, and dietary and lifestyle patterns. A comprehensive physical examination will be performed and further testing may be recommended. Laboratory tests, X-rays or a procedure in our nearby Endoscopy Center may be necessary to determine the best course of treatment. We will develop a customized treatment plan for you to achieve the best possible outcome for your condition.
Women at average risk for colorectal cancer should be screened beginning at age 50. If you are at an increased or high risk, you may need to begin screenings at an earlier age. Talk to your doctor.
Specialty services
Medical nutrition therapy
Our registered dietitian (RD) provides medical nutrition therapy to help patients manage common GI issues such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and incontinence.
The RD will:
- Review your eating habits
- Assess your nutritional intake
- Discuss the role of diet in treating your particular condition
- Work with you to develop a healthy meal plan
Medical nutrition therapy has been shown to alleviate GI symptoms associated with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowl disease (IBD), fatty liver and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Behavioral medicine therapy
Behavioral health issues, such as stress and anxiety, are closely associated with GI conditions; they may contribute to GI symptoms or be caused by existing GI problems. Our clinical psychologist can work with you to address the psychological issues related to your GI condition in a one-on-one or small group setting.
Treatment for liver disorders
Some liver diseases, such as autoimmune liver disease, affect women more often than men. Others, such as alcohol-related diseases, develop more rapidly in women than in men. Additionally, certain liver diseases are uniquely associated with pregnancy. Early recognition of these liver diseases is important to minimize damage to the liver. Our center has physicians with special training in hepatology to address the special needs of our liver patients.
Advanced endoscopic procedures
Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the body using a flexible tube, called an endoscope, which has a small camera on the end of it. If an endoscopic procedure is right for you, our team at the Gastrointestinal Health Center will assist in coordinating your care with highly trained experts within the health system who endoscopically diagnose and treat diseases of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas and bile duct.
Research & clinical trials
Our center conducts medical research that is specifically geared to women and offers patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. This provides you with access to the very latest in treatments for GI conditions and helps us to better understand GI and liver diseases.
Clinical trials are offered in the following areas:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Viral hepatitis
- Fecal incontinence
- Weight loss or obesity
- Advanced procedures for the treatment of GERD
- Barrett’s esophagus/esophageal cancer