Dr. Edwin Flanagan, DO

Dr. Edwin Flanagan, DO is a Gastroenterology physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Port St. Lucie, FL. 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 (772) 345-8700 to schedule.

Dr. Edwin Flanagan, DO is a gastroenterologist in Port St. Lucie, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 1986 and is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. 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. His approach to care is deeply 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 is accepting new patients. Dr. Flanagan provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Constipation: Preventing constipation is key to maintaining a healthy digestive system and avoiding more serious complications down the line.
• Rectal Prolapse: Early detection of rectal prolapse is key to preventing complications like bowel obstruction or incontinence; regular checkups and awareness of symptoms are crucial.
• Pyloric Stenosis: Managing pyloric stenosis effectively through prompt medical care prevents complications like severe vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Lifestyle modifications that focus on avoiding activities that increase pressure in the esophagus, like forceful vomiting, are key preventative measures against the development of Mallory-Weiss syndrome, illustrating the power of proactive lifestyle choices.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Regular health checkups and screenings can help identify gastrointestinal bleeding early, enabling timely intervention and better outcomes.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Protecting your liver involves understanding conditions like primary biliary cholangitis (PBC); early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications like cirrhosis and liver failure.
• Ascites: Preventing ascites often involves managing conditions like cirrhosis, which can be achieved through proactive steps such as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Gastroparesis: Managing gastroparesis through diet and lifestyle changes is crucial for preventing more severe symptoms and improving your overall digestive health.
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic condition where an overabundance of eosinophils (white blood cells) in the esophagus causes inflammation and damage, and early diagnosis helps prevent long-term complications like scarring and difficulty swallowing.
• Hepatitis B - Immune Response: Monitoring your immune response to Hepatitis B, particularly if you're at risk, can help prevent serious liver complications and maintain the health of your entire digestive system.
• Hemorrhoids: Understanding your risk factors for hemorrhoids, such as constipation or pregnancy, allows for proactive measures to prevent their occurrence or manage existing symptoms.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Managing gas and bloating effectively is key to maintaining overall digestive health and preventing the development of more severe gastrointestinal conditions.

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

• Screening Colonoscopy: Protecting your future health starts with a screening colonoscopy, a simple yet powerful tool for early detection of colon cancer and other digestive issues.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.
• 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.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a proactive step in maintaining digestive health. This procedure screens for colorectal cancer and other colon conditions, allowing for prompt treatment.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing is a simple procedure that helps detect acid reflux and GERD early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing long-term damage to your esophagus.
• Sigmoidoscopy: For peace of mind and to ensure the health of your lower digestive system, a sigmoidoscopy offers an effective screening tool to identify and address issues before they become serious.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Take charge of your digestive health: colorectal cancer screening proactively identifies potential issues before they become serious problems.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): For comprehensive digestive health, ERCP offers a direct way to detect and treat blockages or diseases affecting your bile ducts and pancreas, thereby preventing severe complications and improving your overall well-being.

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. Edwin Flanagan 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 following a personalized plan, a patient successfully managed their constipation, reducing discomfort and improving their overall digestive health and well-being. This proactive approach empowered them to enjoy a more comfortable and regular daily routine.
• By attending regular checkups and understanding the early warning signs, a patient proactively managed their risk of rectal prolapse, gaining peace of mind and reducing the chance of future complications.
• A family was relieved to learn that proactive management of pyloric stenosis, guided by a gastroenterologist, allowed them to avoid potential complications like severe vomiting and dehydration. This early intervention ensured a healthy future for their child.

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. Edwin Flanagan:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Flanagan 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 diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and perform 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. Flanagan will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

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 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 characterized by symptoms like cramping and bloating, but without the same physical damage.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

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. This allows Dr. Flanagan to diagnose issues in the small intestine.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) warrant a consultation with Dr. Flanagan. This could be a sign of GERD, which if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Flanagan can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

10080 SW Innovation Way Ste 201
Port St. Lucie FL 34987
Phone: (772) 345-8700

Dr. Edwin Flanagan, 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): 1043239866

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. Edwin Flanagan 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.