Expert Treatment for Esophageal Strictures by Dr. Bharat Pothuri
Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He examines your swallowing difficulties, chest pain or in the epigastric area, heartburn, weight loss, evaluates risk factors, including GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis or radiation-related risk.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
An elastic scope is introduced into your esophagus and straight into your stricture to visually examine your stricture, biopsy the inflammation or allergy, and assess mucosal health.
Barium Swallow X-Ray
Under fluoroscopy you drink a barium solution to outline the esophageal lumen, map narrowing sites and observe bolus transit.
Esophageal Manometry
Thin pressure sensors are the sensors which can be used to examine the strength and coordination of esophageal muscle contractions during swallowing.
24-Hour pH Monitoring
An acid probe is used to measure the level of acid exposure in time, and the reflux incidence is interrelated with your epigastric pain and used to direct medical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
So what is available in Houston?
GastroDoxs, located near the Texas Medical Center, offers safe, same-day esophageal dilation procedures performed by Dr. Pothuri.
What is the length of post-dilation recovery?
For most patients, symptoms improve within 1–2 days, and normal eating can usually be resumed shortly thereafter.
Will the stricture come back?
It depends. Some patients only require a single treatment, while others may need repeated dilations over time.
When should I see a doctor?
Seek medical evaluation promptly if swallowing becomes painful, food gets stuck, or if the esophagus feels narrowed.
Can strictures cause serious problems?
Yes. Untreated strictures may lead to inadequate nutrition, ongoing pain, or even breathing difficulties in severe cases.
Am I going to require several treatments?
This depends on the underlying cause. Some patients need periodic follow-ups and repeated dilations, while others may only require a single procedure.
Does dilation involve anesthesia?
Yes. The procedure is performed under light sedation or anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable and relaxed during treatment.