Dr. Gerardo Lanes, MD

Dr. Gerardo Lanes, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Plantation, 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 (954) 754-8622 to schedule.

Dr. Gerardo Lanes, MD is a gastroenterologist in Plantation, FL. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Westside Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Lanes completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, including an internship at Wilford Hall United States Air Force, followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at University Of Texas Medical Center/Md Anderson Hospital, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Our commitment is to ensure the South Florida Community receives the ultimate access to a broad range of high-quality gastroenterology services including diagnostics and treatments. Dedicated to excellence in gastroenterology care, we are sure you'll find Dr. Lanes' expertise invaluable. Dr. Gerardo Lanes offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Ileus: Preventing ileus involves proactive measures to avoid potential triggers, including managing opioid use and addressing any underlying digestive problems promptly.
• Heartburn: Managing heartburn effectively through diet and lifestyle modifications, or medication if necessary, is crucial for preventing damage to your esophagus and promoting better digestive health.
• Duodenitis: Managing duodenitis effectively involves identifying and addressing underlying causes like infections or autoimmune disorders, thus preventing further damage to your digestive system.
• Nausea: Persistent nausea can be a sign of an underlying digestive issue, so addressing it early through preventative check-ups helps avoid more serious complications.
• Enteritis: Managing underlying conditions like inflammatory bowel disease can significantly reduce your risk of developing enteritis and its associated problems.
• Upper Digestive Tract Cancer: Regular checkups and awareness of symptoms like persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss can be crucial in the early detection of upper digestive tract cancers, leading to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life.
• 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.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Protecting your digestive health means being aware of IBD, a condition causing inflammation in your intestines; proactive lifestyle choices and medical attention can significantly reduce its impact.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis, while not caused by infection, can still severely impact your digestive system; proactive lifestyle choices and regular checkups can minimize your risk and manage symptoms effectively.
• Hemochromatosis: Early diagnosis of hemochromatosis through genetic testing and bloodwork is crucial for preventing long-term organ damage and improving overall health outcomes.
• Hiatal Hernia with Obstruction: Early detection of a hiatal hernia with obstruction is crucial, as it can cause serious complications if left untreated; lifestyle modifications and regular health screenings can contribute to preventing severe consequences.
• Rectal Ulcer: Regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist allow for the early detection of rectal ulcers, enabling timely treatment to prevent long-term problems and improve your overall digestive health.

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

• Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a colonoscopy. This valuable screening tool helps detect colon cancer and other intestinal issues at an early, more treatable stage.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Taking a proactive step towards better anal health, this surgery eliminates hemorrhoids and anal tags, relieving symptoms and preventing future problems.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Invest in your long-term well-being with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This painless exam allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower bowel diseases.
• Liver Function Test: Take charge of your liver health: a liver function test screens for liver damage or disease, enabling preventative measures and improving your long-term wellbeing.
• 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.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with capsule endoscopy, a painless procedure that allows doctors to visualize your small intestine and detect abnormalities early.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps from your duodenum, a part of your small intestine, helping prevent potential complications and enabling early detection of cancerous or precancerous growths.
• Hemorrhoid Treatment: Protecting your anorectal health is crucial; hemorrhoid treatment helps manage discomfort and prevent more serious issues.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Taking proactive steps with gastroenterology procedures can help prevent serious digestive issues by identifying and addressing problems like colon cancer, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease before they worsen.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancer in your colon and rectum, giving you a better chance at successful treatment.
• Proctosigmoidoscopy: Protecting your gut health, a proctosigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure to screen for colon cancer and other potentially serious conditions in your rectum and lower colon.
• 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.

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. Gerardo Lanes 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 opioid use and addressing digestive issues, a patient significantly reduced their risk of ileus, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their ability to maintain good health.
• By understanding dietary triggers and adopting healthier eating habits, a patient significantly reduced their heartburn frequency and improved their overall digestive well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to enjoy meals without discomfort and experience greater quality of life.
• By understanding the triggers for their duodenitis and making dietary adjustments, a patient significantly reduced their symptoms and prevented further complications, leading to a healthier digestive system.

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. Gerardo Lanes:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Lanes is a gastroenterologist, 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 preventive screenings, such as colonoscopies, and provide comprehensive care for 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Lanes 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 schedule a consultation with Dr. Gerardo Lanes for a thorough evaluation.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

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

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 causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without the same physical inflammation or 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 first part of the small intestine to evaluate issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

140 SW 84th Ave Ste D
Plantation FL 33324
Phone: (954) 754-8622

Dr. Gerardo Lanes, 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): 1033182605

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. Gerardo Lanes 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.