Dr. Raouf Hilal, MD

Dr. Raouf Hilal, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He practices at his clinic in Maitland, FL, and is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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, and welcomes new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (407) 644-4014 to schedule.

Dr. Raouf Hilal is a Board Certified Gastroenterologist with over 25 years of dedicated experience. He earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1996, followed by an internship at Baylor College of Medicine and a fellowship in gastroenterology, further honing his expertise. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and an active member of several professional gastroenterology organizations. His expertise spans Gastro-Esophageal disorders, ulcer disease, cancer of the GI tract, and liver disease, with special skills in therapeutic ERCP procedures. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Hilal is fluent in Arabic and also offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Esophageal Ulcer: Proper treatment of an esophageal ulcer, guided by your doctor, prevents long-term damage and reduces the chances of serious complications.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Preventing gastrointestinal bleeding involves managing risk factors like NSAID use and promptly addressing conditions like ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that, while not preventable, can be effectively managed through lifestyle changes and early intervention to minimize its impact on your daily life.
• Cyclical Vomiting: Understanding cyclical vomiting and its triggers allows for proactive management, reducing the frequency and severity of episodes and improving overall well-being.
• Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a genetic condition that significantly increases your risk of colorectal cancer, making regular screenings crucial for early detection and prevention.
• Abdominal Pain: Understanding the causes of your abdominal pain is key to preventing more severe problems, often through lifestyle changes or early treatment.
• Gastrojejunal Ulcer: Protecting your digestive system involves being aware of gastrojejunal ulcers; lifestyle changes and medication can help prevent their formation and reduce the risk of severe complications.
• Cholangitis: Cholangitis is an infection of your bile ducts, and early detection through regular checkups can prevent serious complications like liver damage.
• E. coli Food Poisoning: E. coli food poisoning, while treatable, can be prevented through diligent hygiene and careful food preparation; prompt medical attention prevents serious health consequences.
• Giardiasis: Giardiasis, caused by a microscopic parasite, can be avoided by practicing safe sanitation and avoiding contaminated water sources; prompt treatment minimizes the risk of chronic digestive problems.
• Ulcerative Colitis: By understanding ulcerative colitis and its risk factors, you can take control of your gut health, allowing for early intervention and reduced severity of symptoms.
• Non-Neonatal Jaundice: Managing risk factors for non-neonatal jaundice, such as certain medications or underlying diseases, is key to protecting your liver and overall digestive health.

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

• Bile Duct Procedure: This procedure helps ensure the smooth flow of bile, preventing complications like jaundice or pancreatitis by addressing potential blockages or inflammation.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Investing in gastroenterology procedures ensures a comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, helping detect issues early and facilitating effective treatment strategies to maintain long-term wellness.
• 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.
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors diagnose and monitor liver conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and better health outcomes.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: Hemorrhoidectomy or excision of anal tags is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids or skin tags around the anus, improving comfort and preventing further complications.
• Capsule Endoscopy: For a thorough assessment of your small intestine's health, choose capsule endoscopy—a less invasive alternative to traditional endoscopy that helps detect conditions like Crohn's disease or celiac disease at an early stage.
• 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.
• Anoscopy: An anoscopy is a quick procedure that allows your doctor to directly examine the anal canal and rectum for any abnormalities, helping catch potential problems early.
• Fecal Impaction Removal: Taking proactive steps to remove fecal impaction helps maintain a healthy digestive system and avoids potential long-term health problems.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Raouf Hilal 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 following a personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of esophageal ulcer complications, gaining peace of mind and control over their health.
• By understanding and managing potential risk factors, a patient proactively reduced the possibility of gastrointestinal bleeding, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their overall health.
• By understanding their IBS triggers and making dietary adjustments, a patient experienced significant symptom reduction, leading to a more comfortable and predictable daily routine.

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. Raouf Hilal:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in 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. Hilal 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 beginning of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. While some types can slowly develop into cancer, a colonoscopy allows us to find and remove these polyps before they have a chance to become cancerous, preventing the disease.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact Dr. Raouf Hilal for a consultation and thorough evaluation.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. Hilal can help identify your trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

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

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission of chronic conditions like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, alongside personalized nutritional guidance and regular monitoring. This approach aims to prevent flare-ups and improve overall quality of life.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are non-colonoscopy options like at-home stool-based tests. However, if these tests are positive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to fully evaluate and remove any potential precancerous polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

740 Concourse Pkwy S Ste 200
Maitland FL 32751
Phone: (407) 644-4014

Dr. Raouf Hilal, 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): 1427161793

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. Raouf Hilal 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.