Dr. Mahboob Alikhan, MD

Dr. Mahboob Alikhan, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL, committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and dedicated to 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. Your gastroenterologist is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, ensuring your digestive system remains healthy through proactive care. He serves all ages. Please call (239) 343-5000 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Mahboob Alikhan, MD is a gastroenterologist in Fort Myers, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in 1992, he is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and is affiliated with Cape Coral Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Alikhan is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He offers consultations in Urdu.

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

• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Liver disease from alcohol is preventable! Moderating your alcohol consumption, combined with regular health monitoring, can significantly reduce your risk and safeguard your digestive system.
• Ulcerative Colitis: Protecting your digestive health means being aware of ulcerative colitis, a condition causing inflammation in the colon, and taking steps to reduce your risk through regular screenings and healthy habits.
• Alcoholic Gastritis: Managing alcoholic gastritis involves limiting or avoiding alcohol to allow your stomach lining to heal and prevent long-term damage, such as increased risk of stomach cancer.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Early detection of esophageal ulcers is crucial to prevent complications like bleeding or perforation; regular checkups with your doctor are key.
• Rectal Ulcer: Rectal ulcers can be a sign of an underlying issue, emphasizing the need for prompt medical attention to identify and manage the root cause and prevent further damage to the rectal lining.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Protecting your esophagus from the damage of reflux esophagitis starts with understanding its causes and risk factors, enabling early detection and reducing the chances of long-term complications like Barrett's esophagus.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Early detection and management of intestinal diverticulosis are key to preventing painful complications. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including sufficient fiber intake, can significantly reduce your risk.
• Gallstones: Gallstones, small, hard deposits that form in your gallbladder, can be prevented through maintaining a healthy weight and diet, reducing your risk of developing serious complications later.
• Intestinal Diverticulitis: By focusing on preventive measures like a fiber-rich diet and regular exercise, you can significantly lower your chances of developing intestinal diverticulitis and maintain a healthy digestive system.
• 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.
• Ischemic Colitis: Ischemic colitis is a condition where reduced blood flow to your colon can cause inflammation and damage, highlighting the importance of managing risk factors like heart disease to protect your digestive health.
• Abdominal Pain: Even seemingly minor abdominal pain warrants attention as it can signal digestive problems that are better addressed early to prevent long-term health issues.

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

• pH Probe: For comprehensive digestive health, a pH probe helps your doctor assess acid reflux, guiding treatment decisions and helping you avoid potential long-term problems.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: As part of your commitment to digestive health, duodenal polypectomy allows for the removal of polyps in your duodenum, potentially preventing the development of more serious conditions.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Protecting your future, colorectal cancer screening uses tests to find and remove precancerous growths in your lower digestive tract, significantly reducing your risk of colorectal cancer.
• 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.
• Liver Function Test: Protecting your liver is key to overall health. A liver function test is a proactive step to identify any abnormalities and helps prevent serious liver conditions.
• Wireless pH Testing: Take control of your digestive health with wireless pH testing – a comfortable way to identify the source of your heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Protecting your liver and gallbladder, a bile duct procedure allows for the early detection and treatment of gallstones or other issues impacting bile flow.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Safe removal of impacted stool helps restore regular bowel movements and improves your overall digestive health.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Mahboob Alikhan 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 and implementing a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of liver damage from alcohol, gaining confidence in their long-term health.
• By diligently following a personalized prevention plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing ulcerative colitis, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By consistently reducing alcohol consumption and following a tailored plan, a patient significantly decreased their risk of developing alcoholic gastritis, fostering confidence in their long-term health.

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. Mahboob Alikhan:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is expertly trained in the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions, and also perform 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. Alikhan will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) should prompt a visit. This could indicate GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Alikhan can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options for colon cancer screening, such as at-home stool-based tests. However, if these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to thoroughly evaluate the findings and remove any potential polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both early detection and prevention of colon cancer.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can develop into cancer over time, colonoscopies are crucial for detecting and removing these polyps before they become cancerous, preventing the disease.

What is a capsule endoscopy?

Capsule endoscopy is a modern, non-invasive way to examine the small intestine, an area often difficult to reach with traditional scopes. A small, pill-sized camera is swallowed, and it takes thousands of pictures as it travels through the digestive tract.

Is the preparation for a colonoscopy difficult?

Many patients have concerns about colonoscopy prep, but modern solutions are much easier to tolerate than before. A clean colon is crucial for a thorough exam, and the one-day preparation is a small price to pay for long-term peace of mind.

9981 S Healthpark Dr
Fort Myers FL 33908
Phone: (239) 343-5000

Dr. Mahboob Alikhan, 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): 1750335634

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. Mahboob Alikhan 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.