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 abdominal pain pattern (timing, triggers, radiation), weight changes, stool characteristics (steatorrhea), and risk factors such as alcohol use, smoking, diabetes, or family history of pancreatic disease.
He orders serum amylase and lipase to detect pancreatic inflammation, liver function tests to rule out hepatobiliary causes, glucose/HbA1c to assess endocrine function, and fat-soluble vitamin levels (A, D, E, K) to check for malabsorption.
Fecal elastase measurement evaluates exocrine pancreatic output, while quantitative stool fat testing confirms steatorrhea.
Secretin stimulation testing or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) may be used to directly assess enzyme secretion and tissue integrity, and to guide therapeutic interventions like ERCP if blockages or stones are identified.
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.
Diagnosis is confirmed through stool elastase, blood vitamin levels, and imaging tests like ultrasound, CT, or MRI.
Most patients notice symptom relief within 1-2 weeks of starting enzyme replacement therapy.
Diet modifications help, but enzyme replacement therapy is usually necessary to ensure proper nutrient absorption.
Most people tolerate enzyme supplements well; rare side effects include mild abdominal cramps or constipation.
Most insurance plans cover enzyme therapy and related tests. Our billing team can verify your benefits.
Yes. Conditions like cystic fibrosis can cause exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in children. Early diagnosis is key.
