About the Practice
At Central Coast Gastroenterology Associates Inc., Dr. Mukthinuthalapati, V V Pavan Kedar (AKA Dr. M /Dr. Kedar) provides comprehensive GI care and full-spectrum advanced endoscopic services to patients in both Santa Cruz and Los Gatos. As the region’s first and only advanced endoscopist in Santa Cruz County, he established the area’s first therapeutic EUS program and has performed some of the most complex pancreaticobiliary and endoscopic procedures in the community.
His practice is grounded in collaboration, academic rigor, and a commitment to delivering safe, minimally invasive treatments that reduce the need for surgery and support faster recovery. With expanded services now available in Los Gatos, patients across the South Bay have local access to procedures that previously required referral to tertiary medical centers.
Dr. Mukthinuthalapati, V V Pavan Kedar (AKA Dr. M /Dr. Kedar) expertise—including advanced care for pancreatic disease, complex biliary disorders, challenging polyps, and GI cancer diagnosis and staging—paired with exceptional outcomes such as low post-ERCP pancreatitis rates and the ability to perform radiation-free ERCP in pregnancy, reflects his meticulous, patient-centered approach. Above all, the practice is dedicated to providing honest, precise, and compassionate care to every patient.
About Mukthinuthalapati, V V Pavan Kedar (AKA Dr. M /Dr. Kedar)
A Leader in Advanced Endoscopy — For the past two years, Dr. Pavan Kedar has served as the only advanced endoscopist in Santa Cruz County, establishing the region’s first therapeutic EUS program and performing the area’s most complex pancreaticobiliary and endoscopic procedures. His approach is grounded in collaboration, academic inquiry, and deep clinical expertise.
Building on this foundation, Dr. Kedar has expanded his practice into Los Gatos, offering the same high-quality care to patients across the South Bay. With advanced endoscopy services available at both locations, patients now have local access to procedures that once required travel to tertiary centers.
Dr. Kedar’s clinical focus includes pancreatic disease, complex biliary disorders, large and challenging polyps, GI cancer diagnosis and staging, and minimally invasive treatments that help avoid surgery and shorten recovery times. His procedural outcomes—including exceptionally low post-ERCP pancreatitis rates and the ability to perform radiation-free ERCP in pregnancy—reflect a careful, patient-centered technique.
Above all, he remains committed to delivering honest, precise, and compassionate care to every patient he sees.
Professional Achievements of Mukthinuthalapati, V V Pavan Kedar (AKA dr. M /Dr. Kedar)
1. First in Santa Cruz County: Flexible Endoscopic Septotomy (Zenker’s Diverticulotomy)
Performed the county’s first flexible endoscopic treatment of Zenker’s diverticulum, providing a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
2. First Therapeutic EUS Program in the County
Established the region’s first comprehensive therapeutic EUS program, including:
- Endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (GJ) — first in county
- Multiple pancreatic cyst drainages
- Advanced pancreaticobiliary interventions previously unavailable locally
3. First Radiation-Free ERCP in a Pregnant Patient in Santa Cruz County
Performed the county’s first completely radiation-free ERCP, enabling safe biliary intervention during pregnancy with zero fetal radiation exposure — a rare capability even among major academic centers.
4. Exceptionally Low Post-ERCP Pancreatitis Rate (~1%)
Among the lowest rates nationally, particularly notable just two years out of fellowship, reflecting refined technique, judgment, and meticulous care.
5. Broad Expertise in Interventional Gastroenterology
Skilled in all major aspects of advanced GI, including ERCP, therapeutic EUS, large polypectomy, complex resection, pancreaticobiliary interventions, luminal therapy, and minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.
6. 95th Percentile on National Board Examinations
Placed above the 95th percentile nationally, demonstrating broad, high-level GI knowledge and mastery.
7. Scholarships & Research Excellence
Awarded multiple scholarships and research grants throughout medical school and fellowship. Research in GI cancers and therapeutic endoscopy has earned 336+ citations in peer-reviewed literature.
8. Google Scholar
View Dr. Kedar’s publications and citations on Google Scholar: Google Scholar Profile
Referral Process
Submit the Referral
Fax all referral documents, including patient demographics, insurance information, relevant clinic notes, labs or imaging, and the requested procedure or consultation, to (800) 785-5318.
Referral Review
Our care coordination team reviews each referral to ensure the appropriate procedure or consultation, confirm medical necessity, and identify any required pre-authorizations.
Patient Contact and Scheduling
Once the referral is reviewed, we contact the patient to confirm referral details, schedule the appointment or procedure, and provide preparation instructions.
Updates to Referring Provider
We keep referring clinicians informed by providing appointment confirmations, procedure notes and pathology results, and follow-up recommendations.
Patient Communication
Stay Connected with Your Care Team
We use Klara, a secure and easy-to-use patient communication platform that allows patients to:
- Send messages directly to their care team.
- Receive appointment reminders and updates.
- Share images or documents securely.
- Access test results and follow-up instructions.
Klara ensures you stay informed, connected, and supported throughout your care journey.