Dr. Peter Draganov, MD

Dr. Peter Draganov, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Gainesville, FL, dedicated 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), ensuring a high standard of care and adherence to legal regulations. His commitment extends beyond immediate concerns, focusing on the long-term health of your digestive system. 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. Please call (352) 265-8982 to schedule.

Dr. Peter Draganov, MD is a gastroenterologist in Gainesville, FL, with extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease and Esophageal Disorders. He is affiliated with UF Health Shands Hospital and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Draganov earned his medical degree from Medical University Of South Carolina and is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He approaches patient care with a collaborative, evidence-based philosophy, emphasizing a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their health management. Dr. Draganov provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Gas-Bloat Syndrome: Preventing uncomfortable gas and bloating involves understanding your digestive system's needs and making proactive changes to your diet and lifestyle, avoiding potential future problems.
• Hiatal Hernia: Early detection of a hiatal hernia is key; understanding your risk factors and recognizing symptoms allows for timely intervention and prevents long-term digestive issues.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Protecting your liver from alcohol-related damage starts with understanding your risk and making informed choices about alcohol intake to maintain a healthy digestive system.
• Hepatitis C: Preventing the spread of Hepatitis C relies on understanding and managing risk factors such as sharing needles, promoting safe sexual practices, and avoiding exposure to infected blood.
• 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.
• Nausea: While occasional nausea is normal, frequent nausea may indicate a problem with your digestive system, highlighting the importance of proactive healthcare to maintain gut health.
• 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.
• Hepatorenal Syndrome: Managing underlying liver conditions effectively is vital to prevent the development of hepatorenal syndrome and its potentially fatal consequences.
• Viral Hepatitis: Early detection of viral hepatitis through regular blood tests is crucial for starting treatment promptly and preventing serious complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis: Early detection of alcoholic cirrhosis is crucial for preventing irreversible liver damage; regular checkups with your doctor, especially if you drink heavily, are vital.
• Lactose Intolerance: Prevent uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and gas by identifying and addressing your lactose intolerance, improving your digestive comfort.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Although IBS doesn't have a known cure, actively managing your symptoms through stress reduction and dietary modifications can improve your quality of life and prevent significant disruptions.

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

• Manometry: Protecting your digestive system starts with manometry. This painless procedure measures the pressure within your digestive tract to diagnose conditions affecting your esophagus, stomach, and intestines before they become serious.
• 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.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Duodenal polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps from your duodenum, a part of your small intestine, helping prevent potential complications and enabling early detection of cancerous or precancerous growths.
• Biliary Drainage: Regular checks of your biliary system can help detect problems early, such as blockages or inflammation, leading to quicker treatment.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): For comprehensive digestive health, ERCP offers a direct way to detect and treat blockages or diseases affecting your bile ducts and pancreas, thereby preventing severe complications and improving your overall well-being.
• Liver Function Test: Invest in your health by getting a liver function test. This blood test helps monitor your liver's health, allowing for early identification of problems and appropriate medical care.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that allows your doctor to examine your lower colon for polyps and other abnormalities, helping prevent colorectal cancer.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a screening procedure that allows doctors to examine your entire colon for polyps and cancerous growths, helping prevent colorectal 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. Peter Draganov 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 digestive system and adjusting their diet, a patient significantly reduced uncomfortable gas and bloating, gaining greater comfort and a more positive outlook on daily life.
• By understanding their risk factors and recognizing early symptoms, a patient proactively managed their hiatal hernia, preventing potential complications and enjoying a healthier lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured long-term digestive well-being.
• By understanding their alcohol intake and making healthy lifestyle choices, a patient significantly lowered their risk of liver damage, gaining peace of mind about their digestive 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. Peter Draganov:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

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

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 diagnose issues like heartburn or difficulty swallowing.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

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 it is crucial to prevent potential progression to more serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can potentially develop into cancer over time, colonoscopies are crucial for finding and removing these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the development of the disease.

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. Draganov can help diagnose.

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 the findings and remove any polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

2001 SW 13th St
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 265-8982

Dr. Peter Draganov, 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): 1144251919

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. Peter Draganov 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.