It’s not unusual to have a stomachache every now and then. But frequent pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, and other digestion-related symptoms could mean it’s time to see a gastroenterologist—a doctor who specializes in the digestive system or gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Experts in treating gastrointestinal disorders
Our gastroenterologists are highly skilled in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the digestive tract: the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus. These specialists also treat disorders that affect three organs that help with digestion: the gall bladder, liver, and pancreas.
Our gastroenterologists have extensive experience in treating a variety of digestive disorders, including:
- Crohn’s disease
- Diverticulosis and diverticulitis
- Gallstones
- Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hemorrhoids
- Hiatal hernia
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Lactose intolerance
- Pancreatitis
- Swallowing disorders
- Ulcerative colitis
- Ulcers of the stomach and duodenum
Our specialists also are experts in performing minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, such as upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. For these procedures, your gastroenterologist will insert a tube through your mouth, nose, or rectum to examine your digestive tract and treat any problems they discover.
During a colonoscopy, for example, your gastroenterologist may remove small growths (polyps) that otherwise could become cancerous. That’s why colonoscopy is such an important—and effective—cancer screening tool.
Nutritional Services
Saratoga Hospital’s team of Registered Dietitians are trained to teach patients with a range of gastrointestinal conditions how to eat, enjoy food and meet their unique nutrition needs. Each patient receives a comprehensive nutrition assessment, which includes lifestyle habits, food preferences and detailed discussion of medical condition and symptoms.
The assessment identifies priority areas used to develop an individualized treatment plan, based on evidence-based nutrition science, to relieve symptoms and ensure nutrition adequacy. The RD shares the findings of the nutrition assessment with the patient’s healthcare team to ensure that coordinated and appropriate care is provided.
There is a fee for this service and many insurance companies cover the cost with a provider order. Interested patients are advised to check with their insurance carriers for coverage information. Please click here for more information, call (518) 886-5121, or to schedule an appointment.
To view a list of all of our providers, please click here.
