1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Colon Angioectasias
Colon angioectasias are tiny, fragile blood vessels in the colon that may bleed, causing anemia and fatigue. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Scott combines over 20 years of expertise with advanced diagnostics and treatments to guide patients toward digestive wellness.
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 - blood vessels naturally weaken over time
Heart or kidney disease - poor circulation can affect colonic vessels
Use of blood thinners - increases the likelihood of bleeding
Family history - genetic predisposition to vessel fragility
Signs and Symptoms
Often no symptoms in early stages
Dark or black-colored stool (melena)
Fatigue or weakness from low iron
Dizziness or shortness of breath
Low red blood cell count on blood tests
In severe cases, fainting or feeling lightheaded
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Colon Angioectasias?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your symptoms (melena, fatigue, dizziness), medications (especially blood thinners), and underlying risk factors like heart, lung, or kidney disease.
Blood Tests
We draw a complete blood count (CBC) to assess for anemia and check iron studies to quantify blood loss.
Endoscopic Evaluation
Colonoscopy - direct visualization of the colon lining to locate and often treat angioectasias.
Capsule Endoscopy - you swallow a miniature camera to detect bleeding sources beyond the reach of a standard scope.
Advanced Imaging
CT Colonography - a non-invasive scan that provides detailed 3D images of the colon when endoscopy is inconclusive or incomplete.
Angiographic Studies (if needed)
Mesenteric angiography pinpoints active bleeding vessels and can guide therapeutic embolization in rare, severe cases.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for colon angioectasias.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, and lean meats
Stay hydrated with plenty of water
Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
Increase fiber to support regular bowel movements
Quit smoking to protect fragile blood vessels
2. Medications
Oral iron supplements to correct anemia
Careful adjustment of blood thinners under Dr. Scott's guidance
Management of coexisting heart, kidney, or lung conditions
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Endoscopic cauterization (e.g., argon plasma coagulation) to seal bleeding spots
Endoscopic banding or clipping of weakened vessels
Angiographic embolization for severe 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's a small, fragile blood vessel in the colon that may bleed.
Is it dangerous?
It can lead to anemia and weakness, but most cases are easily managed when detected early.
What is the ICD-10 code for this condition?
K31.813 - Angiodysplasia of colon with bleeding.
Can diet help stop the bleeding?
Diet won't cure angioectasias, but iron-rich foods and proper hydration support your recovery and help maintain healthy blood counts.
How do you treat angioectasia in the proximal colon?
Dr. Scott often uses argon plasma coagulation or endoscopic cauterization during colonoscopy to seal the bleeding vessels.
Is colonoscopy the only diagnostic test?
Colonoscopy is the first-line exam. If bleeding is hard to localize, capsule endoscopy or CT colonography may be used.
