Dr. Chempakanallore Thomas, MD

Dr. Chempakanallore Thomas, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at his clinic in Brandon, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, 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 patients should call (813) 685-9693 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Chempakanallore Thomas, MD is a gastroenterologist in Brandon, FL and has over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Kottayam Med Coll, Kerala University in 1968, and completed an internship at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital in 1977. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Gastroenterology at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital (1979), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in East Tenn State U/Va Hospital (1983), deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. With over 55 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. 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. Dr. Chempakanallore Thomas is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer, a cancer of the colon or rectum, is largely preventable through regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle, catching it early significantly improves treatment outcomes.
• Heartburn: Heartburn, that burning sensation in your chest, can be a sign of GERD and if left unmanaged, could lead to more serious esophageal problems, so it's important to address it early.
• Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can be prevented through a healthy diet high in fiber and regular exercise to avoid straining during bowel movements.
• 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.
• Gastrojejunal Ulcer: Managing underlying conditions like ulcers is vital for preventing more serious digestive problems, such as gastrojejunal ulcers, which can cause significant health challenges if ignored.
• Viral Hepatitis: Regular check-ups and proactive monitoring for viral hepatitis, especially if you have risk factors, can help ensure early intervention and better long-term outcomes for your liver and overall health.
• Esophagitis: Early detection of esophagitis is crucial to prevent serious complications like esophageal strictures and Barrett's esophagus, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups.
• Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: Protecting your digestive system through regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices can help detect gastrointestinal cancers, like colon cancer, early when treatment is most effective.
• Abdominal Pain: Managing abdominal pain effectively prevents it from becoming a chronic problem that impacts your overall health and well-being.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Preventing complications from a diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, a condition where your stomach pushes into your chest cavity, involves recognizing risk factors like obesity and making proactive lifestyle adjustments.
• Dysentery: Preventing dysentery starts with understanding its causes and taking steps to avoid exposure to contaminated food and water; this proactive approach protects your digestive system.
• Malnutrition: Addressing malnutrition early on can help your body better absorb nutrients, reducing your risk of digestive problems and boosting your immune response.

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

• 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: Take control of your digestive health with an endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure that screens for and helps prevent serious conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• Liver Biopsy: For early detection and prevention of serious liver problems, a liver biopsy helps your doctor determine the severity of liver disease and tailor a treatment plan to protect your long-term health.
• Fecal Transplantation: As a step towards better digestive health, fecal transplantation can address recurring infections and improve the balance of your gut bacteria, thus preventing future complications.
• 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.
• Jejunostomy Tube Placement: Jejunostomy tube placement is a procedure that helps ensure you receive the necessary nutrients and medications directly to your small intestine, proactively improving your health and aiding recovery.
• Excision of Esophageal Lesion: Protecting your esophagus involves identifying and removing any suspicious growths; an excision of an esophageal lesion is a crucial step in preventing more serious complications.

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. Chempakanallore Thomas 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 diligently following a personalized screening plan and adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle, a patient significantly reduced their risk of colorectal cancer, gaining peace of mind and proactive control over their health.
• By understanding their heartburn triggers and making dietary adjustments, a patient significantly reduced their episodes of discomfort, regaining a sense of normalcy and improved quality of life.
• By incorporating a high-fiber diet and regular exercise into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing hemorrhoids, experiencing greater comfort and confidence in their daily life.

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. Chempakanallore Thomas:

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, such as 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Chempakanallore Thomas will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

While at-home stool-based tests like Cologuard® or FIT are available, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention. If these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is necessary to investigate and remove any polyps.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

We understand that colonoscopy prep can be a concern. However, modern prep solutions are much easier to tolerate than in the past. A clean colon is essential for a thorough exam, and the one-day preparation is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

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. The patient swallows a small, pill-sized camera that takes thousands of pictures as it travels through their digestive tract.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), on the other hand, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Chempakanallore Thomas for a thorough evaluation.

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

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic 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.

119 Oakfield Dr
Brandon FL 33511
Phone: (813) 685-9693

Dr. Chempakanallore Thomas, 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): 1336114297

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. Chempakanallore Thomas 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.