Maintaining optimal liver health is crucial for overall well-being, given the liver's vital role in metabolism, detoxification, and various bodily functions. At NIHS Clinic, our comprehensive liver health services aim to diagnose, treat, and manage liver conditions effectively, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Why Liver Health Matters: The liver is essential for numerous functions, including:

• Detoxification: Removing toxins from the blood and metabolizing drugs.

• Metabolism: Processing nutrients from food and converting them into energy.

• Protein Synthesis: Producing vital proteins such as albumin and clotting factors.

• Storage: Storing essential vitamins and minerals.

• Bile Production: Producing bile to aid in digestion and fat absorption.

Common Liver Conditions Treated at NIHS Clinic:

1. Hepatitis:

   • Types: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

   • Explanation: Viral infections causing inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic liver disease.

   • Diagnosis: Blood tests, liver function tests, and sometimes liver biopsy.

   • Treatment: Antiviral medications, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.

2. Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD and AFLD):

   • Types: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD).

   • Explanation: Accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to inflammation (steatohepatitis) and fibrosis.

   • Diagnosis: Ultrasound, CT scan, and liver function tests.

   • Treatment: Weight loss, dietary changes, managing underlying conditions like diabetes, and avoiding alcohol.

3. Cirrhosis:

   • Explanation: Progressive scarring of the liver tissue due to long-term damage from various causes like chronic hepatitis or excessive alcohol use.

   • Diagnosis: Liver function tests, imaging studies, and liver biopsy.

   • Treatment: Managing complications, lifestyle changes, and considering liver transplantation for advanced cases.

4. Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma):

   • Explanation: Cancer that originates in the liver, often associated with chronic liver disease.

   • Diagnosis: Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, MRI), liver biopsy, and blood tests.

   • Treatment: Surgical resection, liver transplantation, targeted therapies, chemotherapy, or radiation.

5. Gallstones and Biliary Diseases:

   • Explanation: Stones formed in the gallbladder or diseases affecting the bile ducts.

   • Diagnosis: Ultrasound, CT scan, and sometimes endoscopic procedures.

   • Treatment: Medications to dissolve stones, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), and endoscopic procedures.

6. Autoimmune Liver Diseases:

   • Types: Autoimmune Hepatitis, Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC).

   • Explanation: Conditions where the immune system attacks liver cells or bile ducts.

   • Diagnosis: Blood tests, imaging studies, and liver biopsy.

   • Treatment: Immunosuppressive medications, managing symptoms, and regular monitoring.

7. Liver Fibrosis and Advanced Fibrosis (Fibrosis Assessment):

   • Explanation: Formation of fibrous tissue in the liver due to chronic damage.

   • Diagnosis: Elastography (FibroScan), liver biopsy, and blood tests.

   • Treatment: Treating the underlying cause, lifestyle changes, and medications to slow progression.

Diagnostic Services for Liver Health at NIHS Clinic:

1. Liver Function Tests (LFTs):

   • Explanation: Blood tests that measure liver enzymes, proteins, and substances to assess liver function and detect liver damage.

   • Common Tests: AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, and albumin levels.

2. Imaging Studies:

   • Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging to visualize liver structure and detect abnormalities like fatty liver or tumors.

   • CT Scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the liver to assess tumors, cirrhosis, and other conditions.

   • MRI: Offers detailed images of the liver and surrounding tissues, useful for diagnosing complex liver diseases and tumors.

3. Liver Biopsy:

   • Explanation: A procedure where a small sample of liver tissue is taken for microscopic examination to diagnose conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

   • Types: Needle biopsy, laparoscopic biopsy, and sometimes biopsy guided by imaging.

4. Elastography (FibroScan):

   • Explanation: A non-invasive test that measures liver stiffness to assess the degree of fibrosis or cirrhosis.

   • Use: Monitoring liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease.

5. Endoscopic Procedures:

   • Types: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to evaluate and treat bile duct issues, and endoscopic ultrasound for detailed imaging.

   • Use: Diagnosing and treating conditions like bile duct obstructions or gallstones.

Treatment Approaches for Liver Health at NIHS Clinic:

1. Medication Management:

   • Explanation: Use of medications to treat liver diseases, control symptoms, and manage complications.

   • Types: Antiviral drugs for hepatitis, immunosuppressants for autoimmune diseases, and medications for managing symptoms like ascites or hepatic encephalopathy.

2. Lifestyle and Dietary Counseling:

   • Explanation: Guidance on making lifestyle changes to improve liver health.

   • Focus Areas: Balanced diet, weight management, avoiding alcohol, and regular physical activity.

3. Interventional Procedures:

   • Explanation: Minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging to treat liver-related issues.

   • Types: Liver tumor ablation, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, and drainage of liver abscesses.

4. Surgical Options:

   • Explanation: Surgical interventions for severe liver conditions.

   • Types: Liver resection for tumors, liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease, and cholecystectomy for gallstones.

Patient-Centered Care: At NIHS Clinic, our hepatology team is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care. We work closely with each patient to create a tailored treatment plan, addressing their specific needs and ensuring the best possible outcomes for their liver health.

Advanced Technology and Expertise: Our liver health services are supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a team of experienced specialists committed to delivering the highest standard of care. We collaborate with other departments and use advanced technology to provide comprehensive and effective management of liver diseases.

For expert care in liver health, trust NIHS Clinic. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our comprehensive liver health services.