About Hepatology
Hepatology is sometimes considered a subfield of gastroenterology because both specialties focus on some of the same organs. While gastroenterologists diagnose and treat similar conditions, hepatologists have a more specialized focus. Hepatologists perform various procedures to diagnose or treat disorders affecting the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. They manage conditions such as viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease (both alcohol-related and non-alcoholic), jaundice, cirrhosis, metabolic liver diseases, liver cancer, gallbladder inflammation, bile duct stones, bile duct adenomas (benign tumors), bile duct cancer, and more.

Hepatology Procedures
When you visit a hepatologist, they begin by taking a detailed medical history, including symptoms and any relevant past medical issues. To assess liver health, several diagnostic tests are commonly used, including:

• Liver function tests (LFTs): These assess the liver’s ability to process proteins, cholesterol, and bilirubin.
• Liver biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to obtain liver tissue for detailed analysis, helping to determine the cause and severity of liver disease.

Once diagnostic tests are completed, the hepatologist will make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. Treatment options can range from medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments to more advanced interventions like liver transplantation in severe cases.

Hepatologists provide ongoing care for patients with chronic liver conditions, monitoring their health with regular check-ups, blood tests, and imaging studies. They also offer education and support to help patients manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications.