Dr. Tianming Liu, MD

Dr. Tianming Liu, MD Colon and Rectal Surgeon

Dr. Tianming Liu, MD, MPH, FACS, is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon who provides medical and surgical care for conditions affecting the colon, rectum, anus, and pelvic area. His background includes general surgery residency training followed by advanced fellowship training in colon and rectal surgery.

Patients may see Dr. Liu for colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, abscesses, rectal prolapse, bowel obstruction, or another condition that may require colorectal surgery.

A referral to a colorectal surgeon does not automatically mean an operation is needed. The consultation may help determine whether symptoms can be managed with medication, dietary changes, office treatment, continued monitoring, or a surgical procedure.

About Dr. Tianming Liu

Dr. Liu practices with Houston Colon and is identified by current physician records as a specialist in colon and rectal surgery. He also has experience in general surgery and holds a Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology.

His areas of care may include:

• Colon and rectal cancer
• Colon polyps requiring surgical evaluation
• Diverticulitis
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Rectal bleeding
• Hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Anal abscesses and fistulas
• Rectal prolapse
• Bowel obstruction
• Difficult or recurring pelvic conditions
• Ostomy planning and follow-up
• Minimally invasive colon surgery
• Laparoscopic and robotic procedures
• Reoperative colorectal surgery
• Postoperative colorectal care

Patients comparing doctors in this field can review the Doctiplus directory for specialized surgical care.

Professional Background

Dr. Liu’s professional background combines general surgical training with additional specialization in colorectal surgery. Current profiles associate him with Houston Colon and surgical care in Houston and The Woodlands.

Public professional information also identifies clinical interests involving robotic colorectal procedures, rectal cancer, complex pelvic surgery, and multidisciplinary care. His participation in current colorectal surgical education includes work related to bowel endometriosis and robotic colectomy.

This type of background may be relevant for patients whose condition involves several organs or specialists. Rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic endometriosis, and recurrent colorectal conditions may require coordination among colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists, gynecologists, and other professionals.

Education and Medical Training

Training area	Institution	Details
Medical education	Tulane University School of Medicine	Doctor of Medicine, completed in 2014
Public health education	Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine	Master of Public Health in Epidemiology
Residency	NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital	General surgery, 2014 to 2019
Fellowship	University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston	Colon and rectal surgery, 2019 to 2020
Board certification	American Board of Surgery	Surgery
Board certification	American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery	Colon and rectal surgery

Dr. Liu completed a combined medical and public health education at Tulane University. He then completed a five-year general surgery residency before entering a specialized colon and rectal surgery fellowship.

General surgery training provides experience in abdominal surgery, emergency surgical care, wound management, digestive tract conditions, and postoperative treatment.

Colon and rectal surgery fellowship training focuses more closely on diseases of the large intestine, rectum, anus, and pelvic floor. It may include cancer surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, anorectal procedures, minimally invasive techniques, and management of complex colorectal complications.

Board Certification and Professional Credentials

Dr. Liu is listed as certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

His professional credentials include:

• MD, meaning Doctor of Medicine
• MPH, meaning Master of Public Health
• General surgery residency training
• Colon and rectal surgery fellowship training
• Board certification in surgery
• Board certification in colon and rectal surgery
• FACS, meaning Fellow of the American College of Surgeons

Board certification is different from medical licensing. A license permits a doctor to practice medicine, while specialty certification reflects formal training and professional assessment within a defined area of medicine.

What a Colon and Rectal Surgeon Does

A colon and rectal surgeon is trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting:

• The colon
• The rectum
• The anus
• The pelvic floor
• Nearby digestive structures

Some patients are referred after a colonoscopy, CT scan, MRI, biopsy, or hospital stay. Others seek care because symptoms have continued despite medication or treatment from another healthcare professional.

A colorectal surgeon may offer office-based care, order additional testing, perform procedures, or coordinate major abdominal and pelvic surgery.

