Dr. Firas Al-Ani, MD

Dr. Firas Al-Ani, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Kissimmee, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under 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. Please call (754) 280-0620 to schedule.

Dr. Firas Al-Ani, MD is a gastroenterologist in Kissimmee, FL, with extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders and Pancreatic Disease. He is affiliated with AdventHealth Kissimmee and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. 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. His approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Al-Ani provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Firas Al-Ani 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. Firas Al-Ani 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. Firas Al-Ani 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:

• Ascites: While ascites itself isn't always preventable, managing risk factors like high blood pressure and liver disease through proactive health choices can significantly reduce your chances of developing it.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Esophageal achalasia and cardiospasm are conditions where your esophagus doesn't relax properly, making it hard to swallow; early detection through regular checkups can prevent serious complications like malnutrition and esophageal damage.
• Pancreatic Pseudocyst: A pancreatic pseudocyst is a fluid-filled sac near your pancreas that can develop after injury or inflammation; understanding your risk factors and seeking prompt medical attention helps prevent serious complications.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Gas-bloat syndrome highlights the importance of proactive digestive health; early detection and management can help maintain gut comfort and well-being.
• Hemorrhoids: Early detection of hemorrhoids is crucial to managing symptoms and preventing complications like bleeding, pain, and the need for more complex treatments.
• Malnutrition: Early detection of malnutrition can prevent serious complications like weakened immunity and digestive issues, ensuring better long-term health.
• Hepatitis B: Early detection of Hepatitis B is crucial, as treatment can prevent or slow the progression of liver disease and its complications.
• Vomiting Disorders: Managing vomiting effectively prevents further damage to your esophagus and stomach lining, promoting better overall digestive health.
• Diarrhea: Addressing diarrhea promptly can help prevent the spread of infection to others, promoting overall community health and well-being.
• Enteritis: Early detection of enteritis through recognizing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain allows for prompt treatment, preventing severe dehydration and complications.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Intestinal ulcers can cause significant discomfort and even lead to bleeding or infections. Preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding certain medications can significantly decrease your risk.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: Early detection of liver disease is crucial in preventing hepatorenal syndrome, a life-threatening condition affecting both the liver and kidneys.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.
• 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.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: As part of your preventive healthcare, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy offers a direct examination of your lower intestine, helping identify and address issues like polyps or bleeding before they become major health concerns.
• 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.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Protect your digestive health by scheduling a sigmoidoscopy; this examination allows for early detection of abnormalities in your lower colon and rectum, leading to effective treatment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Safe removal of impacted stool helps restore regular bowel movements and improves your overall digestive health.
• 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.

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. Firas Al-Ani 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 proactively managing underlying liver conditions and blood pressure, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing ascites, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive health plan, a patient was able to identify and address potential issues with esophageal relaxation, significantly reducing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach ensured peace of mind and allowed for confident long-term health management.
• By understanding their risk factors and proactively scheduling follow-up appointments, a patient ensured their pancreatic pseudocyst remained stable, allowing them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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. Firas Al-Ani:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of your entire digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions, and also perform 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Al-Ani will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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. In its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing it is important to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, like cirrhosis.

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 role of diet in managing IBS?

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

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

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

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, requiring a proper diagnosis by a gastroenterologist before starting a gluten-free diet.

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 the digestive tract.

2400 N Orange Blossom Trl Ste 302
Kissimmee FL 34744
Phone: (754) 280-0620

Dr. Firas Al-Ani, 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): 1831519495

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. Firas Al-Ani 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.