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Diverticula

Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs in Houston offers expert diverticula care, guiding patients through simple lifestyle adjustments, diagnostic testing, and advanced treatments. With personalized plans, fiber-focused diets, and minimally invasive procedures, he ensures relief from symptoms and promotes long-term colon health.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
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

  • Age over 50
  • Low-fiber diet
  • Frequent constipation
  • Lack of regular exercise
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Family history of diverticular disease
  • Smoking or use of certain medications

Signs and Symptoms

  • Mild abdominal cramps or bloating
  • Intermittent constipation or diarrhea
  • Occasional blood in the stool (rare)
  • Fever and severe abdominal pain (may indicate diverticulitis)

How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?

Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He reviews your symptoms-such as cramping, bloating or changes in bowel habits-along with personal risk factors like age, diet, exercise and family history. A focused abdominal exam helps him localize tenderness and rule out other causes.

Blood Tests

We check a complete blood count (CBC) for signs of infection or anemia and measure inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) to gauge the severity of diverticular inflammation.

Imaging and Endoscopy

  • Colonoscopy: Directly visualizes diverticula, assesses mucosal health and allows tissue sampling if needed.
  • CT Scan: Detects inflammation, abscesses or complications such as perforation.

Advanced Testing (if needed)

In complex or atypical cases, he may recommend MRI enterography or endoscopic ultrasound to further evaluate the extent of disease.

Dr. Scott
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for diverticula.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Increase fiber intake with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Stay hydrated by drinking more water daily
  • Regular gentle exercise, such as walking in Memorial Park or along Buffalo Bayou
  • Use gentle stool softeners if needed to ease constipation

2. Medications

  • Fiber supplements like psyllium to bulk up stool and reduce colon pressure
  • Mild laxatives for relief from constipation
  • Antibiotics if diverticulitis develops to treat infection

3. Minimally Invasive or Surgical Procedures

  • Colonoscopy with clipping or banding to manage bleeding or problematic pouches
  • Laparoscopic surgery for severe or recurrent diverticula complications
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

What's the difference between diverticula and diverticulitis?

Diverticula are harmless outpouchings of the colon wall. Diverticulitis occurs when those pouches become inflamed or infected, causing pain and fever.

Can I have diverticula with no pain?

Yes. Many people have diverticula and experience no symptoms. They're often found by accident during routine exams.

When should I worry about bleeding?

If you see bright red blood in your stool or experience sudden, severe abdominal pain, call your doctor right away.

Can food help prevent diverticula?

Absolutely. A high-fiber diet from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps reduce colon pressure and prevents new pouches from forming.

What is the ICD-10 code for this condition?

The code is K57. Doctors and insurance use it for diagnosis tracking and billing purposes.

Are bladder pouches the same as colon ones?

No. Bladder diverticula differ in location and treatment. Dr. Scott evaluates each type separately to recommend the best care.

How often should I get a colonoscopy?

That depends on your personal and family history. Dr. Scott will create a customized schedule based on your risk factors and prior findings.

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