Dr. Victor Pina, MD

Dr. Victor Pina, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Miami, 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). 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 (305) 273-6266 to schedule.

Dr. Pina's extensive experience in gastroenterology spans over 35 years, reflecting a deep commitment to patient well-being. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Autonoma De Centro America De Costa Rica in 1986, followed by an internship and residency at Columbia University, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Further specializing in gastroenterology through a fellowship at the University of Miami, he completed his training in 1992. Board certified in Gastroenterology (1995) and Internal Medicine (1993), Dr. Pina has also served as Chief of Gastroenterology at two local hospitals. His main goal is to provide the most comprehensive care to his patients, utilizing the latest treatment options, medications, and advanced equipment in a state-of-the-art facility, alongside knowledgeable and qualified staff. He offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Duodenal Cancer: While uncommon, duodenal cancer highlights the importance of overall digestive health maintenance. Regular check-ups and addressing any persistent symptoms promptly may aid in early diagnosis.
• Ascites: Preventing ascites often involves managing conditions like cirrhosis, which can be achieved through proactive steps such as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Rectal Prolapse: Managing conditions that increase the risk of rectal prolapse, such as prolonged diarrhea or constipation, can significantly reduce your chances of developing this issue.
• Intestinal Ulcer: An intestinal ulcer is a sore on the lining of your intestines, and while often treatable, preventing them through healthy lifestyle choices like balanced nutrition and stress management is key to avoiding complications.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: Excessive alcohol use can lead to alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition that can be avoided by moderating your alcohol consumption or abstaining altogether, preserving your overall digestive health.
• Biliary Cirrhosis: Biliary cirrhosis is a serious liver disease caused by long-term damage to the bile ducts, and preventing it involves managing underlying conditions like gallstones and primary sclerosing cholangitis to avoid irreversible liver damage.
• Intestinal Malabsorption Carbohydrate: Intestinal malabsorption of carbohydrates means your body isn't properly absorbing sugars from food, which can lead to long-term health problems if left unmanaged, so early detection is crucial.
• Anal or Rectal Pain: Protecting your digestive health starts with addressing discomfort. Anal or rectal pain might indicate a manageable condition like a fissure; early intervention prevents long-term issues.
• Biliary Atresia: Preventing complications from biliary atresia relies on early detection, often through newborn screenings, leading to timely surgical intervention or other treatments that maintain liver function.
• Intestinal Ischemia: Intestinal ischemia, characterized by insufficient blood flow to your intestines, underscores the need for proactive healthcare to prevent severe consequences and improve your overall digestive health.
• Stomach Stenosis: Managing conditions that may lead to stomach scarring or inflammation, such as ulcers or infections, can help prevent the narrowing of the stomach passage, known as stomach stenosis.
• Esophagitis: Esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, can be prevented by managing risk factors like acid reflux and making lifestyle changes to protect your 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. Victor Pina offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a proactive step to detect precancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious health problems.
• Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a colonoscopy. This valuable screening tool helps detect colon cancer and other intestinal issues at an early, more treatable stage.
• Gastroenterology Procedures: Taking proactive steps with gastroenterology procedures can help prevent serious digestive issues by identifying and addressing problems like colon cancer, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease before they worsen.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Wireless pH Testing: Wireless pH testing offers a non-invasive way to assess your stomach acid levels, contributing to the early detection and effective management of acid reflux and related complications.
• 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.
• Endoscopy: Protecting your digestive health starts with an endoscopy, which provides detailed images of your entire digestive tract, enabling early detection and treatment of a wide range of issues.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Take charge of your gut health with a colon cancer screening: it's a proactive step to detect and prevent this serious disease.
• 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.
• Percutaneous Edoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG): For individuals facing difficulty eating or swallowing, a PEG tube proactively helps maintain their nutritional status and overall well-being.

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. Victor Pina 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 scheduling regular check-ups and addressing persistent digestive discomfort, a patient proactively reduced their risk of duodenal cancer, gaining peace of mind and a healthier future.
• By understanding and managing underlying cirrhosis through lifestyle changes, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing ascites, gaining peace of mind and a healthier outlook.
• By addressing underlying conditions like chronic diarrhea, a patient significantly reduced their risk of rectal prolapse, 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. Victor Pina:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a specialist doctor who is highly trained in the health of your entire digestive system, including your esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. They are experts in diagnosing and treating digestive conditions, and also perform 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, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. Pina will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

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. Pina. This could be a sign of GERD, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems. Dr. Pina can diagnose the cause and create an effective treatment plan.

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

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

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. Victor Pina for a thorough evaluation.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, triggers damage to the small intestine. It's different from a simple gluten sensitivity, requiring a proper diagnosis from a gastroenterologist before starting a gluten-free diet.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

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

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

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

7887 N Kendall Dr Ste 101
Miami FL 33156
Phone: (305) 273-6266

Dr. Victor Pina, 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): 1164403846

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. Victor Pina 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.