OUR TREATMENTS

Fibroscan

The Wellington Hospital is pleased to announce the arrival of Fibroscan technology for the non-invasive measurement of liver fibrosis. Fibroscanning is exciting new technology that allows for the degree of fibrosis (scarring) in the liver to be assessed without the need for biopsy and can be done as an out-patient procedure. Fibroscanning uses ultrasound to measure the degree of elasticity of liver tissue and can give a result in minutes.

Liver disease is the fifth largest cause of death in the UK. The average age of death from liver disease is 59 years, compared to 82-84 years for heart and lung disease or stroke and the UK is one of the few developed nations with an upward trend in mortality from liver problems. Non-invasive measurement of fibrosis using the Fibroscan is a convenient way of identifying patients who have or are at risk of advanced fibrosis thus allowing timely intervention before the development of cirrhosis. Fibroscanning is appropriate in the investigation and management of patients with viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease and is helpful to exclude advanced fibrosis in patients with abnormal liver function tests. Fibroscanning is quick, safe, and painless and is available through the Wellington Hospital Liver Unit via an appointment with Dr James O'Beirne or Dr David Patch.