Patients with ongoing digestive symptoms may also benefit from understanding why persistent gut problems need individual assessment.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum. It may first develop from an abnormal growth called a polyp, although not every polyp becomes cancer.

Possible warning signs include:

• Blood in or on the stool
• A continuing change in bowel habits
• Constipation or diarrhea that does not resolve
• Narrower stools
• Abdominal discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness or tiredness
• A feeling that the bowel does not empty fully

These symptoms may also have noncancerous causes. Testing is needed to identify the reason.

Treatment depends on the location of the tumor, cancer stage, imaging results, biopsy findings, general health, and whether nearby lymph nodes or other organs are involved. Surgery remains an important treatment for many localized colon and rectal cancers.

Colon Cancer Surgery

Colon cancer surgery commonly involves removing the affected section of colon along with nearby tissue and lymph nodes.

The remaining ends of the bowel may then be joined. This connection is called an anastomosis.

Depending on the diagnosis, an operation may involve:

• Local removal of an early abnormal area
• Partial colectomy
• Removal of a larger section of colon
• Lymph node removal
• Creation of a temporary or permanent ostomy
• Open, laparoscopic, or robotic surgery

The exact operation depends on where the cancer is located and how far it has spread. Surgery may be combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatment, or another form of cancer care.

Rectal Cancer Care

Rectal cancer treatment may differ from colon cancer treatment because the rectum is located within the narrow space of the pelvis and is close to the bladder, reproductive organs, nerves, and muscles involved in bowel control.

Evaluation may include:

• Colonoscopy
• Biopsy
• Pelvic MRI
• CT imaging
• Blood testing
• Tumor staging
• Review by a multidisciplinary cancer team

Some patients may receive chemotherapy or radiation before surgery. Others may be considered for surgery first or another carefully selected treatment pathway.

Dr. Liu’s public professional profile identifies rectal cancer and multidisciplinary care among his clinical interests.

Colon Polyps and Abnormal Colonoscopy Findings

Colon polyps are growths that form on the lining of the colon or rectum.

Many can be removed during colonoscopy. Surgical assessment may be needed when a polyp:

• Is too large for routine endoscopic removal
• Is located in a difficult area
• Has concerning biopsy findings
• Cannot be completely removed
• Contains or may contain cancer
• Continues to return

Patients should bring the colonoscopy report, pathology findings, photographs, and any related imaging to the surgical consultation.

The surgeon may discuss whether another endoscopic attempt, local excision, bowel resection, or monitoring is the most suitable next step.

Diverticulitis

Diverticula are small pouches that may form in the wall of the colon. Diverticulitis occurs when one or more of these pouches become inflamed.

Possible symptoms include:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Abdominal tenderness
• Changes in bowel habits

Many episodes can be managed without surgery. An operation may be considered when diverticulitis causes repeated serious attacks or complications such as an abscess, narrowing, fistula, perforation, or obstruction.

The decision is based on the patient’s full history rather than only the number of previous attacks.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Medication is often the first treatment. Surgery may become necessary when the disease causes:

• A bowel blockage
• Severe bleeding
• A perforation
• An abscess
• A fistula
• Changes that may become cancerous
• Symptoms that remain severe despite medical treatment
• Serious medication-related complications

The operation used for Crohn’s disease may be different from the operation used for ulcerative colitis.

Some patients need removal of only a damaged bowel segment. Others may require removal of the colon and rectum, with either an internal pouch or an ostomy.

A colorectal surgeon normally works closely with the patient’s gastroenterologist when planning inflammatory bowel disease treatment.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen tissues and blood vessels around the anus or lower rectum.

They may cause:

• Bright red bleeding
• Itching
• Discomfort
• Swelling
• A tender lump
• Tissue that moves outside the anus

Not every episode of rectal bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids. Bleeding may also be connected with fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, or colorectal cancer. New or continuing bleeding should be properly assessed.

Initial treatment may involve bowel-habit changes, additional dietary fiber, fluids, medication, or an office procedure.

