Clay Michael Merritt, DO, Proctologist
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Clay Michael Merritt, DO

Proctologist

9300 Dewitt Loop Fort Belvoir VA, 22060
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About

Dr. Clay Merritt is a colon and rectal surgeon practicing in Fort Belvoir, VA. Dr. Merritt specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. As a colon and rectal surgeon, Dr. Merritt often treats conditions like rectal cancer, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, anal fissures and diverticulitis. Colon and rectal surgeons may be referred to you by your gastroenterologist if your doctor believes you need a surgical procedure.

Education and Training

Oklahoma State University BS 2010

Oklahoma State University CHS D.O. 2014

William Beaumont AMC General Surgery 2020

University of Texas Colon and Rectal Surgery 2021

Board Certification

American Board of Surgery

Provider Details

Male English
Clay Michael Merritt, DO
Clay Michael Merritt, DO's Expert Contributions
  • Rectum itch?

    The medical term for your condition is pruritus ani. It is a very common problem with many potential causes. The most common reason I see in my patients is over cleaning of the anal area (the rectum is actually higher on the inside and has no "itch" receptors). I would recommend switching to a bidet for anal hygiene and pad dry after use. Avoid wiping all together if able. I also tell patients to stop any over the counter creams/ointments they may be putting on the anal area. Start a high fiber diet and drink plenty of water to make sure your stools are soft and easy to pass. Limit stool time as much as possible. Also, I always recommend you at least see your physician for a physical exam to rule out a more sinister cause of anal itching. READ MORE

  • How long are you sedated for a colonoscopy?

    Sedation time depends on many things but a few of the items are: how difficult is your colon to navigate, how well do you tolerate the sedation, what sedation medications are to be used, how many polyps need to be removed or biopsies performed. In general i tell my patients to expect 20-45 minutes of sedation time. READ MORE

  • Can I get rid of an abscess close to my anus with an antibiotic?

    The recommended treatment is incision and drainage. Antibiotics are often not needed if incision and drainage is achieved early in the infection. It's best to seek medical attention early if you believe you have an anal abscess. READ MORE

  • Rectal surgery?

    Usually at the three week mark after surgery you can resume your normal methods of anal hygiene. I always recommend continuing with bidet style cleaning for my patients and advise to "pad" dry instead of wiping. READ MORE

  • Can colonoscopy cause hemorrhoids?

    hemorrhoids are a part of normal anatomy. Every person born with an anus has hemorrhoidal tissue. Often times the prescription medication used to purge your gastrointestinal tract prior to a colonoscopy can cause a flare in this hemorrhoid tissue leading to acute pain and swelling. This is not a rare occurrence, and should resolve with rest, hot baths to soak the hemorrhoid tissue and over-the-counter pain medication to include Tylenol, ibuprofen, preparation, H if needed. Avoid excessive time on the toilet, and take it easy for the next few days. READ MORE

  • Perianal abscess?

    perianal abscesses are the most common cause of anal fistula. The situation you're describing is classic of an anal fistula. This is an abnormal connection between the inside of the anus and the outside skin. You will likely need a referral to colorectal specialist for further evaluation and treatment. Anal fistulas rarely resolve on their own. READ MORE

  • Anal disease

    You need to see your family doctor for an evaluation and diagnosis. you may need a referral to a colorectal specialist. Your family doctor should be able to decide if a referral is necessary. READ MORE

  • Hemeroids

    I recommend seeing your family doctor for an acute evaluation. You would likely benefit from prescription medications and possibly a referral to a colorectal specialist for surgical evaluation and treatment. If you have not been soaking your anorectal area in hot water several times a day ( a sitz bath) for 10-15 minutes at a time please do that as well. READ MORE

  • Frequent diarrhea

    You may have an infection of the gastrointestinal tract. you need an acute evaluation with your family doctor or head to the ER. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Robotic colon and rectal surgery, treatment of complex anal fistula

Faculty Titles & Positions

  • Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery Fort Belvoir Community Hospital 2021 - Present

Professional Memberships

  • American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons  
  • American College of Surgeons  

Areas of research

Treatment of anal fistula

Clay Michael Merritt, DO's Practice location

Fort Belvoir Community Hospital

9300 Dewitt Loop -
Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
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New patients: 571-231-3224
belvoirhospital.tricare.mil

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Media Releases

Get to know Colorectal Surgeon Dr. Clay Merritt, who serves patients in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Dr. Merritt is an American Board of Surgery certified, fellowship trained, colorectal surgeon at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.

Fort Belvoir Community Hospital is a Defense Health Agency medical facility located in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, outside of Washington D.C. It is committed to exceptional patient experience through safe, high-quality, and compassionate care to our Nation’s greatest assets.

Dr. Merritt completed his undergraduate training at Oklahoma State University in 2010. He then obtained his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in 2014 and went on to a six year general surgery residency at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center, graduating in 2020. Fellowship training in colon and rectal surgery was completed through the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas in 2021. 

Colorectal surgery is a field in medicine dealing with disorders of the colon, rectum and anus. Dr. Merritt offers a wide practice base dealing with ailments such as colon, rectal and anal cancer. He also offers surgical treatment options for disease processes such as diverticulitis, anal fistula, hemorrhoids, fecal incontinence, rectal prolapse, inflammatory bowel disease, pilonidal disease and many more.

Recommended Articles

  • Are there Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids?

    Hemorrhoids are caused when the veins in the rectum just above the anus get blocked due to external pressure. This causes obstructions in the blood flow and also leads to swelling of the veins. Hemorrhoids are classified as internal hemorrhoids which are within the anal canal and external...

  • Who is a Proctologist?

    What is Proctology?Gastrointestinal tract in the humans is the most critical system. The science of understanding and working with the various processes which are involved in the lower portion of gastrointestinal tract is known as proctology. If there is any problem in any of the processes, then the...

  • What Is Hematochezia?

    Introduction Discovering blood after a bowel movement can be a frightening experience. If you notice a bright red to black-colored blood in your stool, in the toilet bowl, or on the toilet paper, you may be experiencing rectal bleeding. Having blood in your stool does not always signal a serious...

  • What Causes Hemorrhoids?

    Hemorrhoids are inflamed and swollen veins in the rectum, which is the last section of the digestive system. They can also occur at the opening of the anus. The veins in the lower rectum and anus tend to swell under pressure, which is basically what causes hemorrhoids. They cause severe pain in the...

  • What Is a Proctologist?

    Proctology, also known as colorectal surgery, is a field in medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus. The one who specializes in proctology is called a proctologist or a colorectal surgeon. What is a proctologist?A proctologist is...

  • What is an External Hemorrhoid?

    Hemorrhoids affect a large portion of the population. Statistics indicate that about 90 percent of the population will have hemorrhoids at least once in their lifetime. Hemorrhoids can either be internal or external. This classification is based on the location of the hemorrhoids in the gut.External...

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FORT WASHINGTON HOSPITALl

11711 LIVINGSTON ROAD FORT WASHINGTON MD 20744

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PO BOX 2003 SPRINGFIELD VT 5156

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INOVA MOUNT VERNON HOSPITALl

2501 PARKERS LANE ALEXANDRIA VA 22306

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