Department of Hepatology

Services include treatment for:

• Acute liver failure
• Chronic liver diseases
  • Alagille syndrome
  • Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Biliary atresia
  • Bile acid synthesis defect
  • Caroli’s syndrome and congenital hepatic fibrosis
  • Chronic hepatitis B and C
  • Cryptogenic cirrhosis
  • Cystic fibrosis liver disease
  • Drug-induced liver disease
  • Glycogen storage disease (GSD)
  • Parental nutrition associated liver disease (PNALD)
  • Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (all types)
  • Sclerosing cholangitis
  • Tyrosinaemia type 1
  • Wilson’s Disease
• Liver tumors
  • Hepatoblastoma
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Hemangioendothioma
  • Unresectable benign liver tumors with disabling symptoms
• Metabolic liver disease with life-threatening extra-hepatic complications
  • Crigler-Najjar syndrome
  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • Organic acidemias
  • Primary hyperoxaluria
  • Urea cycle defects

Being one of the top liver hospitals in India, we offer best treatment for liver diseases in Chennai, India, including:

• Liver Transplant Program: Personalized care, all in one place
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Clinic: Customized care with nutritionists, psychologists and nurses to promote lifestyle modifications and state-of-the-art medical management
• Liver masses and tumors resected and cysts removed by our team of dedicated hepatobilliary surgeons
• Interventional radiology procedures: Liver biopsies, billiary stents and drains, and angiographies
• Advanced endoscopy, including ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancrieatography), EBL (endoscopic band ligation) and sclerotherapy
• All-inclusive nutritional support of enteral and parenteral feeding, including a specialized feeding
• A complete range of subspecialty support: Metabolic experts, nephrologists, neurologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, hematologists, oncologists, radiologists, pharmacists, infection disease specialists, palliative care, anesthetists and pathologists
• Depending on your condition, the doctors and staff you may meet include:
  • Best hepatologist in Chennai
  • Nurses responsible for the organization of your care and evaluation
  • Nutritionists who help patients make healthy changes to eating habits

The department of hepatology holds specialized clinics where doctors can receive convenient, coordinated care from other specialists.

We offer a variety of diagnostic and treatment services, which may vary depending on the condition or location, including:

• Abdominal ultrasound (using sound waves to create images of organs in the pelvic area)
• Abdominal X-ray
• Blood and urine tests
• CT or CAT scan (computed tomography scan to view more detailed images inside the body)
• Endoscopy (evaluating digestive tract organs through a tiny scope)
• Liver transplant care (before and after transplant)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging to view the pelvic organs and structures)
• Nutrition services
• Social work support

The hepatic system is a vital component of the human body that encompasses several organs with distinct roles in maintaining overall health. Understanding these organs and their functions is essential for comprehending the complexities of hepatology, a medical field focused on the study and treatment of liver-related conditions. Here is an overview of the organs in the hepatic system and their functions.

Organs in the Hepatic System:

 Liver

• The liver is the largest internal organ in the body.
• It aids in digestion by producing bile, which helps break down fats.
• The liver detoxifies harmful substances from the blood.
• It stores essential nutrients and vitamins.
• The liver regulates blood sugar levels.
• It produces proteins essential for clotting.

Pancreas

• The pancreas serves dual functions as an endocrine and exocrine gland.
• As an endocrine gland, it produces hormones like insulin that regulate blood sugar levels.
• In its exocrine capacity, it produces digestive enzymes that aid in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Gall Bladder

• The gall bladder stores bile produced by the liver until it’s needed for digestion.
• When we consume fatty foods, the gall bladder releases bile into the small intestine to facilitate the digestion of fats.

Biliary Tract:

• The biliary tract consists of various ducts that transport bile from the liver and gall bladder to the small intestine.
• This network of ducts is essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system.

Conditions Treated by Hepatologists

Hepatologists specialise in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions that affect the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and biliary tract. They manage a wide range of issues, such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Diagnosis Methods for Liver-Related Conditions

Hepatologists employ various diagnostic methods to assess liver health. These include blood tests to measure liver enzyme levels, imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs, as well as liver biopsies to examine tissue samples for signs of disease.

Symptoms of Hepatic Conditions

Symptoms of liver-related conditions can vary widely but may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain (discomfort in the upper-right side of the abdomen), dark urine (due to excess bilirubin), and unexplained fatigue (persistent tiredness and weakness) 

The connection between Hepatology and Gastroenterology

Hepatology and gastroenterology are closely related medical disciplines. While hepatology primarily focuses on liver health, gastroenterology encompasses a broader range of digestive system issues. Collaboration between hepatologists and gastroenterologists is common, ensuring comprehensive care for patients with complex conditions.