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Best Colon Angioectasias Gastroenterologis
Colon angioectasias are small delicate colonic blood vessels that can be leaked leading to anemia and fatigue. Dr. Scott is a specialist with a history of more than 20 years of experience and uses sophisticated diagnostics and treatments in his practice at GastroDoxs in Houston to lead patients to a state of digestive health.
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
Aging - with the old age, the blood vessels weaken.
Heart or kidney disease - the impaired circulation may involve colonic vessels.
Problems with the lungs - the long-term lack of oxygen harms the walls of vessels.
Blood thinners - make one more prone to bleeding.
Parental history - genetic vulnerability to vessel fragility.
Signs and Symptoms
In early stages, but rarely symptoms.
Dark or black-colored stool (melena)
Low iron leads to fatigue or weakness.
Lightheadedness or dyspnea.
Variable blood tests with low red blood cell count.
In extreme situations, fainting or lightheadedness.
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Colon Angioectasias?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He questions your symptoms (melena, fatigue, dizziness), drugs (including blood thinners), and risk factors (including heart, lung, or kidney disease).
Blood Tests
A complete blood count (CBC) is the test we make to diagnose anemia, and to examine iron biochemistry to determine the amount of blood lost.
Endoscopic Evaluation
Colonoscopy - direct observation of the colon lining with the view to locating and usually treating angioectasias.
Capsule Endoscopy - this is a miniature camera that you swallow to help determine the cause of bleeding that a regular scope would not reach
Advanced Imaging
CT Colonography- Non-invasive scan that gives detailed 3D analysis of the colon in case of inconclusive or incomplete endoscopy.
Angiographic Studies (if needed)
Mesenteric angiography identifies active bleeding sites and may lead to treatment embolization in rare severe instances.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for colon angioectasias.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Consume food with a high amount of iron such as spinach, beans and lean meat.
Hydrate by taking lots of water.
Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Add fiber to promote normal bowel movement.
Stop smoking to ensure weak blood vessels are safe.
2. Medications
Dietary supplements of iron to treat anemia.
Close monitoring of the blood thinners under the direction of Dr. Scott.
Treatment of underlying heart, kidney and lung diseases.
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Endoscopic cauterization (e.g. argon plasma coagulation) to close bleeding points.
Weakened vessels endoscopic banding or clipping.
Angiographic embolization of severe bleeding or refractory bleeding.
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
What is a colonic angioectasia?
It is a tiny blood vessel in the colon, which can bleed.
Is it dangerous?
It may cause anemia and weakness, but majority of such cases may be easily addressed when early identified.
What is the code of this condition using ICD-10?
K31.813 - Angiodysplasia of colon, bleeding.
Is diet useful in preventing the bleeding?
Angioectasias cannot be treated by eating, however, iron-containing foods and hydration aid in healing and keep blood levels at normal levels.
What is your treatment of angioectasia in the proximal colon?
Dr. Scott frequently applies the application of argon plasma coagulation or endoscopic cauterization when performing colonoscopy in order to close the bleeding vessels.
Is it the colonoscopy alone that is diagnostic?
The exam of the first line is colonoscopy. In case of difficult localization of bleeding, one may resort to capsule endoscopy or CT colonography.
