Liver Services

The liver is a vital organ responsible for detoxification, metabolism, digestion, and the production of important proteins and enzymes. Liver diseases can range from mild inflammation to serious conditions like cirrhosis or liver cancer. Early diagnosis and proper management are essential for maintaining liver health and preventing complications.

Symptoms of Liver Disease

Liver problems often develop silently in early stages. As the condition progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Fatigue or weakness

• Abdominal pain or swelling (especially in the right upper quadrant)

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dark-colored urine

• Pale or clay-colored stools

• Itchy skin

• Swelling in the legs or ankles

• Unexplained weight loss

• Bruising or bleeding easily

• Confusion or memory issues (sign of hepatic encephalopathy in advanced disease)

Course of Evaluation and Treatment

1. Initial Assessment

• Physical examination

• Medical history review, including alcohol use, medication history, viral exposure, and family history of liver disease.

2. Diagnostic Tests:

• Blood tests:

  • Liver function tests (LFTs): ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin

  • Viral hepatitis panel (Hep A, B, C)

  • Coagulation profile (INR, PT)

  • Iron studies, autoimmune markers, etc.

• Imaging:

  • Ultrasound (first-line imaging for liver evaluation)

  • CT scan or MRI for detailed imaging

  • FibroScan or elastography to assess liver stiffness (fibrosis/cirrhosis)

• Liver biopsy:

  • May be performed to confirm diagnosis or assess disease severity

3. Treatment Options:

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• Lifestyle changes (alcohol cessation, weight loss, healthy diet)

• Antiviral medications for hepatitis B or C

• Immunosuppressants for autoimmune hepatitis

• Chelation therapy for Wilson’s disease (copper buildup)

• Management of complications (e.g., variceal bleeding, ascites, encephalopathy)

• Cancer treatment (for liver tumors): surgery, ablation, chemoembolization, or transplant

• Liver transplantation may be required in end-stage liver failure or certain cancers, and consultation with a liver specialist in Kalyani Nagar, Pune is essential for proper evaluation and care.

Recovery

Recovery depends on the type and severity of liver disease and how early treatment is initiated.

• Mild liver inflammation or early fatty liver disease can be reversible with lifestyle changes and medication.

• Advanced conditions like cirrhosis require long-term management and monitoring.

• After procedures (e.g., liver biopsy or ablation), patients may require brief hospital observation and rest.

Monitoring During Recovery:

• Regular liver function tests

• Monitoring for complications such as ascites, bleeding, or infection

• Imaging follow-ups if liver masses or nodules are found

• Mental status assessments (for encephalopathy)