Dr. Mark O'Konski, MD

About Dr. Mark O'Konski, MD

Dr. Mark O'Konski, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL, dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. O'Konski provides comprehensive medical care for patients with disorders of the digestive system, encompassing the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (239) 939-9939 to schedule.

Dr. Mark O'Konski, MD is a gastroenterologist in Fort Myers, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Of California At Berkeley in 1985 and is affiliated with Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, ensuring high standards of care are consistently applied. His approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, collaborative decision-making, and providing a supportive, reassuring environment for patients. Dr. O'Konski provides consultations primarily in English.

Gastroenterological Conditions Addressed

Dr. Mark O'Konski addresses a wide range of Gastroenterological health concerns, including:

• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: Your doctor found a benign tumor in your digestive tract; it's not cancerous and unlikely to spread.
• Chronic Gastritis: Chronic gastritis means your stomach has ongoing irritation and swelling.
• Rectal Prolapse: With rectal prolapse, the lower part of your large intestine slips out of your anus.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: In a diaphragmatic hernia, a portion of your stomach protrudes into your chest cavity, often causing no symptoms.
• Esophageal Motility Disorders: Esophageal motility disorders involve problems with the muscles in your esophagus, affecting how food moves down.
• Intestinal Ulcer: Intestinal ulcers are open wounds in the inner layer of the bowel, causing pain and discomfort.
• Acute Gastritis: Acute gastritis is a temporary irritation of your stomach, often leading to upset stomach symptoms.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is a condition where your body doesn't have enough fluids, which can lead to various symptoms.
• Esophageal Achalasia and Cardiospasm: Achalasia and cardiospasm cause difficulty swallowing due to a malfunctioning muscle in the esophagus that prevents food from passing into the stomach.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic liver disease that causes inflammation and damage to the bile ducts.
• Barretts Esophagus with Dysplasia: The lining of your esophagus is altered (Barrett's esophagus) due to chronic acid reflux and there are abnormal cell growths (dysplasia) present, requiring regular checkups.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD happens when the valve between your stomach and esophagus doesn't close properly, allowing stomach acid to irritate the esophagus.

Please note: This list highlights some common health concerns that Dr. Mark O'Konski addresses and is for informational purposes only; it does not constitute medical advice. The range of conditions a Gastroenterology manages is broad, and this list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive understanding of how he can assist with your Patient's specific health needs or to discuss any particular symptoms, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Gastroenterological Services Provided

Dr. Mark O'Konski offers a range of services to support your Patient's health and well-being, such as:

• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the rectum to examine the entire large intestine.
• Ultrasound: Our ultrasound service uses sound waves to create images of your internal organs, helping diagnose digestive issues.
• Hepatitis C Virus Screening: This service screens for hepatitis C virus infection.
• Gallbladder Scan: A gallbladder scan helps your doctor see your gallbladder and check for problems like stones or inflammation.
• Endoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with a light and camera to examine the lining of your digestive organs, helping diagnose and treat problems.
• Hepatitis Screening: Our gastroenterological service offers hepatitis screening to help detect and manage potential liver infections.
• Colon Cancer Screening: Through colon cancer screenings, doctors can identify and treat colon polyps or cancer at its early stages.
• Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for adults starting at age 45, or earlier if you have a family history or other risk factors.
• Liver Function Test: A liver function test (LFT) measures how well your liver is working.
• Manometry: Manometry helps doctors assess problems with swallowing, stomach emptying, or bowel movements by measuring pressure changes.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: During a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy, a doctor uses a firm, lighted instrument to visually inspect the lower part of your large intestine for polyps, inflammation, or bleeding.
• Screening Colonoscopy: A screening colonoscopy is a preventative procedure to check for abnormalities in your large intestine, such as polyps that could become cancerous.

Please note: This list highlights some of the key services that may be offered by Dr. Mark O'Konski. Service availability can change and not all services listed may be appropriate or offered to every patient. The scope of services provided by a Gastroenterology can vary. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services or to discuss your Patient's specific healthcare needs, it's always best to schedule a consultation. Some specialized procedures or advanced diagnostic tests may require referral to a subspecialist.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterologies in Florida and adhere to the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by The Florida Board of Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about care with Dr. Mark O'Konski:

What is Gastroenterology?

Gastroenterology is a medical specialty focusing on the health of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. A gastroenterologist diagnoses, treats, and prevents a wide range of digestive diseases.

What should I expect during my first visit with Dr. Mark O'Konski?

Your first visit with Dr. O'Konski will involve a detailed review of your digestive health symptoms and medical history, a physical examination, and a discussion of potential diagnostic tests or treatment plans. Please bring a list of all medications you are currently taking and any prior test results for Dr. O'Konski's review.

Does Dr. Mark O'Konski accept my insurance?

Dr. O'Konski's office accepts a variety of insurance plans. Please call our office directly with your insurance information to confirm coverage for your appointment.

What treatments does Dr. Mark O'Konski offer for acid reflux and GERD?

Dr. O'Konski offers a comprehensive approach to GERD management, encompassing lifestyle and dietary modifications, medication options, and diagnostic testing like endoscopy or pH monitoring to precisely tailor treatment plans.

What non-surgical treatments does Dr. Mark O'Konski offer for hemorrhoids?

Dr. O'Konski offers several effective, minimally invasive non-surgical treatments for internal hemorrhoids, including hemorrhoid banding (rubber band ligation) and infrared coagulation. These procedures are performed in our office and are often successful in relieving symptoms.

Does Dr. Mark O'Konski manage conditions of the pancreas, like pancreatitis?

Dr. O'Konski is experienced in diagnosing and managing pancreatic conditions, including pancreatitis. He plays a key role in investigating causes, managing symptoms, and monitoring for complications related to acute or chronic pancreatitis.

What should I do if I suspect I have gallstones?

If you suspect gallstones, especially with severe abdominal pain, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. Our providers can perform diagnostic tests like ultrasound to confirm the presence of gallstones and discuss appropriate management options, which may include observation or surgical referral.

How does Dr. Mark O'Konski diagnose and manage Celiac Disease?

Dr. O'Konski diagnoses celiac disease through blood tests, followed by an upper endoscopy and biopsy for confirmation. Management focuses on educating patients about the gluten-free diet and ensuring strict adherence to prevent further complications.