Dr. Dennis Meighan, DO

Dr. Dennis Meighan, DO is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at his clinic in Naples, 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 624-2730 to schedule.

Dr. Dennis Meighan, DO is a gastroenterologist in Naples, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Of New England, Main Campus in 1982, following an internship at Saddle Brook General Hospital in 1983. He completed residency training in Gastroenterology at Norwalk Hospital in 1986, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of All ages, and pursued fellowship training at Norwalk Hospital to further deepen his expertise. 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 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. Meighan is affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital and Naples Community Hospital, and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He offers consultations in Spanish. His approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and supportive, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health.

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

• Pancreatitis: Protecting your pancreas starts with understanding your risk factors for pancreatitis and making lifestyle changes to minimize them, such as a balanced diet and responsible alcohol intake.
• Gastritis: Addressing risk factors like H. pylori infection and long-term NSAID use can significantly reduce your chances of developing gastritis and maintain your overall digestive well-being.
• Duodenal Ulcer: By addressing risk factors like excessive alcohol use and smoking, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing a duodenal ulcer and safeguard the health of your entire digestive system.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Alcoholic fatty liver disease is a serious condition that develops when excessive alcohol consumption damages your liver, but by limiting alcohol intake, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect your liver health.
• Hemorrhoids: Understanding your risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as constipation or pregnancy, allows for proactive measures to prevent their occurrence or manage existing symptoms.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Though not always preventable, understanding pyloric stenosis and its symptoms can empower families to seek medical attention swiftly, avoiding long-term health problems.
• Hepatitis C: Managing Hepatitis C effectively minimizes the risk of transmission to others and prevents the progression of this chronic liver disease, ensuring better long-term health.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Regular health checkups and screenings can help identify gastrointestinal bleeding early, enabling timely intervention and better outcomes.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Preventing uncomfortable gas and bloating involves understanding your digestive system's needs and making proactive changes to your diet and lifestyle, avoiding potential future problems.
• Diffuse Esophageal Spasm: Diffuse esophageal spasm is a condition causing painful chest pain and difficulty swallowing, and early detection through regular checkups can help prevent serious complications.
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Preventing serious complications of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) starts with recognizing its symptoms early; prompt diagnosis and treatment can help manage inflammation and improve your quality of life.
• Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach empties food too slowly, and understanding its early warning signs can help prevent serious complications like malnutrition and dehydration.

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

• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive health checkup that allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other digestive tract abnormalities, facilitating prompt treatment and improving your overall health.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Early detection saves lives! Colon cancer screening allows for the early discovery and treatment of colon cancer, increasing your chances of a positive outcome.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Invest in your long-term well-being: a colorectal cancer screening is a simple yet powerful step in preventing and catching this disease early.
• 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.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: A proctosigmoidoscopy is a quick screening test that allows your doctor to visually examine your rectum and sigmoid colon for any abnormalities, helping detect colon cancer early.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• Anoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better rectal health, an anoscopy provides a visual check for issues like hemorrhoids, inflammation, or polyps, enabling prompt treatment.
• 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.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.

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. Dennis Meighan 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 their risk factors for pancreatitis and adopting a healthier diet and alcohol intake, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing the condition, gaining confidence in their proactive health management.
• By understanding and addressing potential risk factors like H. pylori infection, a patient proactively reduced their chances of developing gastritis, maintaining a healthy digestive system and peace of mind.
• By proactively addressing lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption and smoking, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a duodenal ulcer, ensuring a healthier digestive system and greater peace of mind.

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. Dennis Meighan:

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 performing preventive screenings, such as colonoscopies, to maintain 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. Meighan will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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), in contrast, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without the same physical damage.

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 beginning of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, damages 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 '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 crucial to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

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.

350 7th St N
Naples FL 34102
Phone: (239) 624-2730

Dr. Dennis Meighan, 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): 1134239106

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. Dennis Meighan 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.