Dr. Walter William Romatowski – Gastroenterologist | St Catharines, ON

Dr. Walter William Romatowski is a dedicated Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of disorders affecting the digestive system in adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at a gastroenterology clinic or hospital department in St. Catharines, ON, he is a key member of the local medical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his practice reflects the principles of quality, safety, and ethical care. Dr. Romatowski provides comprehensive care for a wide range of digestive system disorders, including conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, utilizing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. His approach is patient-centered, focusing on delivering tailored treatments and thorough evaluations to promote optimal digestive health.

He earned his Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has over 43 years of experience practicing as a Gastroenterologist since 1981. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, he has established a reputation for clinical excellence and a deep commitment to ongoing professional development. His extensive training and experience enable him to handle complex cases with confidence, providing accurate diagnoses and effective management strategies for diverse digestive conditions.

Dr. Romatowski’s clinical philosophy emphasizes evidence-based medicine, comprehensive patient education, and early, precise diagnosis through advanced diagnostic procedures. He is dedicated to offering personalized treatment plans that respect each patient's unique circumstances and health goals. In his practice in St. Catharines, he strives to foster a supportive environment where patients feel informed, cared for, and confident in their digestive health journey. He provides care in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding for his patients.

Dr. Walter Romatowski diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (Obscure & Overt): Bleeding anywhere along the digestive tract, which can be visible (overt) or hidden (occult/obscure), requiring investigation to identify and treat the source.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO): An abnormal increase in the bacterial population in the small intestine, or an overgrowth of methane-producing archaea, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits.

Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders

• Peptic Ulcer Disease (Gastric, Duodenal, H. pylori-related, NSAID-induced): Open sores that develop on the inside lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) and the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer), commonly caused by H. pylori infection or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Gastritis (Inflammation of Stomach Lining) & Duodenitis: Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or the first part of the small intestine/duodenum (duodenitis), which can be acute or chronic and caused by various factors including infection, irritants, or autoimmune processes.
• Barrett's Esophagus & Dysplasia Monitoring: A precancerous condition in which the normal lining of the esophagus is replaced with tissue similar to the intestinal lining, often due to chronic GERD, requiring regular surveillance for dysplasia (abnormal cells).

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Focus

• Microscopic Colitis (often considered alongside IBD for chronic diarrhea): Though distinct from classic IBD, it's an inflammatory condition of the colon diagnosed by biopsy, causing chronic watery diarrhea.
• Crohn's Disease (Ileal, Colonic, Ileocolonic, Perianal): A chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, causing transmural (full-thickness) inflammation, pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and potential complications like strictures or fistulas.
• Indeterminate Colitis & IBD-Unclassified (IBD-U): Cases of IBD, particularly early in the disease course, where it is difficult to definitively distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis based on clinical, endoscopic, and histological features.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Walter Romatowski.

• Endoscopic Dilation of Gastrointestinal Strictures (Esophageal, Pyloric, Colonic): Procedure to stretch narrowed areas (strictures) in the esophagus (e.g., due to reflux, EoE), stomach outlet (pylorus), small intestine, or colon using balloons or Savary-Gilliard dilators passed through an endoscope.
• Gastrointestinal Motility Disorder Evaluation & Management Coordination: Initial evaluation of symptoms suggestive of GI motility disorders (e.g., gastroparesis, achalasia, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction), with coordination for specialized testing like esophageal manometry, antroduodenal manometry, wireless motility capsule, or gastric emptying studies, and subsequent management strategies.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy with Biopsy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon and rectum) using a flexible sigmoidoscope, often for evaluation of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, or as part of some screening protocols.
• Enteroscopy (e.g., Double-Balloon, Single-Balloon, Spiral Enteroscopy): Advanced endoscopic techniques allowing deep visualization, biopsy, and therapy within the small intestine, beyond the reach of standard endoscopes, for conditions like obscure bleeding or small bowel tumors.
• Capsule Endoscopy (Small Bowel & Colon): Non-invasive procedure where the patient swallows a vitamin-pill sized camera that takes pictures of the small intestine (for obscure GI bleeding, Crohn's disease) or colon (as an alternative to colonoscopy in select cases).
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Comprehensive Diagnosis & Management (including subtypes IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M): Multifaceted approach to managing IBS symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, mixed pattern) including thorough exclusion of other conditions, dietary modifications (e.g., low FODMAP diet), lifestyle changes, stress management, and targeted medications.
• Biofeedback Therapy Coordination for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Fecal Incontinence: Evaluation for defecatory disorders and fecal incontinence, with coordination of biofeedback therapy and other interventions to improve pelvic floor muscle function.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Romatowski for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Romatowski practices at a well-equipped gastroenterology clinic located in an accessible area near central St Catharines. The facility is situated close to local points of interest, making it convenient for patients from various parts of the city and surrounding regions. Public transit options are readily available, providing easy access for those using buses or other local transportation services. The practice location is fully accessible, with wheelchair accessibility ensuring comfort for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, allowing patients to attend appointments without concern for parking logistics. The environment is designed to be welcoming and supportive, prioritizing patient comfort and ease of access during every visit.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Romatowski, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Romatowski, as well as most diagnostic procedures (e.g., endoscopies for investigating symptoms, biopsies for medical reasons) and treatments for provincially insured digestive conditions (e.g., IBD, celiac disease, screening colonoscopies as per provincial guidelines, liver disease management), are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Procedures considered purely for screening outside of guidelines, or for non-medical reasons, and some advanced technologies or specific drug therapies might have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment or procedure with Dr. Romatowski's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) beforehand.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Romatowski, a Gastroenterologist?

