What is an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure is an outpatient procedure during which a thin flexible tube (colonoscope or gastroscope) is used to view the inside of your gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic procedures include colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD). Endoscopic procedures may be recommended for the diagnosis of certain diseases such as reflux (GERD), Barrett’s Esophagitis, gastritis, peptic ulcers, pre-cancerous changes of the esophagus or stomach, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or infections of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or in the rectum (they can also be referred to as “colon cancer” or “rectal cancer”).

Colorectal cancer is a common cancer in men and women in the United States; risk factors can include alcohol consumption, tobacco use, obesity, and family history of colon cancer but most people with pre-cancerous polyps or colon cancer have no risk factors whatsoever which is why age-appropriate screening is so important and the only way to decrease the risk in men and women of this second most common cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that people with average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. Even if you are not currently a patient of our practice, we can schedule your colonoscopy at our convenient and state-of-the-art Ambulatory Endoscopy Center, Carnegie Hill Endoscopy.

Dr. Connor performs all endoscopic procedures at Carnegie Hill Endoscopy, an ambulatory endoscopy center located in the Carnegie Hill section of Manhattan. He has been performing endoscopic procedures for over 30 years and has extensive experience along with a personal approach to make the endoscopic experience as convenient, thorough, and painless as possible.

When should I ask about colon cancer screening?

Current recommendations state that colonoscopy is recommended for all adults age 50 and above or anyone with a family history of colon cancer or symptoms related to a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain. Specific symptoms to be aware of to prompt screening include in addition to unexplained abdominal pain are: narrower than normal stool, blood in the stool, unusual change in bowel habits or unexplained anemia. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek the advice of Dr. Connor as soon as possible. Colorectal cancer is one of the most curable cancers when caught early, and colonoscopy is the most effective diagnostic evaluation for colon cancer prevention. Colonoscopy is recommended for surveillance because most of the time because colon cancer is silent and the finding of polyps of the colon often predates the onset of cancer and allows the doctor to remove the polyps which may, if left in place, turn cancerous.

Why should I care about cancer screening if I have no symptoms?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in three adults in America between the ages of 50 and 75 years are not receiving proper screenings which are recommended. Daily exercise and a healthy diet which encourages the consumption of fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods can decrease the risk of colon cancer but screening will be a crucial part of cancer prevention. More and more cancers can be treated and cured when they are caught early.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in America for men–just behind lung and prostate cancer, and for women–just behind lung and breast cancer.

Fortunately, most colorectal cancers are preventable with proper cancer screening by colonoscopy. Screening ensures that early detection allows for the removal of precancerous polyps.

Our physician-office laboratory is CLIA-certified, meeting the standards of hospital and commercial laboratories. We provide same day test results, often within just a few hours of sample collection.

For our patients or for patients with a referral from another provider, we are able to run stool samples on the BioFire FilmArray GI Panel, which tests for 22 of the most common gastrointestinal pathogens (bacteria, parasites and viruses) associated with gastroenteritis. This is helpful in identifying the specific microbe responsible for your symptoms of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and/or abdominal bloating and allows us to target specific therapy to help you feel better much quicker than traditional stool tests which often require waiting days for results. Because we use high throughput DNA extraction PCR technology and have our laboratory on premises, we have the ability to provide same day results, often within a few hours of sample collection.

For patients with respiratory symptoms, we offer the BioFire Respiratory Panel 2.1. With a nasopharyngeal sample taken by a clinician at our office, we offer testing for 20 different respiratory pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), influenza A and B, Pertussis, rhinovirus, and adenovirus among others. Results are always available the same day, sometimes in as little as two hours.

In addition, we offer PCR testing for travel-related illnesses, including malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and leptospirosis.

We are available to make house calls if you are unable to leave your home for any reason. For your convenience we can provide certain services at your home, hotel, or place of business, including but not limited to:

• Diagnostic tests for COVID-19, RSV, influenza, and other common respiratory pathogens

• Pre-travel consultation and travel vaccinations

• Routine immunizations such as influenza, pneumonia, or shingles

• Blood tests

Our house calls service is available to those in Manhattan and by special arrangement, the greater New York area or out-of-state.

Please send us a request to admin@connormd.com to arrange for a house call.

A Primary Care Provider (PCP) is recommended for all patients. Your PCP is your “medical home” your go-to for any undiagnosed health concern as well as continued care for previously diagnosed conditions. Your PCP can also refer you to a specialist for illnesses that require a more focused practitioner. As a PCP, our providers can do blood work, yearly physicals, pre-op medical clearance, and other general wellness-related visits.

Comprehensive physical exams tailored to your health needs, including routine check-ups, pre-employment evaluations, and travel health assessments.

Our practice is associated with a dedicated Travel Medicine clinic, The New York Center for Travel and Tropical Medicine, where we offer a pre-travel consultation with a practitioner who specializes in Travel Medicine. Travel Medicine clinics are recommended for pre-travel visits rather than visits to an urgent care or PCP, as our clinicians are constantly staying up to date on relevant travel-related illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, and yellow fever.

We specialize in the detection and treatment of post-travel diseases and illnesses, including malaria, chikungunya, leptospirosis, brucella, leishmania, traveler’s diarrhea, Zika, typhoid fever, and more. Diagnostic screening is most often done through stool testing and blood testing.

Tropical skin diseases can be acquired through travel to tropical and subtropical regions. These skin rashes can be associated with fever, joint or muscle aches, or swelling of the lymph nodes.

Patients who live abroad are welcome to visit us for your health needs while you are in the United States, including prescription refills and general medical care. For patients traveling or relocating overseas, we offer referrals to excellent medical practitioners in many international destinations through The Connor Group.

Dr. Connor is a New York State-certified provider for medical marijuana prescriptions, offering compassionate care and personalized treatment plans for eligible patients.

Personalized gut health assessments using advanced microbiome sequencing to optimize digestion, immunity, and overall wellness.