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Expert Gallstones Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu
Facing gallstones? There, Scott Dr, a board-certified gastroenterologist at GastroDoxs in Houston, provides one of the most perfect solutions to his patients, dietary advice and medications to state-of-the-art minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy and ERCP-to ensure a quicker relief, easier digestion, and long-term health and well-being to all.
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
Excess cholesterol in bile
High bilirubin levels from liver disorders
Obesity or rapid weight loss
Family history of gallstones
Hormonal factors (pregnancy, estrogen therapy)
Age over 40 and female gender
Signs and Symptoms
Sudden, sharp pain in the upper right abdomen
Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder
Nausea and vomiting
Bloating or gas after eating
Indigestion or low-grade fever (if infection occurs)
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Gallstones?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He assesses symptoms that include right upper pain, abdomen, nausea, bloating and pain when having fatty food. He examines the diets, weight variations, and liver problems or immobilization you have gotten into the past, and then concentrates on the abdomen to ensure that there is no abdominal tenderness or abdominal guarding.
Blood Tests
Performs laboratory tests to monitor possible inflammation, liver enzyme abnormality, pancreatic presentations, and an increase in the number of white blood cells in suspected infection or obstruction.
Abdominal Ultrasound
This is the initial line imaging test. It aids in the identification of gallstones, thickening of the gallbladder wall, as well as the presence of a blockage or inflammation of the bile duct (cholecystitis).
HIDA Scan (if needed)
Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan can be applied to the examination of the gallbladder workability and identify such diseases as biliary dyskinesia or chronic cholecystitis.
CT Scan or MRI (if complications are suspected)
CT scan helps assess surrounding organs and rule out complications like pancreatitis or abscess
MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) provides detailed imaging of the bile ducts and is used if stones in the common bile duct are suspected
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) or ERCP
In some situations, a sophisticated technique such as EUS or ERCP is utilized to verify the existence of small stones or do a therapeutic surgery in case the rocks are stuck inside the bile channels.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for gallstones.
Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Eat less but low in fat, small meals to minimize bile overload.
Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and oats which contain high amounts of fiber.
Reduce sugar, simple carbohydrates and fats that are unhealthy.
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
Are gallstones self-limited to pass?
Not often. Medication can dispel some of small stones, but most require correction.
Is it possible to get gallstones without the gallbladder?
No, however, postsurgical bile duct stones are possible.
What about the foods to avoid when I have gallstones?
Avoid fried foods, fat meat, full fat dairy, candy. Instead of that, opt to eat lean protein and whole grains.
When will I be able to become normal after surgery?
Majority of the individuals are normal 1-2 weeks following laparoscopic. Dr. Scott will guide you through the full recovery plan.
Is gallbladderectomy safe in the long-term?
Yes. Majority of the population survives normally and is able to digest food well without a gallbladder.
Should I take special tests when I have had gallstones previously?
Maybe. In cases of recurrence of symptoms, then a re-ultrasound or even blood tests may be required.
What can I do to prepare to perform ERCP or robotic surgery?
You'll have to fast and follow instructions from Dr. Scott. Our team of specialists in Houston will show you how.
