Dr. Julian Perez-Barrios, MD

Dr. Julian Perez-Barrios, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, Dr. Perez-Barrios is committed to helping you achieve 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. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 275-8882 to schedule.

Dr. Perez-Barrios's extensive training and experience solidify his expertise. He joined Gastroenterology Associates of S.W. Florida, P.A. in 2011, following a distinguished career that began with his medical degree in Caracas, Venezuela. He completed residencies and fellowships in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology in both Caracas and Philadelphia, PA, earning numerous awards at Albert Einstein Medical Center. His dedication to patient care is further exemplified by his Board Certification in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Perez-Barrios understands the importance of personalized care, and he offers consultations in Spanish.

His approach to patient care reflects a deep understanding of the complexities of digestive health, coupled with a commitment to preventive measures. This proactive approach, combined with his extensive experience and certifications, positions Dr. Perez-Barrios as a trusted partner in maintaining your long-term digestive well-being. He is eager to welcome you to his practice and help you embark on a journey toward optimal digestive health.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Julian Perez-Barrios 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. Julian Perez-Barrios 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. Julian Perez-Barrios 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:

• Malnutrition: Malnutrition weakens your digestive system, making you more vulnerable to illness, so prioritizing good nutrition is key to preventing problems.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Regular check-ups and paying attention to symptoms like persistent heartburn can help detect reflux esophagitis early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious issues down the line.
• 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.
• Peptic Ulcer: Early detection of a peptic ulcer is crucial for preventing long-term damage and pain; regular checkups and open communication with your doctor are key to maintaining digestive health.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Understanding your family history for FAP is key to proactive healthcare; early detection and management of this inherited condition prevents the development of colorectal cancer and improves your long-term health.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Regular health screenings and responsible alcohol consumption are crucial steps in preventing alcoholic fatty liver disease and maintaining the health of your entire digestive system.
• Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is a serious condition affecting the small intestine; by knowing your risk factors and getting tested, you can reduce the chance of permanent damage and long-term health issues.
• Congenital Anomaly Intestine: A congenital anomaly of the intestine means a birth defect affecting the intestines, and early diagnosis is crucial for preventing long-term digestive problems.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Protecting your esophagus from ulcers starts with understanding and managing conditions like GERD, as untreated acid reflux is a major cause of esophageal ulcers.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early recognition of IBS symptoms and seeking medical advice can prevent long-term complications like severe abdominal pain and malnutrition.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Early diagnosis and treatment of conditions that can lead to intestinal obstruction, such as tumors or hernias, is crucial for preventing surgical intervention and preserving digestive health.
• Gastric Ulcer: Early treatment of a gastric ulcer prevents complications like bleeding, perforation, and the need for more extensive medical intervention.

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. Julian Perez-Barrios 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Fecal impaction removal ensures proper bowel function and may prevent future issues like bowel obstruction.
• 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 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: 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.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: For early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower intestinal conditions, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy is a screening tool that allows for a thorough examination of your rectum and a portion of your colon.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a proactive step towards better colon health, providing an opportunity for the early identification and removal of polyps that could develop into cancer.

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. Julian Perez-Barrios 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 focusing on a balanced diet and regular check-ups, a patient successfully maintained optimal nutrition, strengthening their digestive system and reducing their risk of future health issues.
• By attending regular check-ups and addressing persistent heartburn, a patient was able to detect reflux esophagitis early, preventing potential long-term complications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• By understanding IBD risk factors and making dietary adjustments with guidance, a patient significantly reduced symptoms and improved their overall digestive health. This proactive approach empowered them to live a more comfortable and fulfilling life.

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. Julian Perez-Barrios:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. Perez-Barrios 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 are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive 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. Perez-Barrios 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 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, which Dr. Perez-Barrios can help diagnose.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients worry about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, ensuring polyps are found and removed. This one-day preparation is a small price to pay for years of peace of mind.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

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 gluten sensitivity, and a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist like Dr. Perez-Barrios is crucial before starting a gluten-free diet.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Perez-Barrios 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.

4790 Barkley Cir Ste A
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 275-8882

Dr. Julian Perez-Barrios, 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): 1134335375

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. Julian Perez-Barrios 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.