Comprehensive Care for Gastrointestinal Disorders

Catholic Health's board-certified gastroenterologists offer excellence in care for Long Islanders who need nonsurgical and surgical treatment for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. We treat common conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and perform colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures. Our surgeons are experts in complex procedures like a colon resection.

All Catholic Health hospitals offer colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures, both for hospitalized patients and on an outpatient basis, at facilities across Long Island.

We are also experts in treating GI disorders in children.

St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center® is nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery.

Diagnostic Tools

Our gastroenterologists use advanced technology to diagnose and treat even the most difficult disorders affecting the GI system in areas including your esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, gallbladder, liver, pancreas and bile ducts. 

Colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures are commonly used diagnostic tools and critical to early detection of cancers including esophageal and colorectal.

A team of board-certified gastroenterologists and anesthesiologists, as well as registered nurses and support staff, deliver the highest quality and safest care to patients.

An endoscopy, a procedure used to diagnose and treat digestive system issues, helps identify issues in your digestive tract. The procedure is performed using a flexible tube with a tiny camera that sends images to a video screen. The images allow your physician to check for polyps, ulcers and other abnormalities in your digestive tract. During an endoscopy, the scope is able to take tissue samples, remove polyps and perform other exams.

One of the newest types of endoscopy is capsule endoscopy. This is a vitamin-sized capsule that contains a tiny video camera. After you swallow the capsule, the camera takes thousands of images of your entire small intestine, including parts that other types of endoscopy can’t reach. Capsule endoscopy can help physicians diagnose causes of gastrointestinal bleeding and disorders such as Crohn’s disease.

Upper endoscopy—also called gastroscopy—is used to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions affecting the upper digestive system. This includes the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Conditions such as abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, unexplained weight loss and swallowing problems may be diagnosed with an upper endoscopy.

A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through your mouth. The camera allows your physician to see your upper digestive system. The procedure is painless and done under a light sedative. It typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

A colonoscopy allows your physician to see inside the colon and large intestine using a flexible tube called a colonoscope that is inserted through the rectum while the patient is sedated. Colonoscopies help detect abnormalities, such as inflamed tissues, polyps and ulcers, and help diagnose the cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation or unexplained weight loss.

Colonoscopies are a common screening tool for colorectal cancer.

Learn more about colorectal cancer and the importance of early screening.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is used to diagnose conditions affecting the lower part of the large intestine or the sigmoid colon. It's sometimes used as a screening tool for colon cancer. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through your rectum.

Conditions & Services

  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Celiac disease
  • Diverticulitis
  • Fistulas
  • Gallstones and bile duct stones
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Gastrointestinal cancers
    • Colorectal cancer
    • Esophageal cancer
    • Pancreatic cancer
    • Stomach cancer
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
    • Crohn’s disease
    • Ulcerative colitis
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Swallowing problems
  • 48-hour Bravo esophageal pH tests
  • Barium swallow tests
  • Barrx™ radiofrequency ablation system for removing cancerous, precancerous or diseased tissue from the esophagus
  • Breath tests
  • Colon cancer screenings
  • Colon resection surgery—removal of a section of the large intestine most commonly performed for treatment of colorectal cancer, diverticular disease or inflammatory bowel disease
  • Endoscopy
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography—procedure to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas
  • Esophageal dilation
  • Gallbladder surgery
  • Ileostomy
  • Minimally invasive GI surgery such as laparoscopy
  • Nutrition evaluation and management, including IV and enteral feedings
  • Pediatric gastroenterology
  • Polyp removal
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Treatment of gastrointestinal issues in cardiac surgery patients
  • Upper gastrointestinal stents

Understanding and Treating GERD

Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common chronic condition that involves acid from the stomach flowing back into the esophagus because of the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter—the muscular valve that closes after food enters the stomach.

Symptoms of heartburn and reflux disease can include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Persistent regurgitation
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Chronic cough
  • Chest pain

The Acid Reflux and Hiatal Hernia Center of Excellence at St. Charles Hospital (Port Jefferson, NY)):

  • Help address and provide solutions for patients concerned about long-term side effects and dependence on medications
  • Offer minimally invasive anti-reflux surgery procedures

Learn more

Clinical Excellence

Gastroenterology Experts

Cancer Experts

St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center® is rated High Performing in Colon Cancer Surgery.

Gastroenterology Locations (Hospitals)

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St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center®

Roslyn, NY Hospital Heart Center

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Good Samaritan University Hospital

West Islip, NY Hospital

Mercy Hospital exterior

Mercy Hospital

Rockville Centre, NY Hospital

St. Catherine of Siena exterior

St. Catherine of Siena Hospital

Smithtown, NY Hospital

St. Charles Hospital exterior

St. Charles Hospital

Port Jefferson, NY Hospital

St. Joseph Hospital exterior

St. Joseph Hospital

Bethpage, NY Hospital

Gastroenterology Locations (Ambulatory Centers)

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Catholic Health Ambulatory Care at Centereach

Centereach, NY Ambulatory Care

St. Catherine & St. Charles Health & Wellness Center exterior

Catholic Health Ambulatory Care at Commack

Commack, NY Ambulatory Care

The Pain Management Center at St. Francis Hospital exterior

Catholic Health Ambulatory Care at East Hills

East Hills, NY Ambulatory Care

Catholic Health Ambulatory Care at Lake Success

Catholic Health Ambulatory Care at Lake Success

Lake Success, NY Ambulatory Care

Health & Wellness

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Ask the Expert: Is Colorectal Cancer on the Rise in Young Adults?

How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy

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Screening Is Key In Fight Against Colorectal Cancer

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