Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a disorder in which the lymphatic vessels of the small intestine become abnormally dilated. As these enlarged vessels leak protein-rich fluid and lymph into the intestinal lumen, patients often develop swelling (edema), chronic diarrhea, and malnutrition. (ICD-10 Code: K83.0)
Dr. Chadha reviews your symptoms, past medical history, family history, and any risk factors that might contribute to lymphatic leakage.
Comprehensive blood panels check serum protein levels, albumin, lymphocyte counts, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) to assess malabsorption and malnutrition.
Fat quantification in stool samples helps measure how much dietary fat you're losing, which is a hallmark of lymphatic leakage in the gut.
An upper endoscopy (EGD) allows direct visualization of the small intestine. Biopsy samples from the intestinal lining confirm dilated lymphatic vessels under the microscope.
Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a condition where the lymph vessels in your small intestine become too wide and leak protein and fluid into the gut, leading to swelling, diarrhea, and poor nutrition.
It may be congenital (you're born with abnormal lymph vessels) or secondary to infections, tumors, heart disease, genetic disorders, or other chronic illnesses.
The ICD-10 code for intestinal lymphangiectasia is K83.0.
Yes. While often congenital, adults can develop it secondary to infections, heart problems, tumors, or long-term diseases.
Dr. Chadha uses a combination of your medical history, blood tests (protein, vitamins, immune markers), stool fat analysis, endoscopy with biopsy, and imaging (MR enterography or lymphangiography).
Treatment includes a low-fat diet with MCT oil, high-protein meals, fat-soluble vitamin supplements, medications like octreotide and diuretics, and advanced options such as endoscopic embolization or IV nutrition if needed.
Eat a low-fat diet enriched with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, increase protein intake, and supplement with vitamins A, D, E, and K. A personalized plan is provided by our nutrition expert.
Yes. Without treatment, ongoing protein and fluid loss can cause severe swelling (edema), infections, malnutrition, and other complications.
Absolutely. Dr. Rishi Chadha at GastroDoxs in Houston specializes in diagnosing and treating intestinal lymphangiectasia, with on-site testing and imaging for rapid care.
If you experience persistent swelling of the legs, arms, or abdomen; chronic diarrhea (especially greasy or oily stools); unexplained weight loss; or signs of nutrient deficiency, schedule an appointment right away.
