Dr. Anil Bellur Seetharam MD, Internist
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Dr. Anil Bellur Seetharam MD

Gastroenterologist | Gastroenterology

5/5(21)
9767 North 91st Street 100 Scottsdale AZ, 85258
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Rating

5/5

About

Dr. Seetharam is a board certified gastroenterologist and transplant hepatologist with Arizona Digestive Health in Scottsdale. In a distinguished academic career, he rose to UNOS Medical Director of liver transplantation at one of the highest volume centers in the country. He has performed extensive clinical research with over 100 published peer reviewed studies, national abstracts and book chapters. Driven by a desire to prevent most GI/liver disorders before they create serious problems and promote wellness, Dr. Seetharam is thrilled to offer office consultations on all GI/liver issues and performs GI procedures (EGD, colonoscopy, enteroscopy) at Scottsdale Endoscopy Center. Dr. Seetharam serves as chair of the Medical Advisory Board of the American Liver Foundation in the Southwest and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona.

Education and Training

U of Wisconsin-Madison MD 2005

Washington University STL Internal Medicine 2008

Washington University STL Gastroenterology 2011

Washington University STL Transplant Hepatology 2012

Board Certification

Gastroenterology (Internal Medicine)

Transplant Hepatology (Internal Medicine)

Internal MedicineAmerican Board of Internal MedicineABIM- Gastroenterology

Provider Details

Male English
Dr. Anil Bellur Seetharam MD
Dr. Anil Bellur Seetharam MD's Expert Contributions
  • What does a bright orange substance in my stool mean?

    Mucus in the stools may be a result of colonic inflammation or hemorrhoids. There are other possibilities. If these abnormalities have been persistent, would make an appointment to see a gastroenterologist. READ MORE

  • Stool test?

    Stool may become more acidic in the context of lactose intolerance or an infection. Next steps depends upon your symptoms. Would review these results with your PCP and if you are having GI symptoms ask them about a referral to a gastroenterologist. READ MORE

  • Stomach problems?

    Transit through the intestine and the color, content and caliber of our stools are highly variable. Would speak to your PCP about obtaining basic laboratory workup to rule out infection and assess your blood sugars. READ MORE

  • My bowel movements are not right?

    It is reassuring that you have had a high quality colonoscopy within the last year. Also reassuring that there is no blood in your stool. Certainly there has been some stress, and this can affect frequency or character of bowel movements. Would consider increasing dietary fiber bulk stools more and perhaps avoid excessive caffeine or gum chewing (if you do those things) and monitor. If changes persist would review these issues with your primary care. Another consideration would be to keep a food diary, tracking what you eat and any subsequent bowel movement characteristics to look for patterns. READ MORE

  • What should I do?

    Blood in your stools is a concerning symptom and warrants a discussion and further investigation with your physician. Would make an effort to stay very well hydrated with water and contact your primary care physician. READ MORE

  • What should I avoid eating with acid reflux?

    Association with between certain foods can occur; however, sometimes results are not as predictable as we would like. Would suggest a diary of reflux symptoms after association with various foods to idetify any particular triggers. Avoidance of "spicy foods," caffeine, tomato sauce etc. is often suggested and this certainly can be tried as well READ MORE

  • What's the best medicine for acid reflux?

    There are several options for acid supression. Medicines such as proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole, esopmeprazole) can be good options when taken 30 minutes to an hour before meals. Another class of medicines works on a different pathway to acid suppress and can be helpful as well: famotidine. It's not clear that there is a "best" option and sometimes takes trial and error. If symptoms of upset stomach persist despite a trial of antacid for a few days would seek advice from your physician. Anil Seetharam MD READ MORE

  • What drink helps an upset stomach?

    Water and bland foods, bread, rice, apple sauce, toast may all be applicable. Would avoid caffeine or dairy while your stomach is upset. Sometimes, ginger ale or sprite may be good. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, have diarrhea, or fever, would consult with your physician as soon as possible. READ MORE

  • Rectal bleeding?

    Blood in the stools is always concerning. Would recommend you go to an emergency room for physical exam and laboratory evaluation READ MORE

  • Should I have a colonoscopy if I have abdominal pain?

    Colonoscopy is the best test available for colon cancer screening. It’s utility in the workup of abdominal pain depends on the specifics of your pain and associated findings. If you have symptoms that are in line with diverticulitis, then it’s likely more appropriate to consider imaging of the abdomen and antibiotics before pursuing colonoscopy. Other associated symptoms such as blood in the stool may warrant more urgent endoscopic evaluation. A key first step is to meet with a gastroenterologist to review the characteristics of your abdominal pain; together you can determine the best course of action. READ MORE

  • Why do I get gas pains at night?

    Gas pains and bloating are common and these symptoms may occur at any time of the day or night. Sometimes, they occur as a result of ingestion of particularly gas forming foods. If gas pain is recurring at night, a good first step would be to review intake for dinner and any snack thereafter. Minimization of particularly “gassy” foods at these times may alleviate discomfort. In addition, one must review the time of their ingestion to the time of laying down for bed. If this difference is only 30 minutes to an hour, this may precipitate gas. Try to space out at least 3 hours from last ingestion to laying down. If symptoms persist despite a trial of above, would discuss in detail with your provider. READ MORE

  • Can antibiotics cause diarrhea 2 weeks after taking them?

