Dr. Gustavo Rivera, MD

Dr. Gustavo Rivera, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Naples, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Rivera is a trusted partner in your lifelong 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 649-1186 to schedule.

Dr. Gustavo Rivera, MD is a gastroenterologist in Naples, FL. Dr. Rivera has extensive experience in Liver Disease, Pancreatic Disease, and Gastrointestinal Disorders, and is affiliated with Naples Community Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Central Del Caribe School Of Medicine and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Rivera's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to providing high-quality care and offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Abdominal Pain: Don't ignore abdominal pain; proactive care through regular check-ups can help identify and manage potential problems before they escalate.
• Barretts Esophagus with Dysplasia: Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia is a serious condition requiring close monitoring, as the abnormal cell growth increases your risk of cancer; preventing cancer is possible through regular check-ups and adhering to recommended treatments.
• Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea can be a sign of underlying digestive issues, so seeking medical attention early helps prevent serious complications and ensures timely treatment.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: FAP causes numerous polyps to form in the colon and rectum, greatly raising your cancer risk; managing this condition through frequent screenings and surgeries can dramatically reduce your chance of developing colorectal cancer.
• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Experiencing frequent gas and bloating? Don't ignore it – seeking professional advice can help pinpoint the cause and prevent long-term digestive issues.
• Viral Enteritis: Protecting your digestive system from viral enteritis involves diligent handwashing and safe food preparation, preventing unpleasant symptoms and potential complications.
• Duodenitis: Duodenitis, inflammation of your duodenum (the first part of your small intestine), can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing this often manageable condition.
• Gastroparesis: Early diagnosis of gastroparesis is key to preventing long-term complications and maintaining a good quality of life by allowing for proactive management strategies.
• Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis, a condition causing iron overload, can be managed effectively with regular medical care to prevent severe liver and other organ damage – emphasizing the need for proactive healthcare.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Intestinal diverticulosis is often silent, but managing risk factors like low fiber intake can help prevent future pain and discomfort, making preventive care essential for long-term digestive health.
• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can be prevented through vaccination, protecting you from long-term liver damage and cancer.
• Gastric Ulcer: A gastric ulcer is a sore on the stomach lining that can be prevented through lifestyle changes like stress management and avoiding certain pain relievers.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Protecting your future starts with a colon cancer screening, which identifies abnormalities in your colon that can lead to cancer.
• 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.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with early detection. A flexible sigmoidoscopy screens for polyps and other problems in your lower bowel, enabling prompt treatment.
• 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.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.
• 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.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Early detection is key! Colorectal cancer screening allows for the identification and removal of polyps, often preventing colorectal cancer before symptoms arise.
• 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.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: This procedure offers a proactive solution for persistent hemorrhoid symptoms, preventing potential infections or worsening discomfort in the anal area.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Fecal impaction removal ensures proper bowel function and may prevent future issues like bowel obstruction.

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. Gustavo Rivera 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 scheduling regular check-ups and discussing concerns with a gastroenterologist, a patient identified and addressed a potential issue, preventing escalating abdominal pain and ensuring a more comfortable and healthy future.
• By consistently following the recommended screening schedule and treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of cancer development associated with Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia, fostering peace of mind and a proactive approach to their health.
• Recognizing persistent diarrhea as a potential sign of a digestive issue, a patient proactively sought guidance. This early intervention allowed for timely treatment and prevented further complications.

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. Gustavo Rivera:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Rivera and our gastroenterology team are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We 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. Rivera will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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 Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the lining of the small intestine. It's different from a gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist like Dr. Rivera is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn's 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 inflammation or damage to the intestines.

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. Gustavo Rivera can help diagnose this issue.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine your small intestine, an area difficult to reach with traditional scopes. You simply swallow a small pill-sized camera, which takes thousands of pictures as it travels through your digestive tract.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

1064 Goodlette Rd
Naples FL 34102
Phone: (239) 649-1186

Dr. Gustavo Rivera, 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): 1154573830

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. Gustavo Rivera 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.