Dr. Athan Kartsonis, MD

Dr. Athan Kartsonis, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Melbourne, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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. Call (321) 984-1981 to schedule.

Dr. Athan Kartsonis, MD is a gastroenterologist in Melbourne, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Esophageal Disorders. With over 40 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 University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine in 1981. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with Holmes Regional Medical Center, and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Kartsonis offers consultations in Spanish. His approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and focused on creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Athan Kartsonis 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. Athan Kartsonis 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. Athan Kartsonis 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 Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis is often silent, but managing risk factors like low fiber intake can help prevent future pain and discomfort, making preventive care essential for long-term digestive health.
• Anal Sphincter Dysplasia: Understanding anal sphincter dysplasia, a potential problem affecting the anal muscles, is key to ensuring timely management and improving bowel control and preventing complications.
• Esophagitis: Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, can be prevented by managing risk factors like acid reflux and making lifestyle changes to protect your digestive health.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Lifestyle choices like a balanced diet and avoiding excessive alcohol can significantly reduce your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and support overall digestive health.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Preventive healthcare strategies for infants include awareness of pyloric stenosis symptoms; early detection leads to timely treatment and a better outcome.
• Colon Cancer: Don't wait for symptoms – proactive colon cancer prevention through regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle helps safeguard your digestive system's well-being.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: While the exact cause of diffuse esophageal spasm is unknown, lifestyle modifications and medical interventions can help you manage symptoms and prevent long-term digestive issues.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Early recognition and management of symptoms associated with Mallory-Weiss syndrome, such as vomiting blood, are crucial to preventing severe bleeding and further complications, showcasing the value of prompt medical attention.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: By understanding your risk factors and seeking medical advice if you experience symptoms, you can manage esophageal motility disorders and prevent their progression into more challenging health issues.
• Infectious Diarrheal Disease: Infectious diarrhea, often caused by contaminated food or water, can be prevented through careful hygiene practices and safe food handling, protecting you from dehydration and serious complications.
• Chronic Gastritis: Regular health screenings and awareness of chronic gastritis risk factors can significantly reduce your chances of developing severe stomach problems down the line.
• Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is a serious condition affecting the small intestine; by knowing your risk factors and getting tested, you can reduce the chance of permanent damage and long-term health issues.

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. Athan Kartsonis offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Prevent serious complications from constipation by proactively addressing fecal impaction.
• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a quick screening procedure that helps detect colon polyps and cancer early, allowing for prompt treatment and potentially saving your life.
• Bile Duct Procedure: For a healthier digestive system, a bile duct procedure facilitates the timely identification and treatment of conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Take charge of your colorectal health with a screening colonoscopy: this procedure helps find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, significantly reducing your risk of colon cancer.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Invest in your long-term well-being with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This painless exam allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower bowel diseases.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.
• 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: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.

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. Athan Kartsonis 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:

• By incorporating dietary changes and proactive health screenings, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing intestinal diverticulosis, ensuring a healthier digestive system for years to come. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy a more comfortable and confident lifestyle.
• By proactively understanding anal sphincter dysplasia and following a personalized plan, a patient gained confidence in their ability to manage potential issues and maintain healthy bowel habits. This proactive approach allowed them to focus on a positive, fulfilling life.
• By understanding and addressing acid reflux triggers, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing esophagitis, leading to a more comfortable and healthy digestive journey.

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. Athan Kartsonis:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in preventive screenings, like colonoscopies, and provide comprehensive care for digestive health.

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. Kartsonis will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have them without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain, and Dr. Kartsonis can help diagnose this issue.

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 focuses on preventing flare-ups and improving overall quality of life.

What is Celiac Disease?

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

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.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is important to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

1301 Hickory St
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 984-1981

Dr. Athan Kartsonis, 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): 1922081983

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. Athan Kartsonis 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.