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Bowel Obstruction Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu
The obstructions of food, fluid, and gases flow are the intestinal blockages or bowel obstructions, and are fatal. Dr. Scott is an expert in the diagnosis of the cause-from-adhesion-to-hernia at GastroDoxs in Houston and provides a personal and minimally invasive surgeries to restore comfort and digestibility within a short time.
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 Bowel Obstruction?
A bowel obstruction is a problem whereby stool, fluid or gas cannot go through the small or large intestine. Complete obstruction can obstruct the flow of blood with severe complications. The condition needs to be diagnosed and treated timely to ease the symptoms and prevent further injuries.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Scar tissue (adhesions) as a result of prior abdominal surgery.
Intestine protruding through the abdominal wall through hernias.
Intestinal tumors or cancerous growths.
Crohn disease and inflammatory diseases.
Hardly digestible foods (popcorn, seeds, nuts, raw pieces of vegetables)
Old age (above 60 years) or prior history of multiple abdominal surgeries.
Signs and Symptoms
Sporadic abdominal cramps or backache.
Abdominal bloating and swellings.
Constant vomiting and nausea.
Inflexibility or gastric impaction.
The severe cases have rapid heart rate, dehydration and shock symptoms.
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He analyses your trends of pain in the epigastric region, vomiting onset, bowel movement (constipation or gas emission failure), abdominal surgery history, hernia.
Blood Tests
We order a complete blood count that may help identify infections or anemia, a metabolic panel that may help identify dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and inflammatory biomarkers to rule out systemic inflammation.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal x-rays to ascertain the amount of air-fluids, distended bowel loops and presence of free air under the diaphragm.
CT scan including oral and IV contrast to determine where the obstruction is, monitor strangulation/ ischemia and monitor tumors or strictures.
Contrast Studies (if needed)
A gastrografin or barium follow-through study is carried out to determine the course of the contrast through the small intestine to create partial or intermittent blockages and inform treatment.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for bowel obstruction.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
It is worth doing so to go on a low-residue diet until the swelling goes away.
Take small and sticky food and chew.
Stay hydrated through the use of clear liquids.
Eat foods that do not require a long time to be digested and are likely to get blocked.
2. Medications
Fluids to replace dehydration IV.
Non-slow moving bowel-accelerators Ibuprofen, Tylenol, over-the-counter analgesics, etc.
Painkillers against nausea.
When harmless, stool softeners or laxatives.
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Stricture balloon endoscopic dilations.
Laparoscopy to have the ability to remove the adhesions or hernias.
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
Does a bowel obstruction cause life threat?
There are rare cases when the unattended obstruction can lead to serious complications and even death. Early detection and treatment can help reduce this risk of the disease significantly.
How long is the postoperative recovery?
Most of the patients leave after 2-5 days of the surgery. The average time of recovery is 4-6 weeks and that differs according to how healthy you are and the nature of the surgery performed.
What is the ICD-10 of the small bowel obstruction?
The appropriate code is K56.5, which denotes ICD-10 code of small bowel obstruction and as a consequence of this classification, physicians and insurers are able to properly record and code my treatment.
Could there be an obstruction of the bowels caused by certain foods?
Yes. Some of the foods that lead to blockages include popcorns, seeds, nuts, and raw vegetables with rough skins. Healthy dieting, eating and following the diet plan by Dr. Scott makes you less likely.
When should I go to the ER?
Seek emergency care when there is severe pain in the abdomen, persistent vomiting, or bowel or gas not passed within the past 24 hours. There may be an absolute obstruction of these symptoms.
Is laparoscopy superior to open surgery?
Laparoscopy uses small incisions that are normally used to produce less pain, less risk of infection and faster recovery. Dr. The best way of treating your condition will be prescribed by Scott.
Do I need a CT scan?
CT scan shows an elaborate picture so as to locate the blockage and operate on it to help in shaping the treatment plan. Dr. Scott employs imaging to optimize the safety and results.
