Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
He reviews your recent surgeries, hospital stays, medication use (especially narcotics or anticholinergics), and underlying conditions like diabetes or Parkinson's. He then performs a careful abdominal exam to assess distention, tenderness, and bowel sounds.
We draw labs to check white blood cell count, electrolytes, kidney function, and inflammatory markers-ruling out infection, dehydration, and metabolic imbalances that can mimic or worsen pseudoobstruction.
A diagnostic colonoscopy allows direct visualization of the colon to confirm no true obstruction and enables therapeutic decompression when indicated.
In select cases, specialized transit studies or manometry help assess nerve and muscle function within the colon.
Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
It is a condition where the large intestine stops moving normally, causing symptoms of blockage without any physical obstruction.
It can occur after surgery or serious illness, with certain medications (like narcotics or anticholinergics), or from chronic conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson's, nerve or spinal damage, or prolonged bed rest.
Common signs include belly bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, and feeling full quickly.
Treatment may involve diet and lifestyle changes, pro-motility medications, IV fluids, pain management avoiding narcotics, or procedures like colonoscopic decompression or percutaneous endoscopic colostomy.
Some patients experience relief within hours of decompression or medication, while others may need a few days of supportive care.
If untreated, the colon can become overly distended and risk perforation or infection. Early diagnosis and management prevent serious complications.
Mild cases may be managed at home with close follow-up. Severe cases often require a brief hospital stay for IV fluids, monitoring, and possible endoscopic intervention.
