Dr. Andres Gelrud, MD

Dr. Andres Gelrud, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at Gastro Health in Miami, FL. He is deeply committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your gastroenterologist is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, creating personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and managing the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep you feeling your best for years to come. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (786) 596-1960 to schedule.

Dr. Andres Gelrud, MD, MMSc, is a clinical pancreatologist with over 30 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Central University, Jose Maria Vargas School of Medicine in 1994 and completed a Gastroenterology Fellowship, followed by two additional years at Harvard - MIT, graduating with a Master Degree in Clinical Science (MMSc). He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the pancreas, including acute, recurrent acute, and chronic pancreatitis, and complications from pancreatitis. He is also highly skilled in interventional endoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat problems of the digestive tract, including gastrointestinal cancers. Dr. Gelrud's expertise extends to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, transgastric pancreatic necrosectomy, and endoscopic treatment of bariatric surgery complications. His commitment to evidence-based medicine, coupled with his collaborative approach, creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is an active educator and author, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Pancreas Foundation. Dr. Gelrud offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Andres Gelrud is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Andres Gelrud can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Andres Gelrud provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Intestinal Obstruction: Early diagnosis and treatment of conditions that can lead to intestinal obstruction, such as tumors or hernias, is crucial for preventing surgical intervention and preserving digestive health.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Managing noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis through dietary adjustments and stress management can help prevent flare-ups and maintain the overall health of your digestive tract.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Proper treatment of an esophageal ulcer, guided by your doctor, prevents long-term damage and reduces the chances of serious complications.
• Esophageal Atresia Without Fistula: Regular check-ups and genetic counseling can help identify potential risks associated with esophageal atresia without fistula, leading to preventative measures and ensuring prompt treatment if the condition is detected.
• Biliary Cirrhosis: Protecting your liver from biliary cirrhosis starts with addressing potential risk factors like gallstones and infections early, allowing for timely interventions that prevent the disease's progression and complications.
• Gallstones: Managing your cholesterol and weight can help prevent gallstone formation, thus protecting your gallbladder and liver from potential damage.
• Intestinal Malabsorption Carbohydrate: Don't ignore digestive discomfort. Intestinal carbohydrate malabsorption can be managed effectively to prevent more serious health problems if detected early through regular screenings and checkups.
• Rectal Prolapse: Managing conditions that increase the risk of rectal prolapse, such as prolonged diarrhea or constipation, can significantly reduce your chances of developing this issue.
• Colorectal Polyp: Colorectal polyps are small growths in the colon or rectum that, while often harmless, can sometimes develop into colorectal cancer, making regular screenings crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Cirrhosis: Protecting your liver from cirrhosis starts with making healthy lifestyle choices and getting regular checkups to detect liver damage early.
• Ascites: Preventing ascites often involves managing conditions like cirrhosis, which can be achieved through proactive steps such as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance, a difficulty digesting dairy, can be managed through dietary changes to prevent discomfort and maintain digestive health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Andres Gelrud offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• Sigmoidoscopy: For peace of mind and to ensure the health of your lower digestive system, a sigmoidoscopy offers an effective screening tool to identify and address issues before they become serious.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Protecting your digestive system's health, duodenal polypectomy is a procedure that removes polyps from your duodenum, enabling early detection of abnormalities and helping prevent future problems.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): For comprehensive digestive health, ERCP offers a direct way to detect and treat blockages or diseases affecting your bile ducts and pancreas, thereby preventing severe complications and improving your overall well-being.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.
• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.
• Colonoscopy: Protect your future by scheduling a colonoscopy; this procedure provides an in-depth look at your colon, enabling early detection and removal of precancerous polyps.
• Endoscopic Billiary Stone Removal: To avoid the severe health risks associated with gallstones, endoscopic biliary stone removal offers a proactive solution by removing obstructing stones and improving bile flow.
• Anal Cauterization: To address bleeding and discomfort from hemorrhoids, anal cauterization offers a proactive treatment to improve your anal health.
• Liver Function Test: Invest in your health by getting a liver function test. This blood test helps monitor your liver's health, allowing for early identification of problems and appropriate medical care.
• Transendoscopic Stent Placement: To maintain your digestive health, a transendoscopic stent may be placed to relieve blockages in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines, allowing for better nutrient absorption and preventing malnutrition.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Andres Gelrud is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• A family felt immense relief after proactive screenings helped identify a potential issue early, significantly reducing the risk of a future intestinal obstruction and preserving their digestive health. This early intervention allowed them to focus on preventative measures and maintain a positive outlook for their future.
• By making dietary changes and incorporating stress-reducing techniques, a patient successfully managed their noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis, preventing future flare-ups and maintaining a healthy digestive system.
• By following a proactive care plan, guided by expert medical advice, a patient successfully managed their esophageal ulcer, significantly reducing the risk of long-term complications and regaining a sense of well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Andres Gelrud:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of your digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and perform important preventive screenings like colonoscopies.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Gelrud will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be concerning, but modern solutions are much gentler than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough examination, identifying and removing polyps. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission through a combination of advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring. This long-term approach aims to prevent flare-ups and significantly improve quality of life.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. Gelrud can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to screen for colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn or difficulty swallowing.

Gastro Health
8900 N Kendall Dr
Miami FL 33176
Phone: (786) 596-1960

Dr. Andres Gelrud, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1689630592

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Andres Gelrud are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your gastroenterology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.