What is FibroScan® and How Does It Help?
7/6/2023
In past years, the best way to identify your liver health was by a surgical liver biopsy. Because of today’s headway in tech, GI providers can start testing the condition of their patients’ liver through a relatively easy, nonsurgical ultrasound procedure called FibroScan. At GastroGroup and Endocenter, our GI specialists perform this quick and helpful test to assess liver health and help you maintain your total health. For more information about FibroScan testing and how it can help measure your liver health, contact one of our many locations in Louisiana.
What is the FibroScan test?
FibroScan is a liver elastography that relies on ultrasound technology to establish any damage to your liver. This easy exam can establish if there’s scarring in the liver and liver stiffness. Liver scarring, or liver fibrosis, develops because of excessive alcohol consumption, a diet high in fats, overweightness or obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other factors. Fibrosis can lead to cirrhosis, which is simply excessive damage and scarring to a person’s liver. Later stages of cirrhosis can result in tiredness, a decline in weight, yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice, cancer in the liver, and lastly, liver failure.
While a liver biopsy requires sedatives, a surgical procedure, and several hours of your time and energy, a FibroScan test can usually be wrapped up in around 10 minutes. This noninvasive procedure involves essentially no pain or discomfort, and you are allowed to get back to your daily activities after being released.
Why is the FibroScan test necessary?
Due to the many implications associated with damage to the liver, it is crucial to take your liver health with the utmost importance. This is where the FibroScan test can come in. After completing your FibroScan, our Louisiana GI providers will look over the results and use this information to establish and keep track of liver issues like:
- NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
- Diseases associated with excessive alcohol consumption
- Hepatitis B or C
- NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)
Additionally, we may also appraise the degree to which liver damage has developed. Checking this makes it easier for us put together a treatment regimen.
How long will it take before I get my FibroScan test results?
A second bonus of the FibroScan is that results are available in just a few days as opposed to alternative tests. Liver biopsy results may take around two weeks, however. As a result of FibroScan, you will have your exam results sooner, allowing you to begin your treatment almost immediately.
After your results are ready, our team of GI providers will reach you via phone or schedule an appointment to discuss the results. Our providers will ensure you get the results and understand what they mean for your liver and general health.
Is it possible to address negative FibroScan results?
If your FibroScan results suggest damage to your liver, there are a variety of things you can do to reverse the damage or avert new damage. Some simple steps you can take to optimize the health of your liver could include:
- Cut back on alcohol consumption
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Work out daily
- Work with your doctors to address medications as necessary
- Change to a high-fiber, low-fat diet
Schedule your FibroScan in Louisiana
A good way to defend against medical issues like liver damage is to take control of your general health. With easy, relatively painless procedures like FibroScan, you can quickly understand your liver health and make essential changes before additional damage occurs. At GastroGroup and Endocenter, our GI specialists happily supply this state-of-the-art liver biopsy alternative. Reach out to a Louisiana location near you to learn how FibroScan can help you.