Gastroenterology

Full-Scope Management of Digestive Diseases and Conditions

At St. Vincent’s Medical Center, a collaborative team of board-certified, experienced gastroenterologists and endoscopists is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of digestive diseases and conditions. This comprehensive approach delivers complete care for all types of digestive diseases, from heartburn to organ failure.

Get the message. Schedule a colonoscopy.

In Connecticut, colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer diagnosed in women and the fourth-most common cancer diagnosed in men, according to the state Health Department.

A colonoscopy is one of the few screening tests that can actually prevent colon cancer. By finding and taking colon polyps out before they become cancer, doctors can prevent their later development into cancer. When caught early, colorectal cancer has a 90 percent survival rate.

Why get a colonoscopy?

The rate of colorectal cancer diagnoses has dropped each year since the mid-1980s because more people are getting screened and more people are adjusting their lifestyle to reduce risk factors.

Key factors that can increase the risk of colorectal cancer include:

• Age: Current guidelines recommend screening begin at age 45 for people at average risk
• Personal history of colon cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
• Family history of colon cancer or polyps.
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a hereditary condition that creates hundreds of polyps in the colon and rectum.
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use

Why wait?

Make an appointment for your colonoscopy today!

A Multidisciplinary Approach

Gastroenterology at St. Vincent’s examines the digestive system and its disorders. These can range from gastritis and ulcers to various cancers. Drawing on access to leading-edge technologies and equipment, with the ability to bring together a multidisciplinary team drawn from specialists across the broad spectrum of disciplines, enables us to provide the full range of state-of-the-art screening, testing, diagnostic and prevention services.

A Personal Treatment Plan

As highly respected specialists, our gastroenterologists possess expertise in all aspects of digestive health. They develop personalized treatment plans which prove successful and take into consideration every available comfort.

Conditions We Treat

• Barrett’s Esophagus
• Esophageal cancer
• Biliary disorders
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) 
• Celiac disease
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Colon cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Pancreatic cysts and cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Peptic ulcer
• Esophageal cancer
• Ulcerative colitis

Types of Screening

Screening by our gastroenterologists include, colonoscopy and endoscopy. Patients are referred by their primary care physicians for these screenings.

Procedures

When you schedule a gastrointestinal procedure, it will be performed in our Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgical Suite. 

Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgical Services

Signs and Symptoms of Digestive Problems

Signs and symptoms of a potential digestive system problem that gastroenterologists investigate include: 

• Blood in the stool
• Changes in bowel habits
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• Heartburn not relieved by antacids

Diseases and Conditions of the Digestive System

• GERD
• Celiac disease 
• Ulcers 
• Stomach cancer 
• Colorectal cancer
• Gastritis 
• Irritable bowel syndrome 
• Crohn's disease 
• Hepatitis
• Diverticular disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Neurogastroenterology and Motility

Hartford HealthCare’s Neurogastroenterology and Motility Center is a comprehensive program dedicated to the holistic care of patients with complex gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Learn more >>