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 discusses your bowel habits, diet, fluid intake, medication use (especially opioids), activity level and any risk factors for chronic constipation or nerve injury.
He performs an abdominal exam to check for distention or tenderness, then gently conducts a digital rectal exam to feel for hard stool in the rectum.
The diagnosis is recorded under code K56.41 (Fecal impaction) to ensure accurate documentation and streamline insurance processing.
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.
Constipation means stools are hard or infrequent. Fecal impaction means a large, dry stool is stuck in the rectum and cannot pass without treatment.
You may experience abdominal pain, rectal pressure, nausea, vomiting, or notice watery stool leaking around the blockage.
The ICD-10 code is K56.41, used for documenting the diagnosis and facilitating insurance claims.
No. Surgery is rare. Most cases are resolved with laxatives, enemas, suppositories, or manual removal in the office.
Yes. Drinking plenty of water and eating a high-fiber diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps keep stools soft and prevents impaction.
It can be. Seek immediate care if you have severe pain, persistent vomiting, or cannot pass stool or gas.
