Dr. Steven Meckstroth, MD

Dr. Steven Meckstroth, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care at his clinic in Naples, 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 and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (239) 593-6201 to schedule.

Dr. Steven Meckstroth, MD is a gastroenterologist in Naples, FL, with extensive experience in Liver Disease, Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Pancreatic Disease. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Lee Memorial Hospital and Naples Community Hospital. Dr. Meckstroth completed rigorous medical training at recognized institutions, including an internship at Baylor College Of Medicine Affil Hosps|Baylor College Of Med (graduated 1988), followed by residency training in Gastroenterology at Baylor College Of Medicine (graduated 1990) and fellowship training in Tulane University School Of Med (graduated 1992). He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is committed to providing exceptional, patient-centered care. He specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions, from common issues like gastroesophageal reflux to more complex diseases. He strives to provide the highest quality digestive disease services and is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Meckstroth provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Steven Meckstroth 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. Steven Meckstroth 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. Steven Meckstroth 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 Motility Disorders: Preventative care plays a key role in managing esophageal motility disorders, as early diagnosis and treatment can minimize discomfort and prevent severe complications such as esophageal rupture.
• Ulcer: Regular check-ups with your gastroenterologist and paying attention to digestive symptoms can help detect ulcers early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing potential complications like bleeding or perforation.
• Hemorrhoids: Managing hemorrhoids effectively, including lifestyle changes and potentially medical interventions, prevents severe discomfort and potential complications such as blood clots or infections.
• Duodenal Ulcer: Early detection of a duodenal ulcer through endoscopy or other diagnostic methods is key to preventing long-term damage and the need for more extensive treatments.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Regular health monitoring is key to preventing serious digestive problems. Anal or rectal pain should be discussed with your doctor to rule out underlying conditions and maintain optimal gut health.
• Esophageal Cancer: By staying informed about esophageal cancer risk factors and seeking medical attention for persistent digestive issues, you can significantly improve your chances of early detection and successful treatment.
• Esophageal Varices: Esophageal varices are abnormal veins in the esophagus that can rupture and cause severe bleeding; proactive management of risk factors like alcohol abuse and viral hepatitis significantly lowers your chances of developing them.
• Intestinal Malabsorption Carbohydrate: If your intestines aren't absorbing carbohydrates efficiently, you may experience symptoms like bloating and diarrhea. Regular checkups can help identify this issue early and prevent more serious problems.
• Barretts Esophagus with Dysplasia: Dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus signals an increased chance of esophageal cancer, but early detection through endoscopy and biopsies is key to prevent its progression; consistent healthcare engagement is crucial for prevention.
• Esophageal Ulcer: Proper treatment of an esophageal ulcer, guided by your doctor, prevents long-term damage and reduces the chances of serious complications.
• Bowel Strangulation: Preventing bowel strangulation involves promptly addressing any symptoms of intestinal blockage to avoid severe complications like tissue death.
• Mallory-Weiss Syndrome: Preventing complications from Mallory-Weiss syndrome, characterized by esophageal tears, relies on promptly addressing underlying causes such as alcohol abuse and eating disorders, thereby emphasizing the need for early intervention.

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

• 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.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): To maintain your overall health, a PEG tube can be placed to provide essential nutrients directly to your stomach if swallowing is difficult.
• Manometry: Take a proactive step towards digestive health with manometry: this test helps assess the function of your digestive muscles, allowing for early detection and treatment of issues like acid reflux or swallowing difficulties, preventing future problems.
• 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.
• Bravo pH Testing: Take charge of your digestive health with Bravo pH testing—a non-invasive method to accurately measure stomach acid levels and diagnose GERD.
• 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.
• Nutritional Counseling: Empower yourself with a personalized nutrition plan to support healthy digestion, boost energy levels, and reduce your risk of digestive diseases.
• 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.
• Hemorrhoidectomy or Excision of Anal Tags: To improve your quality of life and prevent ongoing issues, hemorrhoidectomy or anal tag excision surgically removes these problematic tissues.
• 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.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: Taking a proactive step towards digestive health, duodenal polypectomy involves the removal of small growths (polyps) in your duodenum, reducing your risk of future complications.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Protect your digestive health by scheduling a sigmoidoscopy; this examination allows for early detection of abnormalities in your lower colon and rectum, leading to effective 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. Steven Meckstroth 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 addressing potential esophageal motility issues through regular check-ups, a patient experienced reduced discomfort and significantly lowered the risk of future complications.
• By diligently attending regular check-ups and promptly addressing digestive discomfort, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing ulcers and experienced the peace of mind that comes with proactive health management.
• By incorporating dietary changes and regular exercise, a patient significantly reduced their risk of hemorrhoids, achieving lasting comfort and preventing potential complications. This proactive approach ensured a positive and healthy lifestyle.

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. Steven Meckstroth:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting 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. Meckstroth will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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), on the other hand, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating but does not involve visible inflammation or damage to the digestive system.

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 schedule a consultation with Dr. Meckstroth for a thorough evaluation.

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.

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 disease or ulcerative colitis. Advanced therapies are used to control inflammation, combined with nutritional guidance and regular monitoring to prevent flare-ups and improve quality of life. This is a long-term commitment, but we're here to support you every step of the way.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy (EGD)?

A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) to help prevent colon cancer, while an upper endoscopy (EGD) examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine to diagnose issues like heartburn, ulcers, or difficulty swallowing.

1656 Medical Blvd Ste 301
Naples FL 34110
Phone: (239) 593-6201

Dr. Steven Meckstroth, 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): 1073508123

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. Steven Meckstroth 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.