Surgery may be considered when hemorrhoids are large, repeatedly prolapse, cause substantial bleeding, or remain painful despite other treatment. Patients may also read about high-fiber foods for piles while following the individual plan given by their doctor.

Anal Fissures

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp pain during a bowel movement
• Burning pain afterward
• Bright red blood
• Fear of passing stool because of pain
• A visible skin opening or small tag

Treatment may begin with stool-softening measures, fiber, fluids, warm baths, or prescription medication.

A continuing fissure may require an injection or surgical treatment designed to reduce muscle spasm and help the area heal.

Patients should tell the surgeon if they have Crohn’s disease, previous anal surgery, reduced bowel control, or childbirth-related pelvic injury because these factors may affect treatment choices.

Anal Abscesses and Fistulas

An anal abscess is a collection of infected fluid near the anus or rectum.

Symptoms may include:

• Increasing pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Fever
• Drainage
• Difficulty sitting

An abscess often needs drainage. Antibiotics alone may not remove the collected infected material.

An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting the anal canal with nearby skin or another structure. It may develop after an abscess or in connection with Crohn’s disease, previous surgery, diverticulitis, or another condition.

Treatment depends on the fistula’s path and its relationship to the muscles responsible for bowel control. Protecting these muscles is an important part of surgical planning.

Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse occurs when part of the rectum moves downward and may extend through the anus.

Patients may notice:

• Tissue coming out during a bowel movement
• Mucus drainage
• Bleeding
• Difficulty emptying the bowel
• Constipation
• Loss of bowel control
• Pelvic pressure

Treatment depends on the type of prolapse, age, general health, bowel habits, and previous pelvic surgery.

Some patients may benefit from pelvic floor treatment or bowel-habit management. Complete prolapse often requires surgery.

The operation may be completed through the abdomen or through the area around the anus. Dr. Liu may explain which approach is more suitable after examination and review of the patient’s health.

Pelvic Floor and Bowel-Control Problems

The pelvic floor contains muscles and supporting tissues involved in bowel movements and control.

Problems may lead to:

• Difficulty passing stool
• A feeling of incomplete emptying
• Accidental loss of stool
• Urgency
• Rectal prolapse
• Pelvic pressure
• The need to press on the pelvic area to complete a bowel movement

Evaluation may involve a physical examination, imaging during bowel movements, pressure testing, or referral for pelvic floor therapy.

Surgery is not always the first treatment. Bowel retraining, medication, dietary changes, and specialized physical therapy may be recommended before an operation is considered.

Bowel Obstruction

A bowel obstruction prevents food, fluid, or gas from moving normally through the intestine.

Possible causes include:

• Scar tissue from previous surgery
• A colorectal tumor
• Diverticular narrowing
• Crohn’s disease
• A twisted bowel
• Hernia
• Severe constipation
• Another structural problem

Symptoms may include:

• Increasing abdominal pain
• Swelling
• Vomiting
• Inability to pass gas
• Inability to have a bowel movement
• Dehydration

Some obstructions can be treated with hospital monitoring, intravenous fluids, and temporary bowel rest. Others require urgent surgery.

A complete obstruction, perforation, or loss of blood supply to part of the bowel can become life-threatening.

Minimally Invasive and Robotic Colorectal Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller openings and specialized instruments rather than one large abdominal incision.

Approaches may include:

• Laparoscopic surgery
• Robot-assisted surgery
• Selected procedures performed through the anus

Dr. Liu’s professional information identifies experience and interest in robotic and complex colorectal surgery. The hospitals and practices associated with his care also offer minimally invasive colorectal procedures.

A minimally invasive procedure may offer smaller incisions and a shorter early recovery for suitable patients. However, it is still major surgery.

The surgeon may need to use an open approach when there is extensive scar tissue, a large tumor, severe infection, unexpected bleeding, or another safety concern.

Colon Resection and Anastomosis

A colon resection removes a damaged or diseased section of the large intestine.

