LGCL Hepatology Page

Who Should See a Hepatologist?

A hepatologist is a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, biliary ducts and pancreas. If you have symptoms such as jaundice, dark coloured urine, or chronic digestive problems, then your doctor may ask you to see a hepatologist. The specialist will be able to perform additional tests to find out exactly what is causing your symptoms. Some of the conditions that are often treated by hepatologists include hepatitis, cirrhosis or liver damage, gallstones, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and liver cancer. Hepatologists can also treat genetic and metabolic disorders of the liver such as haemochromatosis and fatty liver disease. If your doctor suspects that you might have a condition like this or you have already been diagnosed with one, you will usually be referred to a hepatologist for specialist care.

How Our Hepatologists Can Help

Our hepatology service can diagnose and treat all kinds of liver disorders as well as conditions affecting the pancreas, gallbladder and biliary ducts. Our heptologists can perform all kinds of non-invasive tests and treatments for these conditions. A hepatologist can:

> Perform specialist tests to find out what is wrong

> Provide a diagnosis for liver, gallbladder, pancreas and biliary duct disorders

> Explain your options and provide the treatment that you need

> Refer you to other specialists for further tests or treatments such as surgery

> Monitor your condition to ensure you are getting the best care

Our hepatologists are experienced specialists who can manage all kinds of liver, gallbladder, pancreas and biliary duct conditions. If you are diagnosed with such a condition, your care will be managed by a hepatologist. Your specialist may work with other experts at the LGCL clinic, such as radiologists and surgeons, to ensure that you are getting the right treatment. You will be able to talk to your hepatologist if you have any questions or concerns.

Seeing a Hepatologist

Most patients will see a hepatologist after being referred by a GP or another doctor, but it is possible to make an appointment directly if you are concerned about your health. You may need to see a hepatologist if you have symptoms that could be caused by a liver problem and your doctor is unable to make a diagnosis. You will also be referred to a hepatologist if you have already been diagnosed with a condition that requires specialist treatment.

When you see a hepatologist, you will usually spend some time discussing your symptoms and general health. The doctor may perform a check up or ask you to come back for additional tests, such as a blood test, scan or biopsy. The results should help the doctor to assess your liver function and identify the cause of the problem. Once a diagnosis has been made, the specialist will explain the treatment options. You may be prescribed medication or given some lifestyle advice to help improve your health. In some cases, the hepatologist will be able to perform the treatment for you, but in others you may need to be referred to a surgeon at the LGCL clinic. Whatever treatment approach is chosen, your hepatologist will continue to monitor your condition and provide the support that you need.

If you would like to see a specialist about liver, gallbladder, pancreas or biliary duct problems, then get in touch to make an appointment with an experienced hepatologist in London.

Our Specialist Hepatology Team