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.
According to Schatzki, the ring is a circular band of tissue that is thin and appears like a ring and develops at the lower part of the esophagus. It could constrict the food entry and lead to a periodic obstruction in swallowing solid food, which involves meat or bread. The condition is most prevalent in adults over the age of 40 and it is normally accompanied by chronic acid reflux or hiatal hernia.
He discusses your issues with swallowing, heartburn or reflux, whether you have ever had a hiatal hernia and other risk factors (tobacco use or family history).
This is accomplished by feeding a small thin, flexible tube with light into the esophagus with the help of the mouth and performing a direct observation of the ring to measure its size and the inflammation or ulceration it has.
The x-rays are employed to outline the esophagus and identify the accurate location and degree of constraint of the ring by swallowing a contrast solution.
The test is carried out to assess the severity and coordination of esophagus muscle movements to exclude other motility disorders which have the potential to mimic the symptoms.
Nevertheless, in 24-48 hours, a tiny probe or wireless capsule measures the acid concentration in your esophagus to determine the extent of the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that causes the formation of rings.
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.
Ring Schatzki refers to a strip of tissue located at the lower end of the esophagus and it might cause narrowing of the passage. Dr. Pothuri provides non-surgical dilation via endoscope, ring incision, and acid-reflux therapy to bring long-term relief.
Yes. Swallowing solid food like meat, bread, or pills is difficult for many patients, who may feel the food lodged in their chest.
Many patients achieve long-term remission after one or two sessions of dilation or incision. If symptoms recur, some may undergo repetitive therapy.
Effective alternatives include balloon or bougie dilation to stretch the ring, endoscopic cutting (incision), and in some cases, radiofrequency ablation to reduce recurrence.
Yes. Procedures are done under conscious sedation or light anesthesia to ensure you remain pain-free and comfortable.
Most patients start with a soft diet the same day, progressing to regular foods within 1–2 days depending on comfort and swallowing ability.
Yes. Dr. Pothuri schedules follow-ups to manage healing, adjust medications, and maintain symptom control.