It may be used for:

• Colon cancer
• Diverticulitis
• Bowel obstruction
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• A large or concerning polyp
• Perforation
• Loss of blood supply
• Another structural condition

After the diseased section is removed, the remaining bowel may be joined together.

The surgeon should explain:

• Which part of the bowel will be removed
• Whether the operation may be minimally invasive
• Whether an ostomy is possible
• How bowel habits may change
• How long hospitalization may last
• When normal eating may resume
• Which complications require prompt care

Ostomy Surgery

An ostomy changes how stool leaves the body. The bowel is brought through an opening in the abdomen, and waste collects in an external pouch.

An ostomy may be:

• Temporary
• Permanent
• Connected to the small intestine
• Connected to the colon

It may be needed because of cancer, severe inflammation, an emergency, poor healing risk, or removal of the rectum.

Ostomy education normally begins before surgery when the procedure is planned. A specialist nurse may help select the location, explain pouch care, and prepare the patient for daily management.

Many people return to work, exercise, travel, and normal activities after they become comfortable with ostomy care.

Complex and Repeat Pelvic Surgery

Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery can leave scar tissue and change normal anatomy.

A repeat operation may be more complex when the patient has:

• Recurrent cancer
• A previous bowel resection
• A previous ostomy
• Radiation-related tissue changes
• A recurring fistula
• Endometriosis involving the bowel
• Previous infection
• A failed earlier repair
• Several conditions affecting the pelvis

Current professional information associates Dr. Liu with reoperative pelvic surgery and multidisciplinary management of complex colorectal conditions.

Patients should bring original operative reports and imaging whenever possible. These records may provide important details that are not included in a short medical summary.

Who May Benefit From Seeing Dr. Liu

A consultation may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer
• Have a large or concerning colon polyp
• Experience continuing rectal bleeding
• Have recurring diverticulitis
• Have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis requiring surgical review
• Have painful or prolapsing hemorrhoids
• Have a continuing anal fissure
• Have an anal abscess or draining fistula
• Experience rectal prolapse
• Have bowel-control concerns
• Have a suspected bowel obstruction
• Need an ostomy or ostomy reversal assessment
• Have previously undergone colorectal surgery
• Need another opinion before a major operation

What Patients Can Expect During an Appointment

The consultation normally begins with a detailed discussion of symptoms, bowel habits, medical history, previous procedures, and current medication.

Dr. Liu may ask:

• When did the symptoms begin?
• Is bleeding present?
• Has the stool changed?
• Is there pain during bowel movements?
• Have constipation or diarrhea developed?
• Has weight changed unexpectedly?
• Has a colonoscopy been completed?
• What did the biopsy show?
• Has abdominal or pelvic surgery been performed before?
• Is there a history of inflammatory bowel disease?
• Does colorectal cancer run in the family?
• Which treatments have already been tried?

The examination depends on the reason for the appointment.

It may include:

• Abdominal examination
• Visual anorectal examination
• Digital rectal examination
• Anoscopy
• Review of colonoscopy findings
• Review of CT or MRI images
• Discussion of pathology results

The next step may involve monitoring, medication, additional imaging, an office procedure, surgery, or coordination with another specialist.

Preparing for the Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A complete medication list
• Allergy information
• Colonoscopy reports
• Pathology or biopsy results
• CT, MRI, or ultrasound images
• Previous surgical reports
• Hospital discharge documents
• Cancer treatment records
• Inflammatory bowel disease records
• Ostomy information
• Family cancer history
• Insurance and referral documents
• Written questions

Patients should bring the actual imaging files when possible, not only the written report.

It may also help to record:

• Frequency of bowel movements
• Episodes of bleeding
• Stool consistency
• Pain location
• Unexplained weight change
• Foods or activities linked with symptoms
• Treatments already attempted

Questions to Ask Dr. Liu

Patients may consider asking:

• What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• Do my examination and test results agree?
• Is additional imaging needed?
• Can the condition be managed without surgery?
• Why is surgery being considered?
• What part of the bowel may need to be removed?
• Is a minimally invasive operation possible?
• Could an open operation become necessary?
• Might I need an ostomy?
• Would the ostomy be temporary or permanent?
• What are the main surgical risks?
• How might my bowel habits change?
• How long may I remain in the hospital?
• When could I return to work or normal activities?
• Should another specialist be involved?
• Would a second surgical opinion be reasonable?
• Which symptoms require urgent medical attention?

