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 would enquire of you when your epigastric pain started, whether it is sharp or dull, whether you have nausea or early satiety, whether you have gained or lost weight, whether you take alcohol, whether you have had any previous pancreatitis, inflammatory gallbladder, family history of pancreatic disorders.
He requests pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase) and liver tests, and where necessary, tumor markers (CEA and CA 19-9) to differentiate among the benign cysts and the ones at risk.
During EUS, he could take fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to obtain cyst fluid to do cytology, biochemical analysis, and tumor marker assay-and give final results of type of cyst and risk of malignancy.
Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.8K 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.
Many pancreatic cysts are harmless. However, some may develop into cancer over time. Frequent imaging tests and regular follow-up help monitor and control any potential risks.
Warning signs include abdominal pain or pressure, feeling full quickly, unexplained weight loss, nausea or vomiting, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
The size, location, and characteristics are evaluated using CT and MRI scans. Endoscopic ultrasound and fluid sampling allow for cellular examination to distinguish cysts from tumors.
Some cysts only require regular imaging. Others may need endoscopic drainage or laparoscopic/robotic surgery depending on their size, symptoms, and cancer risk.
Lifestyle modifications can help preserve pancreatic health, including a low-fat diet, eating smaller meals more frequently, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and taking prescribed enzyme supplements.
If you experience alarming symptoms or imaging reveals a pancreatic cyst, consult a gastroenterologist for individualized assessment and treatment.
Endoscopic drainage is minimally invasive, performed by an experienced endoscopist, allows for fast recovery, and effectively relieves pain or pressure from larger cysts.
