Altru’s Liver Clinic utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to
healthcare. In addition to the department’s gastroenterologists
and advanced practice providers, patients will have access to health professionals
dedicated to oncology, radiology, interventional radiology, pathology
and surgery, as well as a specialty pharmacy.
Altru’s Liver Clinic is located within Altru’s Gastroenterology
on the second floor of
Altru Professional Center. The clinic takes place on Mondays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For an appointment, call
701.780.6940.
Diseases of the Liver
Abnormal imaging of the liver and bile ducts
Alcoholic liver disease
Ascites
Autoimmune hepatitis
Biliary strictures
Elevated liver enzymes
Esophageal varices
Fatty liver
Gallstones
Hemochromatosis
Hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Jaundice
Liver cirrhosis
Liver masses/tumors
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Diagnostic Services Include
Cholecystography hepatobiliary scintigraphy
Collaborative services for endoscopic ultrasound, laparoscopic surgery,
liver tumor ablation, liver-directed chemotherapy and liver transplant
evaluation
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Endoscopy
image-guided biopsy
MRI/MRCP
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography
PET-CT
Triphasic CT scanning
FibroScan®
What is FibroScan®?
FibroScan® is a non-invasive test used to assess liver stiffness, a
key indicator in diagnosing liver conditions. FibroScan® has greatly
reduced the need for liver biopsy.
What happens during a scan?
You’ll lie on your back with your right arm raised behind your head.
A water-based gel is applied to the skin where the probe will be placed.
The exam includes 10 consecutive measurements at the same location. The
more damaged or stiff the liver, the more rapidly the vibration waves
pass through the liver.
When are test results available?
Results are available immediately and show the current health of your liver.
Your provider will interpret and share the results with you following
the scan, prescribing treatment as necessary.
Is it painful?
No. FibroScan® is virtually pain free, quick and easy. You may feel
a slight vibration while the scan is performed. FibroScan® can be
repeated as necessary to monitor the health of your liver.
Who may benefit from FibroScan®?
Patients with the following conditions may benefit from FibroScan®:
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis E
Alcoholic fatty liver disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Chronic liver disease
FibroScan® will also aid in diagnosing fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Preparing for Your Appointment
If this is your first appointment with Altru’s Gastroenterology,
please ensure medical records from outlying facilities have been transferred.
Before your first Liver Clinic appointment, we will provide you with a
liver-specific questionnaire for you to complete and bring to your appointment.
Should you need to reschedule, please provide 24 hours advance notice.
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