Dr. Narula Gastroenterology

02/12/2026

The news of James Van Der Beek’s death at 48 from colorectal cancer is heartbreaking and reminds us that this disease can affect people before old age, even those who seem healthy.

Colorectal cancer usually begins slowly and can often be prevented or caught early through regular screening. That’s why it’s important to talk with a doctor about the right tests for you.

Key points:

1. Don’t wait for symptoms.
Talk to a doctor if you notice changes like unusual bowel habits, bleeding, ongoing discomfort, fatigue, or weight loss. Early detection improves outcomes.

2. Follow screening guidelines.
Routine screening is generally recommended starting at age 45 for most people, and earlier for those with higher risk. Ask your healthcare provider what’s right for you.

3. There are different screening options.
Colonoscopy is the most thorough test, but non-invasive options exist. If a non-invasive test is positive, a colonoscopy is usually needed.

James Van Der Beek used his platform to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and the importance of screening. Please take screening seriously, especially if you’re 45 or older or have risk factors, and share this message with loved ones.

In memory of those affected by colorectal cancer, and in hope for better prevention and care.

01/28/2026

I’m excited to share that I have officially achieved board recertification in Gastroenterology. This has been a long and deeply fulfilling journey, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me along the way. Thank you to my family and friends for your unwavering encouragement, patience, and belief in me. I’m also sincerely thankful for my mentors and colleagues whose guidance and inspiration made this possible. And to my patients, thank you for the trust you place in me every day. It is truly an honor to care for you. Feeling proud, grateful, and excited for what’s ahead.
Sincerely,
Dr. Narula

11/27/2025

Dr. Narula wishes you and your family a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
May your lives be filled with both Thanks and Giving!

07/12/2025

Dr. Narula | Voted Top Doctor | Gastroenterology | Tampa 2025

As I was in 2024, I am truly honored and humbled to be selected again by my fellow Physician colleagues in the Tampa Bay area as one of Tampa’s Top Doctors for 2025, for Gastroenterology! I would also like to congratulate all of my esteemed colleagues on receiving this distinguished honor!

https://tampamagazines.com/directory-top_doctors/listing/rajan-narula-do/

05/26/2025

"Home of the Free | Because of the Brave"

To those who courageously gave their lives, and those who bravely fight today, we thank you.

04/03/2025

I wanted to wish all of my colleagues, past and present, near and far, a very special “Happy Doctor’s Day”!
There is so much dedication, so much sacrifice, and so much patience that goes into becoming a Doctor. On this day, and every day, I thank you all for being such wonderful Doctors! Thank you for all that you do for our friends, families, and communities!
Happy Doctor’s Day!
With sincere appreciation always,
Dr. Narula

03/05/2025

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month!

45 is the new 50!

If you have had your screening procedure performed already, that is wonderful news, however please encourage your neighbors, friends, family and loved ones to follow your lead! Your encouragement could save a life!

Colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable!

Call Dr. Narula to schedule your screening colonoscopy today!
—
Digestive Disease Associates of Central Florida
2050 Ashley Oaks Circle
Wesley Chapel, Florida 33544
(813) 994-4800
—
Our Outpatient Surgery Center affiliations:

Tampa Minimally Invasive Spine and Surgery Center
5329 Primrose Lake Circle
Tampa, FL 33647
(813) 463-9762
—
Our Inpatient Hospital affiliations:

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel
2600 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

BayCare Wesley Chapel
4501 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
—

12/31/2024

May the holiday season fill your home with joy, your heart with love, and your life with laughter.
Dr. Narula would like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year!

07/20/2024

Dr. Narula | Voted Top Doctor | Gastroenterology | Tampa 2024

I am truly honored and humbled to be selected by my fellow Physician Colleagues in the Tampa Bay area as one of Tampa’s Top Doctors for 2024 for Gastroenterology! I would also like to congratulate all my selected colleagues on receiving this distinguished honor!

https://tampamagazines.com/directory-top_doctors/listing/rajan-narula-do/

06/17/2024

“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.”

Dr. Narula wants to wish all the wonderful Fathers out there a very Happy Father’s Day!

I hope your special day was filled with love and happiness, surrounded by the people you love! Happy Father’s Day!

07/08/2023

Dr. Narula is proud to announce the outpatient, in-office availability of “FibroScan”, the gold standard solution for comprehensive management of liver health and is recognized worldwide as the reference for liver fibrosis and liver steatosis assessment!

If you or a loved one have been told you have “abnormal liver function tests”, or a “fatty liver”, or that you require “further evaluation by a liver specialist”, please call Dr. Narula at (813) 994-4800 to schedule your noninvasive liver assessment today!

Everything patients need to know about a liver examination with FibroScan®. Why need it? When and how to undergo a FibroScan®?

07/07/2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is part of the metabolic syndrome characterized by diabetes, or pre-diabetes (insulin resistance), being overweight or obese, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as high blood pressure.

NAFLD is a very common disorder and refers to an accumulation of excess fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. The most common form of NAFLD is a non serious condition called fatty liver. In fatty liver, fat accumulates in the liver cells. Although having fat in the liver is not normal, by itself it probably does not damage the liver. A small group of people with NAFLD may have a more serious condition named non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In NASH, fat accumulation is associated with liver cell inflammation and different degrees of scarring. NASH is a potentially serious condition that may lead to severe liver scarring and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis occurs when the liver sustains substantial damage, and the liver cells are gradually replaced by scar tissue, which results in the inability of the liver to work properly.

The majority of individuals with NAFLD have no symptoms and a normal examination. On physical examination the liver might be slightly enlarged.

The diagnosis of NAFLD is usually first suspected with mild elevations in their liver tests during a routine blood testing or incidentally detected on abdominal ultrasound or CT scan. However NAFLD can be present with normal liver blood tests. The diagnosis of NAFLD is confirmed by imaging studies, most commonly a liver ultrasound. Fat accumulation in the liver can also be caused by excess alcohol intake, certain medications, viral hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, and metabolic or inherited liver disease. These need to be excluded as causes of fatty liver disease in order to confirm the diagnosis of NAFLD. Currently, the only reliable way of telling whether a person has NASH or simple fatty liver is by a liver biopsy.

The most important recommendations for people with fatty liver are to lose weight if they are overweight or obese, increase their physical activity, follow a balanced diet and avoid alcohol and unnecessary medications.