At New Victoria Hospital, we offer private Hepatology services, including the diagnosis, treatment and care of a broad scope of conditions and diseases affecting the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. Greater alcohol consumption and a rise in obesity has seen an increasing number of patients in need of treatment for liver diseases in the UK over the past few decades. Over 10,000 deaths per year are now caused by liver disease, four times higher than 50 years ago.
At New Victoria Hospital we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care. Our Gastroenterologists, who specialise in Hepatology, are dedicated to helping individuals achieve the best possible health outcomes using the latest techniques and treatments to diagnose and treat all manner of liver conditions.
Understanding Hepatology
Hepatology is a branch of Gastroenterology that focuses on the diagnosis, management and treatment of diseases that affect the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. These organs play a crucial role in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification processes within the body and can cause serious complications when they become damaged. At New Victoria Hospital, our Hepatology specialists diagnose and manage a variety of conditions and diseases, including:
- Abnormal liver tests
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Fatty Liver Disease or Steatoic Liver Disease (SLD)
- Viral Hepatitis
- Benign Liver Lesions
- Inherited and Metabolic Liver Disease
- Auto-immune liver disease
- Jaundice
- Liver Cancer
There are many different causes of liver disease including, alcohol misuse, obesity, contraction of a virus such as hepatitis or an inherited condition. Most types of liver disease have no symptoms in the early stages but once symptoms do appear it means that the liver has already been damaged so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Long term liver damage leads to cirrhosis of the liver which is a buildup of scar tissue preventing the organ from working properly. This type of long term damage can cause serious health complications and lead to liver failure.
Common early symptoms of liver disease include:
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tenderness or pain near the liver
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss and muscle wastage
- Loss of sex drive
- Disturbed sleep
As the disease progresses symptoms get progressively worse so it is important that the condition is diagnosed early to provide the best chance of recovery.
Our comprehensive Hepatology review begins with a thorough consultation and assessment. During this initial stage, you will meet with one of our experienced Gastroenterologists with a subspecialist interest in Hepatology, who will take a thorough history, review your medical background, undertake an examination and refer you for further investigations and diagnostics.
Here at New Victoria our leading hepatologist offer quick referrals for comprehensive diagnostic testing and examinations including:
- Blood tests to establish the correct diagnosis of a patient's condition.
- Imaging services such as a CT, MRI scan or tissue elastography to examine the liver and check for signs of damage.
- A liver biopsy if necessary.
These tests are to ensure that a patient’s condition is diagnosed as soon as possible so they receive prompt and effective treatment for a wide variety of liver conditions.
Based on the initial consultation, our Hepatologists may recommend additional specialised tests to evaluate your condition further. This allows us to gather essential information and gain a deeper understanding of your symptoms and overall health.
Once a diagnosis has been made, our Hepatologists will then develop a personalised treatment plan. The severity of your condition will determine what treatments are involved. These can include medication management, lifestyle modifications, dietary recommendations, and, in some cases, further specialised interventions or procedures.
Many liver diseases can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as maintaining healthy diet, an exercise plan to lose weight, or reducing alcohol intake. Other types of liver disease such as certain forms hepatitis can be treated through antiviral medication.
Our Approach to Hepatology Care
At New Victoria Hospital, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional private Hepatology care. While ensuring an excellent standard of care, our expert Hepatologists offer comprehensive treatment plans and a patient-centred approach. Depending on your specific condition, our Hepatologists will work carefully with specialists from other disciplines in the hospital. This multidisciplinary approach ensures all aspects of your Hepatology health are addressed, resulting in a well-rounded treatment plan.
Consultants and Clinic Times
Dr Sarah Clark
Specialities
Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Hepatobiliary
