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Diverticulum Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu
Get diverticulum care in GastroDoxs in Houston with Dr. Scott. You can have intestinal pouches, a diverted bladder or throat and our specialists give personalized diagnosis, treatment plans, and dieting. Experience tells us it will calm and raise the comfort of digestion.
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 – Risk increases after 40.
Low fiber intake – stools become harder to pass.
Family history – genetic factors may play a role.
Constipation – increases strain on the bowel wall.
Inflammation – certain gut conditions may cause pouch formation.
Signs and Symptoms
Abdominal pain or cramping – often in the lower left abdomen.
Bloating or excessive gas.
Diarrhea or constipation.
Blood in the stool (rare).
Tenderness and fever in cases where pouches are inflamed.
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Diverticulum?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He studies your habits of epigastric pain, stimuli of the pain in relation to the meals, prior issues with your diverticulums and other symptoms in relation to the diverticulums including nausea or bloating.
Blood Tests
We request a complete blood count (CBC) and inflammatory factors (CRP, ESR) to rule out the possibility of diverticulitis or complications and liver and pancreatic enzymes as needed.
Imaging Studies
CT scan of the abdomen to identify diverticula of the duodenum or small bowel, inflammation, abscess, or involvement of neighboring organs.
Abdominal ultrasound – a fast, noninvasive method to examine the gallbladder, bile duct, and head of the pancreas.
Upper GI barium series to define outpouchings in the duodenum and proximal small intestine.
Endoscopic Evaluation
The endoscope of the upper endoscope (EGD) allows observing directly the duodenum and stomach, detecting diverticula, and a biopsy when it is suspected that it is caused by something different.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
Where the usual examinations are inconclusive, capsule enteroscopy or deep enteroscopy to evaluate small-bowel diverticula.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for diverticulum conditions.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Increase the diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Keep yourself hydrated to produce soft stools that are easy to pass.
Engage in regular exercise to support digestion.
2. Medications
Fiber supplements (e.g., psyllium or methylcellulose) to soften stools.
Antibiotics in cases of infection or diverticulitis.
Pain relievers for mild discomfort.
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic repair of Zenker diverticulum to improve swallowing.
Laparoscopic surgery for symptomatic or large pouches.
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
Where does the diverticulum occur in the duodenum?
Pouch formation is normally caused by weaknesses of the small intestine wall that is normally caused by pressure or inflammation.
Is the bladder diverticulum painful?
Yes. It may include pelvic pressure, frequent urination, and blood in your urine.
When shall I take the trouble about the diverticulum of Meckel?
Get your doctor to call you in case of intense abdominal pains, vomiting, and bleeding.
So what of the diverticulum of Zenker?
Endoscopic surgery is performed to reduce the issue of swallowing and pouch repair.
Will diet changes help?
Yes — especially in mild cases. Dr. Scott will tailor a high-fiber diet and lifestyle plan for you.
Are imaging tests safe?
Yes. CT scans, colonoscopy, and endoscopy are considered low-risk and commonly used.
How long is recovery?
Most patients begin light exercises after two days. Recovery time depends on your treatment plan and overall health.
