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Pancreatitis Doctor - Dr. Scott Liu
In Houston, at GastroDoxs, Dr. Scott provides professional care in pancreatitis, personal diagnostics, and treatment strategy. Our team can assist in finding the way to regain your health through identifying the cause of problems, such as gallstones, or drinking alcohol or endoscopic processes and lifestyle advice.
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.
What Is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis inflammation is a disorder of the pancreas - the gland that produces digestive enzymes and insulin. It may be acute (severe and sudden) or chronic (long-term). Some of the common causes are the presence of gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, some drugs as well as the presence of high triglycerides. The symptoms can also be upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Early intervention is required to obviate complications like infection, organ damage or diabetes.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct
Heavy alcohol use
High triglyceride levels
Certain medications
Family history of pancreas problems
Smoking
Signs and Symptoms
Pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the back
Nausea or vomiting
Fever or chills
Rapid heartbeat
Unexplained weight loss (more common with chronic pancreatitis)
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He inquires how long your stomach pain (which is usually located at the back) lasted, whether it began, whether it was severe and whether there were any precipitating factors like a lot of alcohol consumption, the presence of gallstones or the presence of risk factors in your family. Attention paid to the abdominal palpation is aimed at tenderness, guarding, or accumulation of fluid.
Blood Tests
Blood Tests
We put labs to check the level of enzymes in the pancreas (amylase, lipase), liver tests, triglycerides and blood count. Biomarkers of high amylase, lipase, are used to diagnose pancreatitis and exclude other conditions.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound - to check for gallstones, ductal dilation and pancreatic enlargement.
Contrast-enhanced CT scan - provides detailed images of pancreatic inflammation, necrosis or fluid collections.
MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) - visualizes the bile and pancreatic ducts for stones, strictures or leaks.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
Endoscopic ultrasound is capable of showing small, gallstones, or preemptive chronic changes. ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) can be performed to diagnose obstructions of the duct as well as to eliminate the stones or place stents. Fluid of pseudocysts is sampled in uncommon situations.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for pancreatitis.
1. Modifications in life and diet.
Have low fat diet; eat small frequent meals.
Stop drinking and smoking cigarettes.
Keep hydrated during the day.
Get an individualized diet plan with the dietician.
2. Medications
Pain killers to relieve pain.
Digestive aid in the form of pancreatic enzyme supplements.
More serious cases Find intravenous IV fluids.
3. Minimal or Advanced Procedures.
ERCP to either clear Gall stones or to lay stents in the pancreatic ducts.
Fluid collections (pseudocysts) Endoscopic drainage of fluid collections (pseudocysts).
Additional endoscopic interventions of the chronic inflammatory condition or ductal constricctions.
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 the Codic of ICD-10 of pancreatitis?
K85 coded acute pancreatitis, and K86 coded chronic pancreatitis. Our billing department might assist you on any details.
Is it pancreatitis that will kill you?
Severe acute pancreatitis may be fatal. Early treatment and diagnosis is a big boost.
Chronic pancreatitis has its classification in ICD-10?
K86.1 (chronic calcific) or K86.2 (pseudocyst) is the typical coding of chronic pancreatitis. We help in insurance and billing issues.
What am I supposed to be concerned about pancreatitis?
Urgent medical attention is required in the case of severe pain in the abdomen, recurrent vomiting, fever, or palpitating heart.
Does healthy diet help to stop flare-ups?
Yes. Avoidance of alcohol and low-fat dieting, small meals and frequently is likely to reduce your probability of flare-up.
How long does recovery take?
The mild cases can end up recovering in a few days whereas severe cases can take weeks of treatment and recovery.