Planning for Colorectal Surgery

Before surgery, patients may need:

• Blood tests
• Heart or lung evaluation
• Bowel preparation
• Antibiotic medication
• Changes to blood-thinning medicine
• Diabetes medication instructions
• Nutrition assessment
• Ostomy marking
• A hospital preoperative appointment

Patients should not change prescription medicine or begin bowel preparation without following the surgical team’s instructions.

The surgeon should be told about every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin, and herbal product.

Recovery and Follow-Up

Recovery varies according to the diagnosis, operation, general health, and whether complications occur.

Follow-up may include:

• Incision checks
• Pain-management review
• Bowel-function monitoring
• Diet progression
• Activity restrictions
• Pathology discussion
• Ostomy support
• Cancer surveillance planning
• Coordination with oncology or gastroenterology
• Treatment of postoperative complications

Patients may also read about recovering from surgery with virtual follow-ups, although the need for in-person care depends on the operation and symptoms.

Second Opinions Before Colorectal Surgery

A second opinion may be helpful when:

• A permanent ostomy has been proposed
• Rectal cancer surgery is being planned
• Several surgical approaches are possible
• Previous colorectal surgery did not resolve the problem
• The diagnosis remains uncertain
• The operation may affect bowel control
• Cancer involves nearby pelvic organs
• A complex repeat operation is being considered
• The expected benefit is unclear

Another opinion may confirm the original recommendation or identify a different reasonable approach.

Practice and Appointment Information

Dr. Liu provides colon and rectal surgical care through Houston Colon.

Medical Center Office

6560 Fannin Street, Suite 1404
Houston, TX 77030

Appointment phone:
713-790-0600

Current physician records also list practice locations in The Woodlands. Patients should confirm which office is appropriate for their appointment before traveling.

Public records associate Dr. Liu with Houston Methodist Hospital, HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center, and surgical care in The Woodlands. Hospital participation may vary according to the planned procedure and the patient’s insurance.

Languages and Communication

English is used in Dr. Liu’s practice, and his public professional profile also lists Mandarin Chinese.

Patients who need another language should ask whether a qualified interpreter can be arranged when scheduling.

Insurance and Telehealth Information

Insurance participation depends on the exact policy, office, hospital, procedure, laboratory, and imaging provider.

Before scheduling, patients should ask:

• Is Dr. Liu included in my insurance network?
• Is a referral required?
• Does imaging need prior authorization?
• Is the selected hospital in network?
• Are the surgeon and facility billed separately?
• Is pathology billed separately?
• Does the operation require approval?
• Are new patients currently being accepted?
• Is telehealth offered for this appointment?
• Should records be sent before the consultation?

Telehealth may be suitable for selected result discussions or postoperative follow-up. Rectal bleeding, anorectal pain, suspected abscesses, and conditions requiring an examination usually need an in-person visit.

When Colorectal Symptoms Require Urgent Care

Patients should not wait for a routine appointment when symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.

Urgent assessment may be needed for:

• Heavy rectal bleeding
• Black stool with weakness or dizziness
• Severe or increasing abdominal pain
• A swollen and rigid abdomen
• Repeated vomiting
• Inability to pass stool or gas
• High fever with abdominal or rectal pain
• Fainting
• Sudden confusion
• Severe dehydration
• Rapidly increasing anal swelling
• Serious symptoms after colorectal surgery
• An incision that opens
• Uncontrolled drainage or bleeding
• A new ostomy that becomes dark, pale, or stops functioning
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing after surgery

Patients may review general guidance about when immediate medical attention is necessary, but potentially life-threatening symptoms should be assessed without delay.