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Top Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Specialist

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) refers to a long term liver disease characterized by an inflammation and scarring of the bile duct that is commonly associated with ulcerative colitis. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Bharat Pothuri provides a total care of PSC diagnosis to individual treatments and other innovative therapies.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
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American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
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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.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Bowel diseases, inflammatory bowel disease in particular, ulcerative colitis in particular.
  • Autogenic and autoimmune susceptibility.
  • The male gender is usually found between 30 and 50.
  • PSC/Autoimmune disorder family history.
  • Possible environmental stimuli or infections.

Signs and Symptoms

  • In the early stages no symptoms often obtain
  • Fatigue or general weakness
  • Itchy skin (pruritus)
  • Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)
  • Abdominal discomfort or pain on upper right
  • Blood urine and clay colored stools
  • Unexplained weight loss

Expert Treatment for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He examines your symptoms-particularly, epigastric pain, itchiness, weariness, and alterations in either stool or urine-color and analyzes risk personalities, which which could undermine ulcerative colitis or in a family background of autoimmune illness.

Blood Tests

Also, we test liver functioning (alkaline phosphatase, GGT, bilirubin) and autoimmune (p-ANCA) samples to determine cholestasis and exclude other liver diseases.

Imaging Studies

  • MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) in order to actively visualize sphincter ducts of the liver and inflammatory spots.
  • The presence of abdominal ultrasound to scan ductal dilation assessment and changes of liver texture.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) enables Novel inspection, sampling and disturbance of stenting in constricted ducts. A liver biopsy can be done infrequently to achieve diagnosis and fibrosis stage.

Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for primary sclerosing cholangitis.

1. Diet and Lifestyle Modifications

  • Low fat and high fiber meal plans are balanced.
  • Supplementation of boned health around the calcium and vitamin D.
  • The resources on alcohol avoidance and light exercise (walking, yoga).

2. Medications

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid to enhance the flow of bile.
  • Reliever; cholestyramine or rifampin to treat itching.
  • Dietary supplements malabsorption: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K.
  • Selective cases of immune-modulation therapies.

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Endoscopic dilation and stenting of tapered bile ducts.
  • Continuous surveillance and treatment of later scarring.
  • Liase with liver transplant teams to conduct assessment of transplantations.
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 difference between PBC and PSC?

PSC normally attends the larger bile ducts and is prevalent more in individuals with ulcerative colitis. PBC predominantly attacks smaller bile ducts and it is more frequent in the female gender.

How are antibody tests used in PSC?

The diagnostic blood tests include immune markers that are positive in PSC diagnosis. Findings are explained with the use of imaging tests such as ERCP or MRCP.

Is PSC treatment available in Houston?

Yes. GastroDoxs in Houston provides complete PSC care, such as diagnostic services, medical therapy, endoscopy, and transplant organization.

Can PSC lead to cirrhosis?

Yes. Unattended chronic inflammation and scarring of the bile duct will result in cirrhosis. In the early stages of the disease, intervention may boost or reduce liver damage.

Do I need a special diet for PSC?

It has been recommended to eat a balanced diet with very little saturated fat and high in terms of fiber and vitamins. Dr. The team of Pothuri offers customized nutrition-related counsel and supplements.

When is liver transplant needed?

Transplant is taken to be further when the liver function is considerably bad or the symptoms become worse even with the expected medical and endoscopic treatment. Dr. Pothuri works with Houston transplant centers.

How often should I follow up with my doctor?

How often the follow-up visits are usually scheduled depends upon your blood tests, the results of the imaging and the state of your condition based on your clinical symptoms.

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