Dr. Srinivas Raju, MD

Dr. Srinivas Raju, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing 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 and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (239) 275-8882 to schedule. As one of the largest GI practice management companies in the U.S., United Digestive, Dr. Raju's practice benefits from a strong operational infrastructure, allowing him to focus on delivering the highest quality patient care. 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. He earned his medical degree from Kasturba Med Coll- Mysore Univ- Mangalore- Karnataka- India in 1991 and completed residencies and fellowships in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at Yale University School of Medicine, Bridgeport Hospital. Dr. Raju offers consultations in Hindi.

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

• Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a liver infection preventable through vaccination, protecting you from serious complications and ensuring your digestive system's long-term health.
• 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.
• Gallstones: Managing your cholesterol and weight can help prevent gallstone formation, thus protecting your gallbladder and liver from potential damage.
• Gastric Ulcer: A gastric ulcer is a sore on the stomach lining that can be prevented through lifestyle changes like stress management and avoiding certain pain relievers.
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a condition affecting the bile ducts, and preventive strategies like regular medical assessments help in identifying the disease at an early, manageable stage, preventing irreversible liver damage.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Proper treatment of an esophageal ulcer, guided by your doctor, prevents long-term damage and reduces the chances of serious complications.
• Eosinophilic Gastritis: While uncommon, eosinophilic gastritis emphasizes the value of regular health screenings. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early can lead to timely interventions and prevent potentially serious damage to your stomach lining.
• Liver Damage from Alcohol: Alcohol-related liver damage can be serious, but by adopting a preventative approach that includes lifestyle modifications and screenings, you can minimize the risks and protect your liver and digestive well-being.
• Viral Hepatitis: Regular check-ups and proactive monitoring for viral hepatitis, especially if you have risk factors, can help ensure early intervention and better long-term outcomes for your liver and overall health.
• Hiatal Hernia with Obstruction: A hiatal hernia with obstruction means a portion of your stomach is pushing up into your chest, blocking food passage and potentially leading to serious complications if left untreated, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and management for optimal digestive health.
• 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.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Preventive care includes paying attention to your body. If you have anal or rectal pain, schedule a checkup to identify and address the cause before it worsens.

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

• Esophagoscopy: An esophagoscopy is a proactive procedure allowing your doctor to directly visualize your esophagus for early detection of abnormalities like inflammation, ulcers, or tumors.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.
• Infrared Coagulation (IRC) Hemorrhoid Removal: To prevent the need for more invasive hemorrhoid treatments, infrared coagulation provides a minimally invasive solution to address bleeding and discomfort.
• Liver Biopsy: To ensure the health of your liver, a liver biopsy helps doctors assess the extent of liver damage and guide treatment decisions, ultimately preventing further complications.
• Colonoscopy With Polypectomy: For proactive colorectal cancer prevention, a colonoscopy with polypectomy offers a comprehensive screening and removal of polyps, protecting your long-term digestive health.
• pH Probe: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a pH probe test helps identify the cause of your heartburn and other reflux symptoms, allowing for early intervention.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• Bile Duct Procedure: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, a bile duct procedure helps identify and treat bile duct abnormalities that may cause discomfort or more serious problems.
• PillCam Capsule Endoscopy: Protect your digestive system's health by undergoing PillCam Capsule Endoscopy – a non-invasive test that helps identify hidden bleeding, inflammation, or tumors in your small intestine, leading to early diagnosis and treatment.
• Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a proactive procedure that allows doctors to visually examine your digestive system, helping detect problems like ulcers, polyps, or cancers early on when treatment is most effective.
• Esophageal Stenting: Esophageal stenting is a procedure that can help keep your esophagus open, preventing serious complications from blockages and improving your ability to swallow.
• 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.

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. Srinivas Raju 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 proactively getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A, a family gained peace of mind, knowing they were significantly reducing the risk of liver complications and ensuring long-term digestive health.
• By understanding the preventative measures and proactively managing potential risks, a patient felt empowered to significantly reduce their chance of contracting Hepatitis C, fostering peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By focusing on a healthy diet and weight management, a patient significantly reduced their risk of gallstones, ensuring a healthier gallbladder and liver. This proactive approach provided peace of mind about their long-term well-being.

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. Srinivas Raju:

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, 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, those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Srinivas Raju will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

What are colon polyps, and are they dangerous?

Colon polyps are small, non-cancerous growths in the colon. However, some types can potentially develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy is a crucial procedure to find and remove these polyps, preventing the development of cancer.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

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

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.

I have frequent heartburn. When should I be concerned?

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or worsening symptoms (more than twice a week) warrant a consultation with Dr. Srinivas Raju. This could be a sign of GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Raju 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 detect and prevent colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine to diagnose conditions like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

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

We partner with patients to achieve and maintain remission for chronic conditions like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. This involves advanced therapies to control inflammation, personalized nutritional guidance, and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life.

4790 Barkley Cir Ste A
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 275-8882

Dr. Srinivas Raju, 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): 1467435867

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. Srinivas Raju 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.