Our Expertise
Our specialists diagnose and treat common conditions, including gastric reflux, peptic ulcers, gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, swallowing disorders, gallbladder disease, diverticulitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hernia. We have special expertise in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, treated with surgical and medical approaches at our Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center.
Our gastroenterologists work in partnership with oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, pathologists and other experts in our Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center in the care of people with cancers affecting the digestive tract, including colon, stomach, liver and pancreas. Learn more about our cancer services.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center (Crohn's and Colitis)
Our Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Center is one of the premier IBD centers in the tri-state area. Our specialists diagnose and treat Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Our surgical team has extensive experience and training in the surgical treatment of patients with IBD.
- J-pouch reconstruction: A procedure or series of procedures for people with severe ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis that eliminates the need for ileostomy, or a bag. The resulting J-shaped pouch allows for a natural bowel movement and restores quality of life. Our lead surgeon was one of the pioneers of one-stage J-pouch surgery. Most other experts in the field perform this surgery in two or three stages.
- Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) bowel resection: Minimally invasive procedures for Crohn’s and other patients using small incisions, which speed recovery from surgery and reduce pain.
- Bloodless surgery: We are unique in our commitment to doing surgery without blood transfusions for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis patients for whom blood products are not an option, in collaboration with our Institute for Patient Blood Management & Bloodless Medicine and Surgery.
Our specialists use a vast array of medical therapies to treat patients with IBD, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, immunomodulators, and the latest biologics. We have access to all of the latest medications, including those still being used only in FDA trials. Many agents are given in the comfort of our dedicated Infusion Center, where we can monitor our patients closely.
Many patients are diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis between the ages of 14 and 24. Our experts help young patients make the transition from pediatric to adult care, and we work with families to help young patients take on responsibility for their own health. We also pay extra attention to using diagnostic procedures and therapies that are safe over the course of a lifetime. For all patients we use imaging techniques that minimize radiation exposure.
We are committed to integrating care for patients and their families across multiple specialties. Your care team may include specialists from:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgery
- Pathology
- Radiology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
The IBD Center’s comprehensive care team is on the forefront of medical advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of IBD. Our experts contribute to medical literature on IBD and to the development of pathology, infusion, and other clinical protocols, with the aim of achieving the most effective IBD treatments.
Endoscopy Suite
In our dedicated Endoscopy Suite, specialists use advanced imaging techniques to examine your digestive tract. For optimal comfort, we provide a private, walk-in waiting room and recovery room. In addition to routine tests, we offer these specialized procedures:
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): The doctor uses a tiny, lighted instrument called an endoscope to look at the bile ducts and treat stones or narrowed areas, or take tissue samples called biopsies.
- Video capsule endoscopy: For this test you swallow a pill-sized camera that records video of the small intestine.
- Endoscopic ultrasound: This new technique uses an endoscope with an ultrasound probe to determine the stage, or extent, of a tumor.
- Esophageal manometry: The doctor measures how well your swallowing muscles are working with this test.
- Monitoring of stent placement: Placement of stents (tubes) to relieve blockages in the stomach, intestines, or bile duct is done with endoscopes and aided by the imaging techniques in the Endoscopy Suite.
Clinical Trials and Research
Englewood Health is focused on clinical trials and research targeting effective treatments, risk of recurrence, and positive outcomes for people with gastrointestinal conditions.
Open Clinical Trials
“Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) for the Treatment of Recurrent or Refractory Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI)”
Principal Investigator: Dr. Marc Fiorillo
Coordinator: Rosabel (Rosy) Cascina
Phone: 201-945-6564
NCT#: NCT01942447; EHMC IRB#: E-13-507
More Information (clinicaltrials.gov link)
Awards
• Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage – Top 10% in Nation
• Gastrointestinal Care – Top 10% in NJ
• Gall Bladder Removal – Top 10% in Nation
• Gastrointestinal Care – Top 10% in Nation
• Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage – Top 10% in Nation
• Major Bowel Procedures – Top 10% in NJ
• Colon Cancer Surgery
Support Services
Patients with digestive disorders need to pay special attention to their diet. To find out more about our nutritional counseling services, call 201-894-3097 or visit our Nutrition Counseling page.
Dealing with a digestive disorder can be stressful. Our Graf Center for Integrative Medicine offers a holistic focus on prevention, recovery and support in a safe, comfortable environment where patients are an integral part of our care team. Services include acupuncture, therapeutic massage, wellness coaching, nutritional counseling, yoga, and stress management. To find out more about these services and how they can help patients with digestive disorders, visit the Graf Center website or call 201-608-2377.
Leadership
Director, IBD Center
Chief of Gastroenterology
