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Best Ascites Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu
Ascites occurs under conditions of a liver disease, heart or kidney failure, cancer or infection when excess fluid is collected in the abdominal cavity. Educating yourself about the symptoms, diagnosis, and therapeutic options including dietary interventions and diuretics, including elaborate procedures, would help you cope with this issue.
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 Ascites?
Ascites is a condition that entails the presence of fluid in the stomach area. Most often brought about by liver dysfunction (including cirrhosis) but can also be brought about by heart failure, kidney disease, cancers or infections.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Cirrhosis - scarring of the liver which prevents the normal flow of blood.
Heart failure - tricks of the heart have been undermined causing fluid retention.
Kidney disease - Swelling is a result of a failed filtration process.
Abdominal tumours - the tumour can result in the leakage of fluid into the stomach.
Tuberculosis or hepatitis - inflammation of the peritoneum or liver, which is contagious.
Signs and Symptoms
Bloating or apparent swelling of the abdomen.
Little meal related pressure or fullness.
Rapid and unexplainable weight gain.
It leads to dyspnea due to the upward diaphragm pressure.
Discomfort on forward and straightening and lying in one position.
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He asks about your coming, where, type of pain and factors that cause it, what you eat, use of alcohol/NSAIDs and family history. An abdominal examination is performed in order to examine epigastric tenderness, rebound or gallbladder irritation.
Blood Tests
We bring labs to examine inflammation or damage of organs:
CBC (complete blood count) to ascertain anemia or infection.
Liver test (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin).
Ruling out pancreatitis with lipase and amylase.
H. pylori breath/antibody in the suspicion of ulcer disease.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to check the presence of gallstones, bile duct dilation and pancreatic damage.
In the case of an ulcer or reflux damage, endoscopy (EGD) to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
Scans: CT scan of abdomen where complications (pancreatitis, perforation) need to be established.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
Where the cases remain unclear or the symptoms have been persistent, Dr. Scott may indicate:
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to take a better examination of the pancreas and the biliary tree.
Withdrawal of study in case of suspected gastroparesis.
Refractory reflux symptoms based on the Esophageal manometry or pH monitoring.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for ascites.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Low sodium diet will help in reducing fluid retention.
Guidelines on fluid intake and monitoring.
Light, individualized physical activities to improve movement and physical comfort.
2. Medications
Diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, furosemide) to get rid of the extra fluid.
Blood sugar levels and urine tests occasionally to keep on the safe side.
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Office-based paracentesis, safe and same-day fluid debridement.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) of refractory or reoccurring ascites.
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
Why does cirrhosis give rise to ascites?
Liver scarring increases pressure in blood vessels hence forcing the fluid into the belly.
How long have you had your ascites?
With the proper treatment of several years the management of ascites is possible. Childhood intervention helps in improved outcomes.
Is ascites curable?
It depends on the cause. The symptoms are treatable and in other instances liver transplant can be a solution.
Is paracentesis painful?
Most of the patients complain of moderate pressure. Dr. Scott numbs the area first.
Can treat ascites alone by diet?
Low-sodium diet is complimentary, but in majority of the cases individuals need medications or other treatment.
Which is the ICD-10 code of ascites?
It's R18.9 (ascites, unspecified). In your medical record you will find it.
Do they have support groups in Houston?
Yes. The liver diseases come in groups where they hold monthly meetings in their local medical centers.