Yes, in nearly all cases, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (such as an internist or surgeon) is required to schedule an appointment with a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Romatowski for services covered by the provincial health plan. Gastroenterological issues often require initial assessment and preliminary investigations by your primary care provider. The referral ensures that a specialist consultation is appropriate, helps with prioritizing appointments, and facilitates coordinated care, including the transfer of relevant medical information.

What's the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? Can Dr. Romatowski diagnose and treat both?

Yes, a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Romatowski can diagnose and treat both IBS and IBD, but they are very different conditions. IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic inflammation and physical damage (like ulcers and strictures) to the digestive tract, visible during endoscopy and on biopsies. It's an autoimmune-related condition. IBS, on the other hand, is a functional gut disorder, meaning the GI tract doesn't work correctly, but there's no visible inflammation or damage on standard tests. IBS causes symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. While IBS can significantly impact quality of life, it doesn't cause the destructive inflammation seen in IBD. Diagnosis involves different criteria and investigations for each.

What are some common procedures a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Romatowski typically performs?

Gastroenterologists like Dr. Romatowski are highly skilled in performing a range of endoscopic procedures. The most common are upper endoscopy (also called EGD or gastroscopy) to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and colonoscopy to visualize the entire colon. During these procedures, He can take biopsies (small tissue samples for analysis), remove polyps (which can prevent colon cancer), dilate narrowed areas (strictures), control bleeding, and place feeding tubes. Other procedures may include flexible sigmoidoscopy (examining the lower colon), capsule endoscopy (swallowing a tiny camera to see the small intestine), and more specialized interventions like ERCP or EUS depending on their training and practice focus. Many also specialize in managing specific areas like hepatology (liver disease) or IBD.

Will I be asleep for my endoscopy or colonoscopy with Dr. Romatowski?

For most endoscopic procedures like upper endoscopy (gastroscopy) and colonoscopy, patients are typically given sedation to help them relax and be comfortable. This is often called 'conscious sedation' or 'moderate sedation,' meaning you'll be drowsy and may not remember much of the procedure, but you won't be under general anesthesia (completely unconscious with a breathing tube). The specific type and level of sedation can vary and will be discussed with you by Dr. Romatowski or the anesthesia provider beforehand. Because of the sedation, you will need to have someone accompany you to drive you home after the procedure.

What exactly does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Romatowski specialize in?

A Gastroenterologist, often called a GI specialist, is a medical doctor who has undergone extensive specialized training beyond medical school and internal medicine residency to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases of the entire digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon (large intestine), rectum, anus, as well as associated organs like the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. He is a Gastroenterologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and procedural management of digestive system disorders. Dr. Romatowski is skilled in performing endoscopic procedures (like gastroscopy and colonoscopy) for both diagnosis and treatment, interpreting complex diagnostic tests, and developing comprehensive management plans for a wide variety of acute and chronic digestive health issues.

23-235 Martindale Rd
St Catharines, ON L2W 1A5

Phone: (905) 682-8693 | Fax: (905) 682-0311

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Romatowski is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Romatowski for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Romatowski-Walter-William/0027563-32386