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Top Intestinal Lymphangiectasia Specialist

Intestinal lymphangiectasia is an intestinal disorder that is characterized by the swelling of the lymph vessels which leak fat and proteins. Swelling, diarrhea and fatigue are symptoms to be recognized early so that they can be managed. Dr. Bharat Pothuri is the specialist in Houston who offers professional diagnosis, customized nutrition, and advanced treatment.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri

About the Expert

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.

General Causes and Risk Factors.

  • Primary (congenital) genesis of intestinal lymphatic malformation of intestinal vessels.
  • Lymphatic Secondary injury associated with infections, surgery or inflammation.
  • Heart disease (e.g., congenital heart defects, congestive failure) of an underlying nature.
  • Gynecological and liver diseases: cirrhosis.
  • Lymphatic flow autoimmune diseases.
  • Vascular or lymphatic malformation in the family.
  • Any tumor or radiations or other mechanisms that block the lymph drainage.

Signs and Symptoms

  • The legs, feet or face swell (edema).
  • Bulky and greasy stools that are recurrent (steatorrhea)
  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Unintended weight loss
  • General fatigue or weakness of muscle.
  • Bloating in the abdomen, pain or discomfort.
  • Higher rate of infection as a result of loss of immune cells.

Intestinal Lymphangiectasia Treatment by dr. Bharat Pothuri.

Dr. Pothuri works in a step by step manner:

Medical History and Physical Examination

He examines your history—swelling, diarrhea, greasy bowel movements, weight loss, fatigue and stomach aches—and family history of lymphatic or autoimmune disease. An additional problem is measured by a focused test of the edema of the legs, face, and abdomen.

Blood Tests

We check the serum albumin and total protein to identify the loss of protein and lymphocyte to check the loss of immune cells and electrolyte to check the imbalance.

Stool Studies

Diagnosis Malabsorption is confirmed by quantitative fecal fat tests. Markers such as stool elastase are used to exclude the possibility of pancreatic insufficiency.

Imaging Studies

  • MRI Enterography provides images of the thickening and edema of the bowel walls and mesenteric edema.
  • Ascites are detected with ultrasound and may indicate the enlargement of lymphatic ducts.

Endoscopy with Biopsy

A duodenal and jejunus endoscopy can be done with the use of an upper GI. Small biopsy tests are done to ensure lymphangiectasia and other sources of epigastric pains or malabsorption.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team provides a complete spectrum of services to the intestinal lymphangiectasia.

1. Eating and Health Management.

  • Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil) enriched low-fat diet.
  • Protein rich diets to supplement the lost proteins.
  • Frequent meals should be smaller to enhance absorption.
  • Individualised vitamin and mineral supplementation.

2. Medications

  • Diuretic to discourage fluid retention.
  • Intermittent protein (albumin) intravenous fluid to treat hypoalbuminemia.
  • Select case Anti-inflammatory agents.
  • Vitamin-A, D, E, K and minerals are supportive.

3. Surgical Procedures- Minimally Invasive or Advanced.

  • Endoscopic lumbar embolization of ruptured vessels.
  • Laparoscopic operation to prevent or debride destroyed lymphatics.
  • Serial surgical resection of intestinal segments in the case of necessity.
1.5K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the confirmation of this condition?

The diagnosis is checked by the help of blood and stool tests, imaging (MRI or ultrasound) to see the swollen lymphatics, and endoscopy with biopsy where necessary.

Can food changes help?

Yes. MCT oil add to a low-fat, high-protein diet is capable of greatly decreasing the symptoms, and a lot of patients experience improvements in several weeks of changing their diet.

Is it a lifelong condition?

It depends. Other individuals will react and deprive to the treatment and can potentially end up being cured permanently, whereas others will need continuous feeding and medication.

Is it genetic?

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is familial but there are secondary cases which occur as a result of other problems like infections, surgery, or organ disease and are not passed on.

Does insurance cover it?

The needed tests and treatments are included into most insurance programs. We will assist our office personnel to assist you in confirming your benefits and take you through the insurance procedure.

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