Dr. Ramesh Reddy Avula

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Dr. Ramesh Reddy Avula's areas of expertise?

Dr. Avula specializes in a wide range of gastroenterological conditions, including liver diseases, chronic diarrhoeas, corrosive injuries, dysphagia, pancreatitis, and related complications. He is also proficient in diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower GI endoscopies, managing upper GI bleeds, esophageal strictures, polypectomies, biliary stent exchange, lower GI bleed management, small intestinal telangiectasia, and foreign body removal.

What is endoscopy, and what are its primary uses in gastroenterology?

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera and light source (endoscope) into the body to examine the digestive tract. In gastroenterology, endoscopy is primarily used for diagnostic purposes, such as investigating symptoms like abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and difficulty swallowing. It's also used therapeutically for procedures like removing polyps, obtaining biopsies, and treating bleeding ulcers.

What is ERCP, and in what conditions is it typically used?

ERCP stands for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. It's a specialized endoscopic procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. ERCP is commonly used in conditions such as gallstones obstructing the bile ducts, pancreatitis, bile duct strictures, and tumors in the pancreas or bile ducts. During ERCP, a flexible endoscope is guided through the mouth and into the duodenum, where a contrast dye is injected into the bile ducts and pancreas ducts, allowing for X-ray imaging to identify any abnormalities.

What is endoscopic ultrasonography, and how does it differ from traditional endoscopy?

Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS) is a procedure that combines endoscopy with ultrasound technology to obtain detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding organs. Unlike traditional endoscopy, which primarily provides visual information, EUS allows for imaging beyond the lining of the digestive tract, providing views of the surrounding structures such as the pancreas, liver, and lymph nodes. EUS is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like pancreatic cancer, bile duct abnormalities, and staging gastrointestinal cancers.

What does medical gastroenterology entail, and when should one seek consultation with a medical gastroenterologist?

Medical Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the digestive system. This includes conditions related to the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss should seek consultation with a medical gastroenterologist. These specialists are trained to evaluate and manage a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders through methods such as medication, lifestyle changes, endoscopic procedures, and, when necessary, surgical intervention.