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Proctitis Gastroenterologist - Dr. Scott Liu
When you were having some pains on your rear end, and more frequent urging to empty the bowl or when you see blood or mucus, there is a possibility that you have proctitis. Dr. Scott treats the patients at GastroDoxs in Houston, offering professional diagnosis and the development of personalized treatment plans that help to reduce the discomfort and avoid the re-occurrence of the flare-up.
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
Bacterial or viral infections (including sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia)
Inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis leading to ulcerative proctitis)
Radiation therapy to the pelvis (for prostate, rectal or gynecologic cancers)
Weakened immune system (from medications or underlying illness)
Family history of bowel inflammatory conditions
Signs and Symptoms
Rectal pain or a feeling of pressure
Frequent urge to have a bowel movement
Passage of small, frequent stools
Presence of blood or mucus in the stool
Sensation of incomplete emptying (tenesmus)
Mild fever or general fatigue
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses Proctitis?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He inquires of your symptoms (bloody, mucus, urgency), sexual history and history of pelvic radiation or infection and plans on the family history of bowel disease.
Laboratory Tests
Stool studies to rule out infectious causes (bacterial cultures, ova & parasites, C. difficile toxin).
Blood tests including CBC (to check for anemia), inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), and STD panels if indicated.
Endoscopic Evaluation
He undertakes a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to directly observe the lining of the rectum, to measure the degree of inflammation administratively, and get biopsies of the lining in order to have checked in histology.
Imaging and Advanced Testing (if needed)
Pelvic MRI or CT scan to evaluate complications or rule out other pelvic pathology.
Anorectal manometry or defecography for persistent symptoms of incontinence or outlet obstruction.
Not frequently, in case of a non-clear diagnosis, a specific biopsy or a molecular test on samples of tissues.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of treatment options for proctitis.
1. Diet and Daily Changes
Less food in smaller, more frequent food intaking meals that contain soft easy-to-grind food.
Plenty of water to keep the bowels moving and high-fiber foods.
Avoid spicy, fatty, or processed foods which can cause the symptoms.
Those new to a personal food journal to remove triggers and other things.
2. Medications
Butt or rectal analgesic suppositories or enemas to decrease rectal edema.
More dramatic inflammation Short course of oral or systemic steroids.
Antibiotics in the presence of an infectious etiology.
Refractory or chronic cases Immune-based treatment Theraopies.
3. The Operational and Advanced Care
Endoscopic treatment (in the process of sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy) to manage focal bleeding.
High-tech imaging research to inform effective treatment planning.
Surgical evaluation Referred in rare severe cases or non responsive cases.
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 are the distinctions between ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis?
Ulcerative proctitis involves the rectum whereas ulcerative colitis involves greater parts of the colon to the rectum.
Does ulcerative proctitis equate to erosive proctitis?
Specifically, erosive proctitis denotes visible erosions on the rectal lining: ulcerative proctitis does not necessarily have visible erosions.
What is the rate at which I will feel better?
It is believed that majority of the patients will experience improvement in one to two weeks of taking prescribed drugs and dietary modifications.
Can I stop future flare-ups?
Yes. Flare-ups may be prevented by following your treatment plan, avoiding trigger foods and controlling stress.
Will I need surgery?
Surgery is uncommon. Most cases can be treated through early medical and dietary care with surgery being an option of the most severe complications.
What is the duration of scope procedure recovery?
Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy with most patients allows the patient to resume normal activity within a day or two.
And where do I get to know more on the ICD-10 code of proctitis?
Go online to the World Health Organization site and enter a search query of code K51.3 to find the formal listing of ulcerative proctitis.
