Digestive & Liver Disorders

male patient discussing health issues with doctor

Digestive & Liver Disorders

ColumbiaDoctors physicians are internationally recognized for their expertise in the treatment of digestive and liver diseases. Our team includes top specialists in gastroenterology and hepatology, who collaborate with experts in nephrology, oncology, surgery, infectious diseases, and radiology.

Among the best in the country, our program has developed numerous research advancements, and our pioneering clinical programs have earned a world-class reputation. ColumbiaDoctors gastroenterologists and hepatologists take a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach that includes nutritional evaluation, family medicine, and nursing and psychosocial support.

We offer exceptional patient care through the use of state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and treatments, as well as access to clinical trials that may not be available elsewhere. Our patients benefit from the research programs of the Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases at Columbia University Medical Center, where we study gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, intestinal stem cells, liver disease, Barrett’s esophagus, mucosal immunology and pancreatic cancer.

Here, the nation's top scientists and clinicians work side by side, continually transforming research discoveries into patient care. Our physicians have pioneered many of the latest technologies and advanced approaches to the diagnosis and management of digestive and liver diseases, including minimally invasive surgical approaches and advanced imaging techniques.

Our areas of focus include:

General Gastroenterology

Our gastroenterologists provide ongoing, compassionate care for patients with acute and chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Using state of the art technology and diagnostic procedures, our physicians not only diagnose but treat simple and complex conditions such as screening for colon cancer, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, esophageal reflux, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, colon polyps, and gastritis.

Biliary Disease and Therapeutic Endoscopy

The Interventional Therapeutic Endoscopy Center is a national leader in the minimally invasive treatment of pancreatic and biliary disease and other digestive disorders. Using cutting-edge technology, our interventionalists can diagnose and treat complex GI problems such as GI cancers, acute and chronic pancreatitis, gallstone and biliary disease to name a few. It is the largest and most respected academic endoscopy center of its kind in the New York region, with over 12,000 procedures performed every year.

Celiac Disease Center

Established as a leader in the field, both nationally and internationally, the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University provides the highest quality patient care for children and adults with celiac disease. Our experts collaborate with clinicians in other specialties and subspecialties, including endocrinology, bone metabolism, rheumatology, surgery, hematology, oncology, neurology and dental medicine, to ensure a team approach and continuity of care.

Colorectal Surgery

Our goal is to provide a multidisciplinary patient-centered approach to the management of colon and rectal cancers. The Colorectal Surgery Division at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center is distinguished for its expertise in the treatment of problems related to the small intestine, colon, rectum and anal canal. Our multidisciplinary team performs laparoscopic and robotic surgery as well as complex reoperative surgery, revisional pouch operations, and innovative procedures to create continent ileostomies. Our highly experienced surgeons are often uniquely able to maintain and restore continence. Our providers understand that symptoms of colorectal disease may be distressing and require immediate care. We offer appointments at three locations for your convenience, and we strive to provide same-day or next day appointments whenever possible.

Center for Esophageal Diseases

As leaders in their fields, our physicians are dedicated to using cutting-edge endoscopic, diagnostic and therapeutic technology to provide the best possible outcome for patients with a variety of diseases of the esophagus, including the premalignant condition Barrett’s esophagus and early esophageal cancer, esophageal cancer and other tumors, as well as acid reflux, eosinophilic esophagitis, and motility disorders.

Gastric Cancer Care

Physicians part of the Center for Global Excellence in Gastric Cancer Care are dedicated to the care, treatment and support of patients with cancerous and noncancerous tumors of the stomach, including gastric adenocarcinoma, squamous cell tumors of the stomach, giant cell carcinoma, lymphoma, gastric metaplasia, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the stomach, and neuroendocrine tumors of the stomach including carcinoids and gastrinomas.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention and Genetics

Patients receive an individualized genetic risk evaluation from a certified genetic counselor as well as a gastroenterologist with expertise in inherited gastrointestinal cancer syndromes. Patients are educated about cancer risks and the implications not only for them but for their family members as well. Patients and referring physicians are provided with individualized cancer screening data and prevention strategies and are kept up to date with new genetic testing options.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Our IBD specialists are devoted to the management of every aspect of IBD, including the two most common IBD manifestations: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Our physicians work with nurses, dietitians and psychologists to help our patients through the physical manifestations of the disease and provide the dietary advice and emotional support necessary in dealing with a chronic disease.

Intestinal and Multivisceral Transplantation

Nearly 200 patients worldwide currently undergo intestinal and multi-visceral transplantation each year for failures of the intestines, liver, and/or stomach and pancreas. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center is among the few U.S. transplantation centers with the expertise to offer this rare clinical service.

Liver Disease and Transplantation

The highly skilled physicians in our Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, one of the first such multidisciplinary programs in the country, have performed thousands of liver transplants. We offer a full spectrum of services to patients suffering from all forms of liver disease, including antiviral treatment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C and novel treatments for patients with cancers of the bile duct and liver cancer, or cancers that started elsewhere in the body and spread to the liver.

Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery

Our team of pioneers in laparoscopic weight loss surgery offers patients a full range of weight loss procedures supported by comprehensive long-term care. Critical to our patients' success is our multidisciplinary approach to weight management, helping them achieve permanent weight loss and healthier lives.

Motility and Neurogastroenterology

Gastroenterologic motility disorders and disorders of gastric acid production are some of the most common problems in medicine, and our physicians are globally recognized as experts in these fields. We treat acid-related conditions such as esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, non-erosive reflux disease, non-ulcer dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), H. pylori infection, and gastrinoma. We also specialize in motility disorders including achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, hypercontractile esophagus, gastroparesis, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, diarrhea, and constipation.

Nutritional and Wellness Program

ColumbiaDoctors physicians work with our team of registered dietitians, who specialize in dietary modification for the management and treatment of many conditions including cancer, diabetes, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and kidney disease.

Pancreas Center

Specializing in the treatment of pancreas disorders, the Pancreas Center demonstrates a commitment to collaboration in patient care. Pancreas Center patients have access to a multi-disciplinary team of highly specialized gastroenterologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurse practitioners, geneticists, genetic counselors, and nutritionists. Together, they collaborate to meet the diagnosis, intervention, prevention, and treatment needs of each patient. The commitment to championing the health of patients is our defining characteristic. We evaluate and treat patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cysts.

Pancreas Cyst Surveillance

The Pancreatic Cyst Surveillance Program focus on preventing pancreatic cancer through the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of patients diagnosed with cystic lesions in the pancreas, including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), mucinous cystic neoplasm, serous cystadenoma, and pseudocysts. A team of multi-disciplinary experts work to identify patients who require further diagnostic studies, immediate therapeutic interventions, or long-term surveillance.

We provide comprehensive care at locations in Washington Heights, Midtown, and the Bronx.