    Antibiotics may be associated with diarrhea for a number of different reasons. Use may be associated with diarrhea as a side effect. In addition, certain antibiotics may alter bacterial populations in the colon; allowing certain pathogenic (diarrhea causing ones) to overpopulate. An example of this would be clostridium difficile infection which may occur during or after discontinuation of certain antibiotics. If diarrhea or abdominal pain persists one should seek attention with a provider who can test for this in the stool. READ MORE

  • What is the fastest way to cure a stomach ulcer?

    Stomach ulcers can be very troubling as a source of both pain and internal bleeding. When identified during an endoscopic evaluation, your physician may counsel you on various strategies to promote healing. One of the cornerstones of gastric ulcer healing is acid suppressors and these generally should be taken twice a day (often about 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner) for about 2 months...though this should be reviewed with your physician. In addition, sometimes a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori can cause gastric ulcers--this may require antibiotics along with acid suppressant medicines. Common offending medicines such aspirin, ibuprofen, or aleve can cause ulcers and these may need to be stopped. Ideally, avoidance of inhaled tobacco and excessive alcohol will help as well. Lastly, if your GI doctor identifies gastric ulcers on endoscopy, he or she may want to repeat an upper endoscopic exam about 3 months from the last exam to make sure things are healing as they should. READ MORE

  • Stomach pain?

    Abdominal pain can be complicated. Would consider making a diary of your symptoms, specifically what you feel, when you feel it, and if there is any change in character or intensity with things like deep breaths, meal ingestions, movements of your body or bowel movements. Identifying patterns can help your provider localize where the discomfort may be coming from and help generate a management plan if the discomfort persists. Anil Seetharam MD READ MORE

  • How long do you need to go gluten free to notice a difference?

    In our experience, many feel an improvement in abdominal symptoms/bowel habits within 3-4 weeks. Many feel dramatically better after 3-4 months. Some of the anatomic/architectural changes in the small bowel may take a bit longer. It's key to review dietary ingestions for any "hidden" forms of gluten. Thoughtful review with a nutrionist can be very helpful. READ MORE

Expert Publications

Data provided by the National Library of Medicine

Areas of expertise and specialization

ColonoscopyUpper EndoscopyAll forms of liver disease

Faculty Titles & Positions

  • Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix 2020 - Present
  • Chair, Medical Advisory Board American Liver Foundation-Arizona 2019 - 2021

Awards

  • T32 National Research Scholar Award 2010 National Institutes of Health (NIH) 
  • Alpha Omega Alpha 2005 University of WIsconsin School of Medicine 

Professional Memberships

  • American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy  
  • American Gastroenterological Association  
  • American Association of the Study of Liver Diseases  
  • American Society of Transplantation  

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

  • Make-A-Wish Foundation

Areas of research

Fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, adenoma detection during colonoscopy

Dr. Anil Bellur Seetharam MD's Practice location

9767 North 91st Street 100 -
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
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New patients: 480-860-1990
Fax: 480-860-1887
https://www.arizonadigestivehealth.com/providers/anil-seetharam-md/

Dr. Anil Bellur Seetharam MD's reviews

(21)
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Patient Experience with Dr. Seetharam


5.0

Based on 21 reviews

Dr. Anil Bellur Seetharam MD has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 21 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Gastroenterologist in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

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    The Colon is the last organ of the digestive system. It can also be referred to as the large intestine, and it runs from the small intestine to the back passage. A colonoscopy is a procedure used to inspect the colon. The colon is a cancer prone area, and a colonoscopy is used to detect ulcers,...

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SCOTTSDALE OSBORN MEDICAL CENTERl

7400 EAST OSBORN ROAD SCOTTSDALE AZ 85251

9767 N 91st St, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, USA
Head west toward N 91st St
121 ft
Turn left onto N 91st St
0.3 mi
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0.2 mi
Turn left onto N 90th St/E Vía LindaContinue to follow N 90th St
0.3 mi
Turn left to merge onto AZ-101 Loop S
4.8 mi
Take exit 47 for Indian School Rd
0.4 mi
Turn right onto E Indian School RdPass by KFC (on the right in 1.1 mi)
1.9 mi
Turn left onto N Drinkwater Blvd
0.4 mi
Turn right onto E 4th St
200 ft
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115 ft
Turn rightDestination will be on the right
85 ft
7400 E Osborn Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA

8.5 miSee direction

SCOTTSDALE SHEA MEDICAL CENTERl

9003 EAST SHEA BOULEVARD SCOTTSDALE AZ 85260

9767 N 91st St, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, USA
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121 ft
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233 ft
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0.2 mi
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0.2 mi
At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on N 90th St
0.2 mi
Turn right onto E Scottsdale Healthcare Shea
102 ft
Continue straight to stay on E Scottsdale Healthcare SheaRestricted usage roadDestination will be on the right
131 ft
9003 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA

0.7 miSee direction

SCOTTSDALE THOMPSON PEAK MEDICAL CENTERl

7400 EAST THOMPSON PEAK PARKWAY SCOTTSDALE AZ 85255

9767 N 91st St, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, USA
Head west toward N 91st St
121 ft
Turn left onto N 91st St
0.3 mi
Turn right onto E Vía Linda
0.2 mi
Turn left onto N 90th St/E Vía LindaContinue to follow N 90th St
0.3 mi
Take the ramp onto AZ-101 Loop N
3.7 mi
Keep left to stay on AZ-101 Loop N
3.8 mi
Take exit 34 for Scottsdale Rd
0.3 mi
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0.1 mi
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0.7 mi
Turn right onto E Thompson Peak Pkwy
0.2 mi
Turn left onto N Scottsdale Healthcare Dr
246 ft
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233 ft
Turn leftDestination will be on the left
52 ft
7400 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA

9.8 miSee direction