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Gastroenterology

Whether you have common problems like heartburn or a more complex condition like Crohn’s disease, we can help. The gastroenterologists of Mount Sinai Doctors-Long Island offer specialized skill and advanced treatment options, and are part of the Mount Sinai Health System. This means we provide you with access to a superb level of care in convenient Long Island locations. We diagnose and treat diseases of the esophagus, bowels, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and stomach.

Our Gastroenterology Services

We start with a physical exam and medical history. Then, we use a variety of diagnostic tests, such as colonoscopy, endoscopy, and capsule endoscopy (Pillcam®). We perform these tests in our state-of-the-art endoscopy suite. We may also do imaging tests such as computed tomography and X-rays.
 
We draw from the newest therapies and technologies to customize your treatment plan. We offer a range of treatments onsite. These include office consultations, pre- and postoperative care, and endoscopic therapy. 
 
We treat digestive diseases, including:

In some cases, we manage Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis with biologic therapies that are not delivered orally. We may provide these medications by infusion or intravenously. We perform these services off-site.
 
If you need more specialized care, we may refer you to The Mount Sinai Hospital. Some of these procedures are upper endoscopy by ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for removing stones from the bile duct, or liver transplant.

Diagnostic Tests 

We use a variety of diagnostic tests to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders, including: 

Colonoscopy

This procedure lets us look at the lining of your large intestine. We use a flexible endoscope, a long, thin, flexible tube with a light at the end t. If we see something abnormal, we can take an image and a tissue sample (biopsy).  If we find an abnormal growth (polyps), we can remove it through the instrument.
 
If you are over age 50, you should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. We perform these procedures either in our endoscopy suite or at a hospital endoscopy suite.

Exam preparation
Colonoscopy preparation takes two days. Let your doctor know about any previous dental or medical procedures. Do not take any aspirin products, in case of bleeding. We perform the procedure under anesthesia to limit discomfort. The procedure lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.

What to expect after the procedure?

  • You may feel sleepy for an hour or two as the sedation wears off. 
  • You will expel gas because the test involves passing gas into your colon. 
  • If we remove a polyp, we will provide further instructions.
  • You can resume your regular diet unless we tell you otherwise.

Are colonoscopy and polypectomy procedures safe?
Both procedures are safe. They carry a low risk, when performed by a trained doctor.  
 
Possible complications include:

  • A small tear in the wall of the colon (perforation). This could allow intestinal fluids to leak out. Sometimes we need to fix this surgically. 
  • Bleeding where we removed the tissue or polyp.
  • Irritation at the injection site, which could cause a lump to form. This lump might be tender and could remain for several weeks to several months. It will go away eventually. 
  • Drug reactions and complications from unrelated diseases. This could include heart attack or stroke.

Endoscopy

This procedure lets us view the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (duodenum). We insert a long, flexible tube with a light at the tip down your throat. We may numb your throat to help you relax. Please tell us if you have any allergies to medications.  If we see an abnormality, we may remove a small piece of tissue for examination (biopsy). If we see a polyp, we may be able to remove the growth through the instrument. You will remain in the office until the sedative has worn off.
 
Exam preparation

  • Avoid taking aspirin, arthritis medications, or vitamins containing iron for 10 days before the examination.
  • Please check with us about other medications.
  • Please let us know if you are taking Coumadin.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before the test.

Day of the examination
You may feel some mild discomfort during the procedure. Most people have no complications.  We will give you a mild sedative to avoid pain, so someone must accompany you home. Please don’t drive for the rest of the day.

What to expect after the procedure

  • You may have a mild sore throat. 
  • You might be sleepy for an hour or two. 
  • You will expel gas, as we will have inserted some air into the stomach during the exam.
  • If we remove a polyp, we will provide further instructions.
  • We will tell you about what you can eat after the procedure. 
  • Occasionally we need to admit a patient after the procedure.

Are there any complications from upper gastrointestinal endoscopy?

  • This is a safe procedure. When performed by a qualified physician, there are few risks. Possible risks include:
  • A tear through the wall of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum (perforation) that allows digestive fluids to escape. We can manage this leakage by removing the fluids until the opening seals. Sometimes we need to perform surgery.
  • Bleeding can occur at the site where we removed the tissue or polyp. It is usually minor and stops on its own. We can also control it by ‘zapping’ the spot with an electrical current (cauterization). Blood transfusions are rarely required.
  • Vein irritation can occur at the injection site. A tender lump may develop. This lump could remain for several weeks to several months but will disappear over time. 
  • Drug reactions and complications from unrelated diseases, such as heart attack or stroke.
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