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.
Schatzki's ring is a thin, circular band of tissue that forms at the lower end of the esophagus. It can narrow the food passage and lead to intermittent difficulty swallowing solid foods such as meat or bread. This condition most often develops in adults over 40 and is frequently linked to chronic acid reflux or a hiatal hernia.
He discusses your swallowing difficulties, heartburn or reflux episodes, any history of hiatal hernia, and other risk factors such as tobacco use or family history.
A thin, flexible, lighted tube is passed through the mouth into the esophagus to directly visualize the ring, assess its size, and look for associated inflammation or ulceration.
You swallow a contrast solution while X-rays are taken to outline the esophagus and pinpoint the ring's exact location and degree of narrowing.
This test measures the strength and coordination of esophageal muscle contractions to rule out other motility disorders that can mimic symptoms.
A small probe or wireless capsule records acid levels in your esophagus over 24-48 hours to determine the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) contributing to ring formation.
Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 677 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.
Schatzki's ring is a thin band of tissue at the lower esophagus that can narrow the passage. Dr. Pothuri treats it non-surgically with endoscopic dilation, ring incision, and acid-reflux management for lasting relief.
Yes. Most patients notice difficulty swallowing solid foods like meat, bread, or pills, often feeling food stick in the chest.
Many patients achieve long-term relief after one or two dilation or incision sessions. A few may need repeat treatments if symptoms recur.
Effective options include balloon or bougie dilation to stretch the ring, endoscopic cutting (incision), and in select cases radiofrequency ablation to reduce recurrence.
Yes. All endoscopic treatments are done under conscious sedation or light anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable and pain-free.
Most patients start with a soft diet the same day, advancing to regular foods within 1-2 days, based on comfort and swallowing ability.
Yes. Dr. Pothuri schedules follow-up appointments to monitor healing, adjust medications, and ensure your symptoms stay resolved.
