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Top Anal Fissures Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu

Top Anal Fissures Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu

Do you experience painful bowel movements tears? Dr. Scott is among the board-certified doctors in GastroDoxs in Houston who deals in diagnosis and treatment of anal fissure on the basis of individualized and least invasive procedures. We provide treatment relief with a caring attitude because what is required is just dietary counsel, or even complicated surgeries.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
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Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • GIT: Straining or difficult bowel movement.
  • Passing hard or large stools.
  • Long-term diarrhea.
  • Anal perineal trauma or delivery.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn, ulcerative colitis).
  • Reduced anorectal blood supply.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Acute pain, often severe and on the occasion of or after a bowel movement.
  • Itchiness or burning of the anal region.
  • Dark red blood on the stool or on the toilet paper.
  • Tear or crack on the anus skin.
  • Tightness or anal sphincter muscle spasms.

How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Anal Fissures

Dr. Scott begins with a gentle physical exam to understand your symptoms:

Physical Exam

He interrogates about your symptoms and bathroom-going habits to gain certain information.

Anoscopy

Dr. Scott can use a small device called aanoscope to examine the area around the anus.

In-Office Diagnosis

This test can be applied to determine the distinction between anal fissure, hemorrhoids and other conditions like fistulas.

Dr. Scott
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for anal fissures.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Changes

  • Enhance the water intake to facilitate softening of stool.
  • Fiber should be added slowly (take supplements, e.g., psyllium or methylcellulose).
  • Do not strain — use the toilet when you need to use it.

2. Medications

  • Topical creams (such as nifedipine or nitroglycerin) to relax the sphincter muscle.
  • Weaker laxatives, prescribed as stool softeners.
  • Topical analgesia Lidocaine ointments.

3. Minimally Invasive or Surgical Procedures

  • Weak spasms are injected with botox.
  • Lateral internal sphincter incision of non-healing, chronic fissures.
  • In extreme uncommon situations fissureectomy or flap surgery.
Scott Liu

About the Expert

Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spontaneously healed anal fissures?

Others do so, especially with a high-fiber diet and stool softeners. In case the pain or bleeding does not resolve in 4–6 weeks, then it is time to see the doctor.

What is the difference between fissure and hemorrhoid?

Fissures and hemorrhoids differ — hemorrhoids are swollen veins, while a fissure is a small tear in the skin around the anus. They can co-exist, requiring different treatment approaches.

Do fissures cause itching?

Yes. Healing skin can itch. Do not scratch and instead apply sitz baths to relieve pain and discomfort.

Are fiber supplements safe?

Yes. Psyllium and methylcellulose are gentle and effective. Always take them with plenty of water.

Will I need surgery?

Most anal fissures respond well to Botox, dietary changes, or topical creams. In severe or chronic cases, surgery may be necessary.

How fast will I feel better?

Many patients experience symptom improvement within 1–2 weeks of starting treatment.

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