Dr. Flavia Mendes, MD

Dr. Flavia Mendes, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to helping you maintain optimal digestive health. 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. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (305) 913-0666 to schedule.

Dr. Flavia Mendes, MD is a gastroenterologist in Miami, FL with extensive experience in Liver Disease and Esophageal Disorders. She is affiliated with West Kendall Baptist Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Transplant Hepatology by the same organization, Dr. Mendes brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her approach to care is firmly rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Mendes provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gastritis: Early detection of gastritis is key to preventing serious complications like ulcers or stomach bleeding; regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify potential problems early.
• Mesenteric Panniculitis: Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare condition involving inflammation of the fatty tissue in your abdomen, and while it's not always preventable, early detection through regular checkups can help manage symptoms and avoid potential complications.
• Peptic Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system includes being aware of peptic ulcers, which can be prevented through lifestyle changes and medication if needed, reducing the risk of severe health problems.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early recognition of IBS symptoms and seeking medical advice can prevent long-term complications like severe abdominal pain and malnutrition.
• Cholangitis: Preventing cholangitis involves managing risk factors like gallstones and keeping your bile ducts clear to avoid severe infections.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Protecting your upper digestive system involves understanding your risk for cancer and taking proactive steps, such as following a healthy lifestyle, which will help you prevent future issues.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: Understanding your family history and lifestyle factors can help identify your risk for developing benign digestive neoplasms and allow for proactive health management.
• Anal Prolapse: Early detection of anal prolapse is crucial to prevent complications like pain, bleeding, and infection; regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify this condition early.
• Abdominal Disorders: Early detection of abdominal disorders is key to effective treatment and preventing long-term health complications impacting the entire digestive system.
• 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.
• 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.
• Congenital Achalasia: Because congenital achalasia is a birth defect impacting food passage to the stomach, regular check-ups can lead to timely intervention, avoiding difficulties in eating and potentially serious health problems.

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

• Anoscopy: To ensure the health of your lower digestive tract, an anoscopy is a simple examination that helps detect and prevent serious conditions by identifying them in their early stages.
• 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: An endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows for early detection of diseases within your digestive system, improving your chances of successful treatment and potentially saving your life.
• 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.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Investing in gastroenterology procedures ensures a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, helping detect issues early and facilitating effective treatment strategies to maintain long-term wellness.
• Liver Biopsy: To ensure the health of your liver, a liver biopsy helps doctors assess the extent of liver damage and guide treatment decisions, ultimately preventing further complications.
• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: A rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a brief procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine your rectum and lower colon for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities, helping to detect colorectal cancer early.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Taking charge of your colon health starts with a sigmoidoscopy, a simple test that screens for precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer, often preventing these conditions from developing.
• 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. Flavia Mendes 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 attending regular check-ups and following a proactive health plan, a patient successfully reduced their risk of developing gastritis complications, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their long-term health.
• By attending regular checkups and proactively discussing concerns with their gastroenterologist, a patient was able to identify potential issues early, significantly reducing their risk of mesenteric panniculitis complications. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and empowered them to take control of their health.
• By understanding their risk factors and making dietary changes, a patient significantly reduced their likelihood of developing peptic ulcers, achieving greater digestive health and 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. She 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. Flavia Mendes:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Flavia Mendes and her team are gastroenterologists, specialists who have extensive training in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and performing 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Flavia Mendes will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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

Some 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 contact Dr. Flavia Mendes for a consultation and thorough evaluation.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients worry about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much gentler than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, identifying and removing polyps, which is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

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 the same visible inflammation or damage.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

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. Flavia Mendes can help diagnose this issue.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options like at-home stool-based tests, but a positive result requires a colonoscopy for further evaluation and removal of any potential polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

7500 SW 87th Ave
Miami FL 33173
Phone: (305) 913-0666

Dr. Flavia Mendes, 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): 1487628582

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. Flavia Mendes 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.