What Is Hepatology?

Hepatology is a specialized branch of medicine focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and bile duct conditions and diseases. In the past, hepatology was considered part of gastroenterology, but now it is recognized as a separate specialty area. Dr. Ernest Ribera at Burlingame Gastroenterology & Hepatology in Burlingame, CA, provide a wide range of gastroenterology and hepatology services and treatments.

What You Need to Know about Hepatology

A hepatologist is an expert at diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions and diseases, including:

• Cirrhosis or liver scarring
• Fatty liver disease
• All forms of hepatitis
• Hemochromatosis
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Pancreatic cancer
• Gall stones
• Bile duct disease
• Wilson’s disease

You should seek out the services and expertise of a hepatologist if you: 

• Consume excessive amounts of alcohol
• Suffer from chronic abdominal pain
• Experience gastrointestinal bleeding
• Notice yellowed skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Have deep yellow or brown urine
• Feel swelling of your abdomen
• Experience excessive weight loss
• Have an abnormal liver function test result
• Have chronic nausea or vomiting

The hepatologist will perform a comprehensive physical examination, which may include blood and liver function tests. Imaging studies including an abdominal or liver ultrasound may be ordered. A liver or pancreas biopsy may be indicated to determine the presence of abnormal, precancerous, or cancerous cells.

Remember that there are some important steps you can take to avoid liver and pancreas conditions. You should:

• Get vaccinated against hepatitis 
• Test the health of your sexual partner and yourself
• Not use IV drugs, and don’t share needles with anyone
• Wear gloves and other protective gear if you work with bodily fluids 

Want to Know More?

To learn more about hepatology and how hepatology services can help you, call Dr. Ernest Ribera at Burlingame Gastroenterology & Hepatology in Burlingame, CA. You can reach the office by calling (650) 342-6506, so call today.