Dr. Nakechand Pooran, MD

Dr. Nakechand Pooran, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Gainesville, 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, but is not currently accepting new patients. Please call (352) 273-9400 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. Nakechand Pooran, MD is a gastroenterologist in Gainesville, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having dedicated his career to Gastrointestinal care. Dr. Pooran has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease. He earned his medical degree from St. Georges University School Of Medicine in 1997, and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is affiliated with UF Health Shands Hospital and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Pooran provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: Protecting your digestive system through regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices can help detect gastrointestinal cancers, like colon cancer, early when treatment is most effective.
• Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia, where part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm, can be managed through lifestyle changes to prevent painful symptoms and potential complications like GERD.
• Malnutrition: Maintaining a balanced diet helps prevent malnutrition, supporting a healthy gut and reducing your risk of digestive diseases.
• Liver Abscess: Early diagnosis and treatment of infections that may spread to the liver are vital preventive steps to avoid the potentially deadly complication of a liver abscess.
• Reflux Esophagitis: Managing reflux esophagitis effectively through diet and medication prevents further esophageal irritation and reduces the risk of developing more severe problems such as esophageal strictures or Barrett's esophagus.
• 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: Congenital intestinal anomalies, present from birth, may require ongoing care to avoid severe digestive issues, highlighting the importance of regular checkups.
• Vomiting Disorders: Persistent vomiting might signal an underlying digestive issue; early detection through regular check-ups can help prevent long-term complications.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: By understanding your risk factors and seeking medical advice if you experience symptoms, you can manage esophageal motility disorders and prevent their progression into more challenging health issues.
• Gallstones: Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect gallstones early, enabling timely intervention and preventing the need for more invasive procedures down the line.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Early recognition of IBS symptoms and seeking medical advice can prevent long-term complications like severe abdominal pain and malnutrition.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Regular liver function tests and discussions with your healthcare provider are critical steps in preventing alcoholic cirrhosis and managing its progression if diagnosed.

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

• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): An ERCP is a specialized procedure to investigate and address concerns in your biliary system and pancreas, acting as an important early diagnostic tool to prevent major health problems.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Colon cancer screening helps detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your chances of survival.
• 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.
• 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: Taking a proactive step towards liver health, a liver biopsy provides valuable insights into liver function and can detect diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis before they cause significant damage.
• Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a simple blood test that helps proactively assess the health of your liver and detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• Biliary Drainage: Protecting your liver and preventing complications from bile duct issues begins with understanding and monitoring your biliary drainage.
• Manometry: For a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, consider manometry. This test helps detect motility disorders, ensuring that any issues affecting your ability to swallow, digest food, or move waste are identified and treated promptly, preventing potentially severe consequences.
• Transendoscopic Stent Placement: This procedure involves placing a small, expandable tube (stent) to alleviate blockages in your digestive system, aiding in early diagnosis and treatment of various conditions impacting overall health.
• Bile Duct Procedure: For a healthier digestive system, a bile duct procedure facilitates the timely identification and treatment of conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Protecting your digestive system's health, duodenal polypectomy is a procedure that removes polyps from your duodenum, enabling early detection of abnormalities and helping prevent future problems.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a quick screening procedure that helps detect colon polyps and cancer early, allowing for prompt treatment and potentially saving your life.

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. Nakechand Pooran 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 adhering to a personalized screening plan and adopting a healthy diet, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gastrointestinal cancers, fostering peace of mind and a proactive approach to their well-being.
• By making dietary changes and incorporating regular exercise into their routine, a patient significantly reduced their hiatal hernia symptoms and avoided potential complications like GERD, leading to improved quality of life.
• By understanding their nutritional needs and implementing dietary changes, a patient successfully maintained a balanced diet, promoting a healthy gut and reducing their risk of digestive diseases. This proactive approach provided significant peace of mind regarding their overall 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. Nakechand Pooran:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is expertly trained in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions and perform preventive screenings, such as 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, if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, you may need to start earlier. Dr. Pooran will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Many people have gallstones without any problems. They only become a concern if they cause blockages, leading to pain. Dr. Pooran can help diagnose this issue.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are other options for colon cancer screening, including at-home stool-based tests. However, if these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to thoroughly evaluate and remove any suspicious growths. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Pooran 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.

What is 'fatty liver disease' and is it serious?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common condition often linked to metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes. Fortunately, in its early stages, it can often be reversed with lifestyle changes. However, managing NAFLD is crucial to prevent progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

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 identify issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

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), in contrast, is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bloating without visible inflammation or damage.

1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 273-9400

Dr. Nakechand Pooran, 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): 1841258449

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. Nakechand Pooran 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.