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The Institute’s physicians specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract and the hepatobiliary system. Gastroenterological diseases affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine, which work together to move food along the digestive tract, while absorbing nutrients and discarding waste products. Diseases of the hepatobiliary system refer to those of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts – organs that are involved with the production, storage, transport and release of bile, a secretion that prepares fats for further digestion.

Comprehensive and Innovative Services 
As the premier academic medical center on Long Island, we have the unique ability to connect and apply our groundbreaking medical research and scientific discoveries to our patient care. Advanced diagnostic tests and procedures are performed using the latest technology and cutting-edge techniques. Patients are treated with respect and compassion by a team of renowned physicians whose joint goal is to provide the safest and most effective treatment and whose expertise spans all forms of gastroenterological and hepatobiliary diseases.

Basil Rigas, MD, DSc, Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chief of the Division of Cancer Prevention, and Director of the Center for Cancer Prevention. Dr. Rigas is a board-certified gastroenterologist. During the last several years, Dr. Rigas has focused his efforts on the prevention of colon cancer. He holds several relevant patents and is nationally recognized as a pioneering expert in this field. Dr. Rigas is a Professor of Medicine and Pharmacological Sciences, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at Stony Brook School of Medicine.

Eyad Ali, MD, is board-certified in gastroenterology and hepatology, with expertise in a wide area of general common gastrointestinal disorders including reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, hepatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at Stony Brook School of Medicine.

Juan Carlos Bucobo, MD, Director of Endoscopy
Dr. Bucobo is an advanced endoscopy expert, specializing in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatopography (ERCP), endoluminal stent placement and deep small bowel enteroscopy. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at at Stony Brook School of Medicine. 

Jonathan Buscaglia, MD, Director of the Advanced Endoscopy Center
Dr. Buscaglia is a recognized expert in advanced endoscopy, his pioneering research in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is considered the newest frontier in minimally invasive surgery by endoscopy experts. He specializes in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatopography (ERCP), diagnostic and interventional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoluminal stent placement, and deep small bowel enteroscopy. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at Stony Brook School of Medicine. For more information, visit the Interventional Endoscopy Center.

Edward H. Cheng, MD, Co-Chair of the Nutrition Committee at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Northport, NY
Dr. Chen is a board-certified gastroenterologist with an expertise in capsule endoscopy, breath tests, pH monitoring, immunology and H. pylori. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at Stony Brook School of Medicine.

Asim S. Khokhar, MD
Dr. Khokhar is board-certified in gastroenterology and hepatology and specializes in liver diseases and nutrition. His expertise includes advanced hepatology and liver transplantation, hepatitis B and C treatment, management of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver-related nutritional disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and esophageal banding. Dr. Khokhar is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Hepatology, at Stony Brook School of Medicine.

Chris E. Lascarides, MD
Dr. Lascarides is a board-certified gastroenterologist with expertise in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, colon cancer screening, esophageal and gastric screening, difficult to remove colonic polyps, celiac disease, diverticulitis and diverticulosis. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at Stony Brook School of Medicine.

Ellen Li, MD, PhD
Dr. Li is a board-certified gastroenterologist and world-class scientist with expertise in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Her specialty as a scientist is in translational research, which focuses on taking scientific discoveries and translating them into ways to help improve people’s health. In Stony Brook’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, she leads a major translational research initiative to analyze the effects of two key genes on the microscopic bacteria (microbia) that are present in the lining of the intestines and to explore how these microbia interact with the lining in the gut. Dr. Li is a Professor of Medicine and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at Stony Brook School of Medicine.

Satish Nagula, MD
Dr. Nagula is an advanced endoscopy expert specializing in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and endoluminal stent placement. He also has expertise in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett’s esophagus. Dr. Nagula is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at Stony Brook School of Medicine.

Ramona Rajapakse, MD, Clinical Director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Dr. Rajapakse is board-certified in gastroenterology and hepatology, with expertise in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. She also has a special interest and advanced training in fertility and pregnancy in IBD. Additionally, Dr. Rajapakse is an expert in colon cancer screening, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastrointestinal bleeding. She is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Division of Gastroneterology and Hepatology, at Stony Brook School of Medicine.

Robert Richards, MD, MSc,
Dr. Richards is board-certified in gastroenterology and hepatology and has expertise in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). His expertise also includes cancer screening, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), abdominal pain and anemia of gastrointestinal origin. Dr. Richards is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at Stony Brook School of Medicine.

Robert D. Shaw, MD, Chief of Gastroenterology at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Northport, NY.
Dr. Shaw is a board-certified gastroenterologist. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at Stony Brook School of Medicine.

