Dr. Leena Saline, DO

Dr. Leena Saline, DO is a Gastroenterology physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is deeply 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 embark on this proactive health journey. Call (727) 443-4299 to schedule.

Dr. Leena Saline, DO is a gastroenterologist in Saint Petersburg, FL. Dr. Saline has extensive experience in Esophageal Disorders and is affiliated with HCA Florida Largo Hospital and HCA Florida Trinity Hospital. She is a Board Certified Gastroenterologist and Board Certified Internal Medicine physician by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine. Her 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. She is committed to the prevention of gastrointestinal issues and is accepting new patients. Dr. Leena Saline provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Bile Duct Obstruction: Preventing bile duct obstructions involves understanding your risk factors—like gallstones—and taking steps to manage them, reducing your chances of experiencing painful symptoms and complications.
• Pancreatitis: Early detection of pancreatitis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing long-term complications like chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic failure, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups if you're at risk.
• Intestinal Fistula: Intestinal fistulas, abnormal connections within your intestines, can lead to significant health problems; regular checkups and attentive monitoring of your digestive health can support early detection and effective intervention.
• Mesenteric Panniculitis: Maintaining a healthy weight and diet may help reduce your risk of developing mesenteric panniculitis, a rare inflammatory condition affecting abdominal fat, thus highlighting the importance of preventive lifestyle choices.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Regular health checkups and screenings can help identify gastrointestinal bleeding early, enabling timely intervention and better outcomes.
• Noninfectious Gastroenteritis and Colitis: Preventing severe consequences of noninfectious gastroenteritis and colitis relies on recognizing early warning signs and seeking timely medical attention to prevent chronic issues and improve your quality of life.
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Understanding your risk factors for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and undergoing regular screenings can aid in early diagnosis and timely intervention, minimizing long-term consequences.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Don't let alcohol harm your liver; alcoholic fatty liver disease is often preventable by making healthy lifestyle choices, and early intervention can prevent long-term complications such as cirrhosis.
• Ischemic Colitis: By managing conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing ischemic colitis and protect your colon's health.
• Gastrointestinal Malabsorption: Preventing long-term health issues from gastrointestinal malabsorption starts with understanding your risk factors and seeking medical attention if you experience symptoms like unexplained weight loss or diarrhea; early diagnosis allows for timely intervention.
• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Autoimmune hepatitis is a serious liver disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your liver, making early detection crucial for preventing long-term liver damage.
• Congenital Achalasia: Since congenital achalasia affects the esophageal muscle's ability to relax, proactively identifying this condition in infants allows for early treatment, reducing the likelihood of severe health complications down the line.

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

• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.
• 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.
• 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: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, a liver biopsy is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the condition of your liver and identify issues such as fatty liver disease or liver cancer.
• 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.
• 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.
• Bile Duct Procedure: This procedure helps ensure the smooth flow of bile, preventing complications like jaundice or pancreatitis by addressing potential blockages or inflammation.
• 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.
• 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.
• pH Probe: To prevent serious complications, a pH probe accurately measures stomach acid reflux, aiding in the early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
• Endoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a routine endoscopy; this vital procedure helps find and address potential problems within your digestive system before they become major health concerns.

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. Leena Saline 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 understanding their risk factors for gallstones and following a proactive health plan, a patient felt empowered to reduce their chances of experiencing painful bile duct obstruction symptoms. This proactive approach brought peace of mind and allowed them to focus on living a healthy, fulfilling life.
• By attending regular check-ups and following a proactive health plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing pancreatitis, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By diligently following a proactive gastroenterology care plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing an intestinal fistula, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.

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. Leena Saline:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of the 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 important 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. Saline will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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. Leena Saline 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 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 visible inflammation or damage.

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 indicate GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Saline can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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.

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.

How do you manage chronic conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis?

We work with patients to achieve and maintain remission through a long-term partnership. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

5651 49th St N
Saint Petersburg FL 33709
Phone: (727) 443-4299

Dr. Leena Saline, DO 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): 1669723029

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. Leena Saline 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.