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 symptoms-pain location (around the belly button or lower right), duration, any bleeding, past abdominal infections-and performs a careful abdominal exam for tenderness, swelling or signs of peritonitis.
We check white blood cell count to detect infection and hemoglobin levels to assess for anemia from bleeding.
A technetium-99m nuclear scan highlights gastric or pancreatic tissue in the diverticulum, confirming the diagnosis.
An upper or lower endoscopy may be performed to exclude other sources of gastrointestinal bleeding or inflammation.
Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1K 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.
Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital pouch in the small intestine. When food or stool gets trapped, bacteria can overgrow and cause inflammation. Treatment includes dietary changes, antibiotics, pain relief, and, if needed, minimally invasive surgery to remove the pouch.
Yes. The inflamed pouch can ulcerate and bleed, leading to bright red or dark, tarry stools.
Diagnosis combines blood tests for infection or anemia, imaging (CT scan or ultrasound), a specialized Meckel's scan to detect active tissue, and sometimes endoscopy.
Yes. A gastroenterologist like Dr. Pothuri has the expertise to accurately diagnose and manage Meckel's diverticulitis with personalized care plans.
Most patients go home within 1-2 days after minimally invasive resection, begin light activities soon after, and return to a normal diet within a week.