Isabelle von Althen, MD, Director of the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center
Dr. von Althen is a board-certified gastroenterologist and advanced endoscopist, and specializes in women’s gastrointestinal health. She provides colon cancer screenings, colonoscopies, endoscopies, and treats gallbladder and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in women. Dr. von Althen also has expertise in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).  She is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, at Stony Brook School of Medicine. For more information, visit the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.

• Abdominal distention (gas) is a swollen, bloated or gassy abdomen, typically caused by fibrous foods, weight gain, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pregnancy or unconsciously swallowing air.  To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Barrett’s esophagus is a precancerous condition in the lower esophagus, often due to repeated exposure to stomach acid. It is most often diagnosed in people with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and is characterized by a change in the color of the lining of the lower esophagus. To learn more, visit the Interventional Endoscopy Center, the Gastrointestinal Motility Center, and the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Chronic constipation generally includes infrequent bowel movements (less than three times a week over several months) and may be caused by such conditions as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pelvic floor dysfunction (when the muscles that surround a woman’s rectum do not function normally). Other, more serious conditions, such as colon cancer, an underactive thyroid gland, or neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease may be the cause. To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Motility Center and the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Complex biliary diseases are caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that affect the bile duct, which carries bile, a fluid that is excreted by the liver and required for the digestion of fats.  To learn more, visit the Interventional Endoscopy Center.
• Cystic neoplasms are uncommon, tumorous cysts in the pancreas that occur almost exclusively in women. They may be curable if detected early. To learn more, visit the Interventional Endoscopy Center.
• Chronic pancreatitis is the swelling or inflammation of the pancreas that leads to scarring and loss of the pancreas’ function. To learn more, visit the Interventional Endoscopy Center.
• Endometriosis with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the combination of endometriosis, the development of the uterine-lining tissue outside the uterus, and IBD, which causes inflammation of the intestines. Because symptoms for both often include abdominal pain, and many women experience changes in their bowel habits during menstruation that can result in abdominal pain, special medical expertise is required when both of these complex disorders are present.  To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Esophageal motility disorders – Disorders that impact the movement (motility) of the muscles in the esophagus. These disorders can cause difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food (acid reflux) and spasm type pain.
  • Achalasia occurs when the valve-like, circular muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) are unable to completely relax and the smooth muscle walls of the esophagus are unable to move food down the esophagus to the small intestine.
  • Diffuse esophageal spasm occurs when there are uncoordinated contractions of the esophagus and food is not propelled effectively into the small intestine.
  • Nutcracker esophagus is a condition that causes difficulty swallowing both solid and liquid foods and derives its name from the level of increased pressure present in the esophagus during testing that is equivalent to the pressure exerted with a mechanical nutcracker.
    
    To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Motility Center.
• Endoscopic oncology is the diagnosis and treatment of cancerous tumors requiring endoscopic medical and surgical treatment.  To learn more, visit the Interventional Endoscopy Center.
• Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor found in the esophagus, which is the long tube that runs from your throat to your stomach and carries food you swallow to be digested. This type of cancer can occur in any part of the esophagus, but for the U.S. population, the disease occurs in the lower portion of the esophagus in the majority of cases. To learn more, visit the  Interventional Endoscopy Center.
• Fecal incontinence refers to the loss of regular control of the bowels. It is more common in older adults and often accompanied by involuntary excretion or leaking. To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Motility Center.
• Functional dyspepsia is a condition for which there is no apparent cause for chronic symptoms of indigestion or upset stomach, fullness, or bloating in the upper abdomen and further evaluation and testing is required. To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Gallbladder disease is caused when the liquid (bile) that is stored in the gallbladder that helps your body digest fat hardens. It produces a pebble-like substance called a gallstone. A gallbladder attack is caused by inflammation, which usually happens because a stone is blocking a passageway in the gallbladder. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer an attack of the gallbladder. Gallbladder disease in women generally occurs when there is excess estrogen from pregnancy, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Gastric cancer is also known as stomach cancer, which is a rare form of cancer that can develop in any part of the stomach and spread to other organs, particularly the esophagus, lungs, lymph nodes and the liver. To learn more, visit the Interventional Endoscopy Center.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly known as “acid reflux.” GERD occurs when liquid content of the stomach backs up into the esophagus and irritates the lining there. Chronic GERD symptoms can cause damage to your esophagus and may result in more serious digestive disorders like esophageal cancer, if left untreated. To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Motility Center and the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Gastroparesis is also called “delayed gastric emptying.” This condition consists of partial paralysis (paresis) of the stomach, which results in food remaining in the stomach for a longer period of time than normal. If left untreated, gastroparesis can lead to malnutrition and GERD.  To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Motility Center and the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of diseases, the two major types are:
  • Ulcerative colitis is a disease where the lining of the large intestine (colon) becomes inflamed and develops open, painful wounds (ulcers).
  • Crohn’s disease can be found in any part of the digestive tract and the inflammation caused can extend much deeper into the layers of the intestinal walls.
    
