Hepatology

Modern hepatology requires collaboration across various specialties. At Ochsner Health, our expert hepatology services involve a comprehensive care team working together to provide personalized treatment. This includes:

• Transplant surgeons
• Surgical oncologists
• Surgeons
• Interventional radiologists
• Medical oncologists
• Social workers
• Nurses

Liver transplant patients also benefit from working closely with transplant coordinators and financial coordinators, ensuring a seamless experience. Additionally, our team collaborates with gastroenterologists, internal medicine specialists and other experts to address conditions affecting not just the liver but also related organs such as the pancreas and bile ducts.

Though almost 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with liver disease, millions more likely have some type of liver problems but do not know it. Liver disease and damage can be caused by genetics, infections, an unhealthy diet, drug use or heavy alcohol consumption.

Ochsner Health specializes in treating a broad spectrum of liver conditions, whether they stem from genetic factors, infections, diet, or alcohol use. Some of the conditions we treat include:

• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency — a genetic condition that can cause liver or lung disease

• Alcoholic fatty liver disease — a type of liver damage caused by heavy alcohol use

• Bile duct cancer

• Cirrhosis of the liver (hepatic cirrhosis) — a type of chronic liver damage that causes scarring and often leads to liver failure

• Hemochromatosis — a liver disorder that causes too much iron to build up in your body

• Hepatitis — a viral infection that causes inflammation and can lead to liver failure if untreated

• Liver cancer

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease — a condition when fat builds up in your liver and causes damage

• Other genetic liver and bile duct conditions, such as Alagille syndrome, Caroli disease and Wilson’s disease

• Primary biliary cirrhosis (also called primary biliary cirrhosis) — a type of liver disease that damages the bile ducts

• Primary sclerosing cholangitis — a type of liver disease in which scar tissue blocks the bile ducts

Ochsner uses advanced diagnostics for identifying and staging liver disease. Patients may receive:

• Blood tests that can assess your liver function

• CT scan

• Endoscopy

• FibroScan imaging, a type of ultrasound that can assess how much scarring (fibrosis) is on the liver

• Liver biopsy

• MRI

At Ochsner Health, we offer a full suite of treatments for liver disease, providing hope even in the most challenging cases. Our services include:

• Chemotherapy

• Liver resection

• Liver transplant

• Living donor liver transplant

• Immunotherapy

• Medication

• Microwave ablation of tumors — using heat to destroy cancer cells

• Minimally invasive and robotic surgery

• Paracentesis or thoracentesis — procedures that remove fluid that causes swelling in the abdomen or chest

• Radiation

• Radioembolization — radioactive beads are injected into the liver, via a blood vessel, to treat cancer

• Targeted therapy — cancer treatment that targets changing cancer cells to try and stop them from spreading

• Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt — a type of stent that improves blood flow to the liver

Some types of liver disease may be helped by lifestyle changes, such as quitting drinking and losing weight. For patients who have trouble making these changes on their own, we provide referrals to other departments, including:

• Bariatric Surgery

• Comprehensive Weight Loss

• Ochsner Recovery Program

Ochsner was the first hospital in Louisiana to perform a liver transplant back in 1984. Today, we are among the top liver transplant programs in the U.S. in terms of volume, performing more than 100 liver transplants each year. We also offer the only pediatric liver transplant program in Louisiana. Our Medicare-approved program is a Center of Excellence for many insurers. The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients notes that Ochsner is among the country’s 20 busiest (by volume) liver transplant programs for deceased donors.

We have ongoing clinical trials testing the latest advances in treatment for several conditions, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Liver transplant patients may also be eligible for certain trials. By participating in clinical trials, patients gain access to treatments not otherwise available to them.

Common symptoms of liver disease include fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain or swelling, unexplained weight loss, nausea and dark urine. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a liver health specialist immediately.

A liver transplant may be necessary if your liver is no longer functioning properly due to conditions like cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver failure. At Ochsner Health, our expert team conducts comprehensive evaluations to determine the best course of action tailored to your specific needs.

Ochsner Health offers unparalleled expertise in liver health, featuring a multidisciplinary team, access to cutting-edge clinical trials, and advanced treatments not widely available elsewhere. Our commitment to innovation and patient-centric care sets us apart as leaders in liver health throughout Louisiana and beyond.

To prepare for your appointment, gather all medical records, a list of current medications, and a detailed history of your symptoms. Additionally, jot down any questions or concerns you may have about your liver health. This helps our specialists provide a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan.

Yes, Ochsner Health strives to make liver transplant procedures as accessible and affordable as possible. We work with you to explore financial options, insurance coverage and personalized payment plans to ensure you receive the care you need without added stress.

A gastroenterologist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the stomach, intestines, esophagus and pancreas. A hepatologist, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the liver and related organs, such as the gallbladder and bile ducts. While a gastroenterologist may treat some liver conditions, a hepatologist has advanced training and expertise to manage complex liver disorders, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver disease and liver failure.

You may be referred to a hepatologist if you have signs or a diagnosis of a liver-related condition. Common reasons include abnormal liver function tests, symptoms such as jaundice or unexplained fatigue, or a history of chronic liver diseases like hepatitis or alcoholism. A hepatologist’s expertise is essential for managing liver disorders, monitoring disease progression and exploring specialized treatments, such as liver transplantation, when needed.