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Radiation Proctitis Specialist - Dr. Scott Liu
Pelvic radiation causes irritation to the rectum in radiation proctitis after prior radiation therapy. Dr. Scott provides quality assessment, individualized treatment, and complex treatment to patients at GastroDoxs in Houston in order to control the symptoms and rebuild comfort. Relieve our loving staff to help you.
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 Radiation Proctitis?
Radiation proctitis- includes inflammation or irritability of the rectal lining developed following the radiation treatment of the pelvic area. The symptoms may manifest in weeks, months or even years after treatment and ICD-10 code will be K62.7.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Radiation therapy for prostate, bladder, cervical, or rectal cancer
High total radiation dose or prolonged treatment courses
He examines your radiation treatment history (site, dose, timing), enquires about rectal hemorrhage, urgency, pain or stomach uneasiness, and gives you a digital rectal examination.
Endoscopic Assessment
Flexible our sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy gives first hand observation of the rectal lining so that inflammation, telangiectasias, ulcerations or strictures can be found.
Stool Studies
Laboratory analysis rules out infectious causes and quantifies blood loss with fecal occult blood testing.
Imaging Studies
Pelvic MRI highlights deeper tissue involvement, fistulas, or abscesses.
CT scan evaluates adjacent organs and excludes other pelvic pathology.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
At discrete instances, endoscopic biopsy proves changing the mucosa, and anorectal manometry examines sphincter functionality whenever there is a worry of urgency or incontinence.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for radiation proctitis.
Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Consume low-fiber food on exacerbations.
Drink plenty of water
Eat smaller meals more often
Skip spicy and acidic foods
Medications
Sucralfate infused colonies to block the rectal mucosa.
To loosen the bowel, stool softeners or dietary fiber.
To decrease inflammation steroid, or mesalamine suppositories.
Minimal or High Minimally Invasive
Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) in order to control bleeding.
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 radiation proctitis?
Radiation proctitis- It involves inflammation or irritation of the rectal lining that develops due to pelvic radiation.
When do symptoms appear?
Symptoms may begin weeks or months or even years into your radiation treatment.
How do you code radiation proctitis using ICD-10?
ICD-10 official code of radiation proctitis is K62.7.
What is the treatment of radiation proctitis?
Intervention takes the form of diet and lifestyle changes, medication (sucralfate enemas, suppositories), and less invasive procedures such as APC or hyperbaric oxygen which all depend upon Dr. Scott.
Is it possible to prevent radiation proctitis?
Yes. Dr. Scott will refer to you prior to treatment in an effort to streamline your diet and habits, decreasing the likelihood of you getting proctitis.
Should I use anesthesia in APC (argon plasma coagulation)?
No. APC will be performed in a state of light sedation, without general anesthesia.
Is proctitis caused by radiation permanent?
Not usually. Through early detection and treatment, a majority of the patients record a remarkable reprieve and recovery with time.
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