The liver performs many functions, including filtering toxins from the blood. Liver specialists, known as hepatologists, diagnose and treat conditions involving the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. When these organs no longer function properly, a specialist works to manage damage and limit further complications. Liver failure occurs when much of the liver cannot function due to injury. Specialists use various methods to address liver failure, including medications and surgery.
Assessing Liver Dysfunction
A liver specialist starts by collecting a medical history and performing a physical exam. They look for signs of liver disease, and they may order specific blood tests to measure liver enzymes and proteins. Jaundice signals liver issues, but symptoms like swelling or fatigue can also be present. Blood tests show how well the liver functions, and imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI give more information about the organ’s structure. Imaging tests help identify tumors, blockages, or visible scarring, and sometimes a liver biopsy is necessary. During a biopsy, a doctor takes a small sample of liver tissue, and a pathologist checks it under a microscope for damage.
Selecting Medical Therapies
Doctors address many liver diseases with medicine and lifestyle changes. Antiviral drugs manage viral hepatitis, and these medications help slow or stop the disease. If the patient has autoimmune hepatitis, therapy will involve medications to suppress the immune system. The goal of therapy is to reduce inflammation and slow scar tissue formation. If injury to the liver is found early, some tissue may regenerate, which supports improved outcomes.
Lifestyle changes can support medical treatment. Patients with alcohol-related liver disease need to stop drinking, and some are referred to support services. For non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, specialists often advise weight loss. A doctor may recommend a specific diet or exercise, but following such advice depends on the patient. These therapies often form the first line of management to slow progression.
If complications occur, specific treatment is needed. A common problem is fluid buildup in the abdomen, called ascites, which is managed by restricting salt and taking diuretics. Doctors observe these problems closely because they can signal worsening function. Addressing symptoms helps patients, but it does not solve the underlying condition. The specialist coordinates all therapies to stabilize health.
Advancing to Surgical Options
When medicines are not enough, procedures may be required. Some complications, such as variceal bleeding, are treated using endoscopy. Doctors may apply bands to swollen esophageal veins to prevent rupture, and other procedures remove blockages in the bile ducts. A procedure known as ERCP can diagnose and treat problems in the bile ducts, which can relieve obstructions from gallstones.
Severe liver failure sometimes requires a liver transplant. A transplant replaces the damaged liver with a healthy donor organ, and not every patient qualifies for this surgery. The selection process includes medical and psychological assessments, and those who qualify are placed on a waiting list. Wait times differ by case, and patients may need to be monitored while they wait.
Ongoing care is helpful after procedures. Transplant recipients take immunosuppressive medication to avoid organ rejection. These medications can have side effects, so regular follow-ups are required. Hepatologists oversee care before, during, and after surgery to improve outcomes. Surgery is the most aggressive option for managing advanced failure.
Talk to a Liver Specialist
Liver specialists use a structured approach to address liver failure. They use diagnostic tools to identify the cause, and they offer targeted therapies based on the findings. Some patients benefit from medication and lifestyle changes, while others need surgery. The liver is resilient and capable of regeneration under the right conditions. Hepatologists provide expert care. Find a clinic nearby to talk to a specialist.
