Dr. Christopher Sofianos, MD

Dr. Christopher Sofianos, MD 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). His focus on prevention is central to his approach; 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) 939-9939 to schedule.

Dr. Christopher Sofianos, MD is a gastroenterologist in Fort Myers, FL. Dr. Sofianos has extensive experience in Gastrointestinal Disorders, Esophageal Disorders, and Pancreatic Disease, and is affiliated with medical facilities such as Cape Coral Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University School Of Medicine and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Sofianos's approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Congenital Anomaly Intestine: Being aware of potential intestinal birth defects helps manage risks and allows for timely intervention to minimize complications throughout life.
• Congenital Achalasia: Since congenital achalasia affects the esophageal muscle's ability to relax, proactively identifying this condition in infants allows for early treatment, reducing the likelihood of severe health complications down the line.
• Heartburn: Don't ignore persistent heartburn – it might indicate a larger digestive issue. Early diagnosis and management can help prevent long-term damage to your digestive tract.
• Cholecystitis and Gallstones: Managing your cholesterol and weight can significantly lower your chances of developing gallstones, a common cause of cholecystitis, ultimately protecting your gallbladder health.
• Pancreatic Pseudocyst: Pancreatic pseudocysts, though not always cancerous, can still cause significant problems if left untreated; preventive care and managing underlying conditions are essential.
• 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.
• Pouchitis: Preventing pouchitis, a common complication after surgery for ulcerative colitis, involves adhering to dietary recommendations, taking prescribed medications, and promptly addressing any symptoms to avoid long-term problems.
• Esophageal Diverticulum: An esophageal diverticulum is a pouch that can form in your esophagus, and while often harmless, early detection through regular checkups helps prevent complications like infection or difficulty swallowing.
• Viral Hepatitis: Practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing needles significantly reduces your risk of contracting viral hepatitis, safeguarding your digestive system's overall health.
• Cyclical Vomiting: Understanding cyclical vomiting and its triggers allows for proactive management, reducing the frequency and severity of episodes and improving overall well-being.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Preventing severe consequences of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis relies on recognizing early warning signs and seeking timely medical attention to prevent chronic issues and improve your quality of life.
• Proctoptosis: Understanding the risk factors for proctoptosis, such as chronic coughing or straining during bowel movements, enables you to make lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce your chance of developing this condition.

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

• Anoscopy: An anoscopy is a preventative measure to screen for various conditions affecting the anus and rectum, allowing for timely interventions to improve your overall digestive health.
• Colonoscopy: Taking charge of your gut health starts with a colonoscopy: it's a vital screening test that detects abnormalities in your large intestine early, often before symptoms appear.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Prevent serious complications from constipation by proactively addressing fecal impaction.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Take a proactive step towards better gut health with a flexible sigmoidoscopy—a screening test that detects early signs of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Gastroenterology procedures encompass a range of tests and treatments that help detect digestive problems early, allowing for prompt intervention and better health outcomes.
• 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.
• Manometry: Manometry is a simple test that measures the pressure in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines to help identify problems with swallowing, digestion, or bowel movements, allowing for early intervention and prevention of complications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Wireless pH Testing: This convenient test involves a small sensor that accurately monitors your esophageal pH over time, enabling your doctor to accurately diagnose and effectively manage acid reflux or other esophageal conditions.

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. Christopher Sofianos 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 understanding potential intestinal birth defects and participating in proactive screenings, a family felt empowered to manage risks and focus on a healthier future for their child. This knowledge provided peace of mind, allowing them to make informed decisions and plan for potential needs.
• A family was relieved to learn that early intervention for their infant's suspected congenital achalasia significantly reduced the risk of future complications, providing peace of mind and a proactive approach to their child's well-being.
• By addressing persistent heartburn through early intervention and lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing more serious digestive problems, improving their overall 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. Christopher Sofianos:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Sofianos and our gastroenterology team 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 performing preventive screenings, such as 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Sofianos will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can potentially develop into cancer over time, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, effectively preventing the disease.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, as it involves an immune response. A proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist is crucial before making dietary changes.

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. Sofianos can help diagnose this issue.

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 identify issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options, such as at-home stool-based tests. However, if these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to fully evaluate and remove any suspicious growths. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

7152 Coca Sabal Ln
Fort Myers FL 33908
Phone: (239) 939-9939

Dr. Christopher Sofianos, 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): 1326160789

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. Christopher Sofianos 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.