Dr. Brian Longendyke, DO

Dr. Brian Longendyke, DO is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, 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 (239) 275-8882 to schedule. Dr. Longendyke joined Gastroenterology Associates of S.W. Florida, P.A. in 1993 and received his Medical Degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry. With over 35 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 Rutgers in 1987, following which he undertook residency training in Gastroenterology at Kennedy Health Sys & Our Lady Of, Flexible Or Transitional Year, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Longendyke's care philosophy centers on comprehensive, preventative care, stemming from his commitment to his patients' well-being. Dr. Brian Longendyke provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Brian Longendyke 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. Brian Longendyke 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. Brian Longendyke 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:

• Dysentery: Early detection of dysentery symptoms like bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps is crucial for prompt treatment, preventing dehydration and potential long-term health issues.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Managing reflux esophagitis effectively through diet and medication prevents further esophageal irritation and reduces the risk of developing more severe problems such as esophageal strictures or Barrett's esophagus.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Protecting your upper digestive system involves understanding your risk for cancer and taking proactive steps, such as following a healthy lifestyle, which will help you prevent future issues.
• Nausea: Managing nausea effectively is crucial for preventing dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, both essential for overall digestive health and preventing future problems.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: Esophageal diverticula, pouches that can develop in your esophagus, are often manageable, but proactive healthcare can prevent them from causing problems like pain or inflammation.
• Peptic Ulcer: A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or small intestine, and understanding its risk factors and seeking early treatment can prevent serious complications like bleeding or perforation.
• Constipation: Preventing constipation is key to maintaining a healthy digestive system and avoiding more serious complications down the line.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Managing stress and diet may help prevent or lessen the severity of diffuse esophageal spasm, a disorder affecting the esophagus's ability to move food down properly.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Early detection of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is vital, as timely intervention minimizes the risk of severe liver damage and improves your quality of life.
• 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.
• E. coli Food Poisoning: Understanding the risks of E. coli contamination and taking proactive steps like thorough handwashing and cooking food properly can safeguard your digestive health.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: Intestinal diverticulitis is a painful condition where pouches in your intestines become inflamed, and preventing it often involves maintaining a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated to promote healthy bowel movements.

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

• Bile Duct Procedure: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a bile duct procedure helps identify and treat bile duct abnormalities that may cause discomfort or more serious problems.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Capsule endoscopy is a simple test that helps find problems in your small intestine, enabling early detection and treatment of conditions like bleeding or tumors, preventing more serious health issues down the line.
• 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.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Through various procedures, gastroenterologists can thoroughly examine your entire digestive system—from your esophagus to your intestines and even your liver and pancreas—to identify any underlying problems.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): A PEG tube placement is a proactive step in managing your health, providing a safe and effective way to receive nutrition when oral intake is challenging.
• ERCP With Spincterotomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, ERCP with sphincterotomy helps diagnose and treat blockages in the bile and pancreatic ducts, preventing further damage to your liver and pancreas.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better gut health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy provides a visual examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling early detection of potential issues and preventing more serious problems.
• Esophageal Dilatation: This procedure helps detect and treat a narrowed esophagus, easing swallowing difficulties and allowing for better nutrient absorption to improve overall health and well-being.
• pH Probe: A pH probe helps your doctor measure the acid levels in your esophagus to detect and prevent conditions like GERD and Barrett's esophagus.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.

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. Brian Longendyke 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 recognizing the early symptoms of bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps, a family proactively sought gastroenterological guidance, significantly reducing their risk of dysentery complications and maintaining their overall well-being.
• By following a tailored diet and medication plan, a patient effectively managed their reflux esophagitis, preventing further esophageal irritation and reducing the risk of more severe complications. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and empowered them to live a healthier, more comfortable life.
• By understanding their risk factors and following a healthy lifestyle, a patient proactively reduced their chances of developing upper digestive tract cancer, gaining peace of mind about their future health.

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. Brian Longendyke:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Longendyke and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and in performing 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. Longendyke will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, taking thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options like at-home stool-based tests, but a positive result still requires a colonoscopy for further evaluation and removal of any polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Longendyke can help identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

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 it effectively is important to prevent progression to more serious liver damage like cirrhosis.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is a vital procedure to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the development of colon cancer.

4790 Barkley Cir Ste A
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 275-8882

Dr. Brian Longendyke, DO 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): 1811979511

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. Brian Longendyke 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.