    To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
  
  
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is also known as a spastic colon and often characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation). To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Motility Center.
• Liver disease occurs when cells in the liver change and damaged cells are replaced by scar tissue called fibrosis. Continued damage diminishes the blood flow. Alcohol, drugs and poisons are all major contributors to liver damage and disease. To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Nausea is a queasy sensation felt in the upper stomach that is accompanied by an urge to vomit. It is common in women and most frequently caused by an upset stomach, pregnancy, a headache or from exercising after eating. To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Pelvic discomfort in women is the feeling of discomfort or pain below the navel in the lower abdomen, most frequently before or during menstruation. Possible causes include a bladder, kidney or bowel disorder or a condition involving the reproductive system. To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Pregnancy-related gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are experienced by some women during their pregnancy, while others have chronic GI disorders that require special consideration during this time.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is also known as a spastic colon, and often characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation). Symptoms generally worsen during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
  • Reflux is commonly referred to as “acid reflux” or “heartburn.” This condition affects 80 percent of pregnant women, usually during the second and third trimesters. It is characterized by a burning sensation that often extends from the bottom of the breastbone to the lower throat that is the result of hormonal and physical changes in the body.
  • Constipation is described as irregular bowel movements, which is common among pregnant women and caused by a rise in certain hormones and can also be due to worries, anxiety or a low fiber diet. 
    
    To learn more, visit Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor found in the pancreas, which is a gland organ located behind the stomach that produces insulin to help control the amount of sugar in the blood, as well as other important juices and enzymes to aid in the digestive process. To learn more, visit the Interventional Endoscopy Center.
• Pancreatic disorders pertain to the pancreas, which is a gland organ located behind the stomach that produces insulin to help control the amount of sugar in the blood, as well as other important juices and enzymes to aid in the digestive process.  To learn more, visit the Interventional Endoscopy Center.
• Premature abdominal fullness after meals is also known as “early satiety.” It describes the experience of feeling full sooner than normal after eating less than usual. To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Stomach cancer, refer to Gastric Cancer. To learn more, visit the Interventional Endoscopy Center.
• Unintentional weight loss is an involuntary decrease in body weight that is not due to dieting or exercise. Some of the more prevalent causes in women include eating disorders, an overactive thyroid, depression, cancer, diarrhea, drug side effects and smoking. To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.
• Vomiting is also known as “throwing up,” this term is used to describe when the contents of one’s stomach are forcefully expelled through the mouth and sometimes the nose. It is a common occurrence among women during their first trimester of pregnancy (and known as “morning sickness”). Other common causes among women include migraine headaches, viral or bacterial infections. To learn more, visit the Gastrointestinal Women’s Center.

Screening Colonoscopy

Visit the Center’s page for the procedures and treatments the physicians specialize in:

Interventional Endoscopy Center

Gastrointestinal Motility Center

Gastrointestinal Women’s Center

Stony Brook's Gastroenterology Program was nationally ranked in the Top 50 in U.S.News & World Report's "2010-11 Best Hospitals" issue. Best Hospitals 2010-11 includes rankings of 152 medical centers nationwide in 16 specialties. Of the 1,892 hospitals that qualified for ranking, Stony Brook was one of only 152 medical centers that scored high enough to be ranked.

Led by Basil Rigas, MD, DSc, physicians provide world-class care in all aspects of gastroenterology, including cancer screenings, motility, women's gastrointestinal health, inflammatory bowel diseases, diagnosis of pre-malignant conditions, advanced endoscopic interventions, nutrition and weight loss, and liver, pancreatic and biliary diseases. In addition to patient care, Stony Brook Medicine physicians and researchers conduct cutting-edge research in the development of novel drugs against cancer, use nanotechnology to diagnose diseases earlier and more accurately, and apply stem cells to treat patients with Crohn's disease.

At Stony Brook, patients are treated with respect and compassion by a team of renowned GI physicians whose joint goal is to provide the best possible and most effective treatment.

Additional Sources of Information

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Preventing Colon Cancer: The Most Effective Screening Test 
Dr. Chris Lascarides, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Stony Brook Digestive Disorders Institute, talks about what people need to know and what they can do right now about this disease.