Hepatology (liver care)

Looking for hepatology care? 

If you’re one of the more than 100 million Americans living with liver disease or a liver disorder, you’re in good company — and the perfect place. Because at Geisinger, your care team delivers the specialized care you need that goes beyond medicine. In fact, we’re the only program in the region with a team of doctors who specialize in liver care, including chronic liver disease.

Through prevention and leading-edge treatment options, you can live your best life. Liver disorders can be complex. Getting the care you need shouldn’t be.

What is hepatology?

Hepatology involves the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions affecting the liver and related organs, including the gallbladder and pancreas. The good news is that liver disease is manageable. Our skilled and specially trained gastroenterology and hepatology team will develop a treatment plan that puts you at the center.

What conditions does a hepatologist treat?

A hepatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has advanced training in treating a variety of liver and related conditions, including:

• Ascites, a buildup of fluid in the abdomen which can cause swelling.
• Bile duct diseases and injuries, various conditions affecting the thin tubes that carry bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestines.
• Cirrhosis of the liver, scarring of liver tissue typically caused by infection or excessive alcohol consumption.
• Fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a buildup of excess fat in the liver.
• Gallstones, small, hard calcium deposits that can form in the bile ducts.
• Gallbladder disease, including inflammation, infection, blockage or gallbladder stones.
• Cysts, or growths that form in areas of your GI system.
• Hepatitis, an infection that causes liver inflammation. There are five types (A, B, C, D and E), each with a different cause.
• Liver cysts and tumors, which can be noncancerous or cancerous.
• Liver cancer, cancer that originates in the cells in your liver.
• Liver failure, which can be chronic or acute. When the liver is damaged, it can begin to shut down.
• Varices, or enlarged veins in the esophagus.

What causes liver disease?

Certain behaviors, genetics and risk factors can increase your chances of developing liver disease. These include:

• Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol increases your risk of developing liver disease.
• Being overweight: People who have excess body fat — especially around the waist area — are at a greater risk for developing liver or gallbladder issues. 
• Infections: Infections in your liver can affect its function.
• Unhealthy behaviors: Certain behaviors, such as intravenous drug use, sharing needles and having unprotected sex all increase your risk of developing liver disease.  
• Family history of liver or gallbladder disease: If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with a liver or gallbladder condition, your risk for developing one is higher.
• Other risk factors: Other things that can increase your chance of developing liver disease include:
  • Environmental exposure to certain industrial chemicals
  • Having diabetes
  • Undergoing dialysis 
  • Continued use of certain medications

How is liver disease diagnosed?

We offer screening tests that use the most advanced technology to better detect liver disease in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable. Some of the diagnostic tests your doctor may perform on your liver include:

• Liver function test – A test that evaluates how your liver is functioning.
• FibroScan® – A noninvasive ultrasound procedure that can identify changes in your liver.
• Liver biopsy – Your doctor removes a small sample of tissue using a thin needle or during a surgical procedure. The tissue is examined under a microscope to detect any cancerous cells (also called malignant cells).
• Endoscopy – During this minimally invasive procedure, your doctor inserts a small scope through your mouth to examine the hard-to-see areas of your GI system, including your liver, pancreas and gallbladder.
• Blood tests – These tests can rule out any issues with your liver, gallbladder or surrounding organs.
• Imaging tests – Diagnostic imaging tests, such MRIs, CT scans and PET scans, produce detailed pictures of your GI system.