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 risk factors (IV drug use, unlicensed tattoos/piercings, transfusions before 1992), asks about symptoms such as epigastric discomfort, fatigue, jaundice, and performs an abdominal exam to check for liver enlargement or tenderness.
We order HCV antibody and RNA assays to confirm infection, plus liver function tests (ALT, AST) to assess ongoing liver injury.
In select cases, a percutaneous liver biopsy gauges inflammation and fibrosis, or endoscopy checks for varices if portal hypertension is suspected.
Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.3K 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.
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It can lead to chronic liver disease if untreated.
It spreads through blood-to-blood contact-most commonly via sharing needles, unsterile medical equipment, or blood transfusions before 1992.
Many people have no symptoms. When present, they include fatigue, jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain, and dark urine.
Diagnosis involves blood tests an antibody test to screen, and an HCV RNA test to confirm active infection.
Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications can cure over 95% of cases in 8-12 weeks with minimal side effects.
Prevention includes avoiding sharing needles, screening blood products, and using standard precautions in healthcare settings.
Yes. Patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis need lifelong hepatology follow-up and liver cancer screening.
