How Is the FibroScan® Used and Why Is It Performed?
7/6/2023
In the past, the best way to determine your liver health was by surgical liver biopsy. Because of advances in tech, however, GI providers can start testing the condition of your liver by way of a straightforward, nonsurgical ultrasound procedure called FibroScan. At Denver Digestive Health Specialists, our team of GI specialists offers this rapid and valuable exam to review liver health, as well as help you safeguard your general health and wellness. If you want detailed information about FibroScan testing and how it could help establish your overall liver health, contact one of our Denver, CO locations.
What is FibroScan?
The FibroScan test is a liver elastography that relies on ultrasound technology to discover damage to the liver. This straightforward test can find scarring and stiffness in the liver. Liver scarring, also called liver fibrosis, comes about due to exorbitant alcohol use, a diet that includes a lot of fat, being medically obese, type 2 diabetes, and more. Liver scarring can lead to cirrhosis, the term for immoderate scarring and damage to a person’s liver. Late stages of cirrhosis can cause extreme tiredness, a decline in weight, yellowing of the skin and eyes, liver cancer, and eventually liver failure.
Where a biopsy of the liver typically requires sedation, a surgical procedure, and many hours of your time and energy, the FibroScan test will usually be completed within the vicinity of ten minutes. The procedure generally involves just about no discomfort, and you can resume your normal, everyday schedule after your exam.
Why is the FibroScan test necessary?
Since there are several concerns linked to damage to the liver, it is important that you treat your liver health with the utmost importance. This is where FibroScan comes in. After completing a FibroScan, our Denver, CO gastroenterologists can look over and use your results to establish and monitor diagnosed liver issues, including:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Hepatitis B or C
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Alcohol-related liver diseases
In addition, we will appraise the degree to which any liver damage has progressed. Noting this information gives us the ability to create a plan of action specifically for you.
How long can it take to get FibroScan results?
Another advantage of the FibroScan test is your results are often available in just a few days, whereas liver biopsy results may take around two weeks. Thanks to FibroScan, you can get your exam results sooner, which could allow you to start your treatment quickly.
After we get your results, our team of GI providers will reach out via phone or schedule an appointment to go over the FibroScan results. Our providers will ensure you comprehend our findings and what the results mean for the health of your liver and general health.
Is it possible to make changes in the event of unfavorable FibroScan results?
If your test results find liver damage, there are several things you can do to either reverse liver damage or defend against further damage. Some steps you may want to take as a way to promote your liver health include:
- Work with your team of doctors to swap out medications as needed
- Minimize alcohol consumption
- Exercise daily
- Lose weight if needed
- Begin eating a diet that is high in fiber and low-fat
Request a FibroScan in Denver, CO
One way to defend against medical issues is to take control of your overall health. By undergoing an easy, more or less painless FibroScan procedure, you can easily understand your liver health so you can make the required changes before more damage takes place. At Denver Digestive Health Specialists, our gastroenterologists gladly provide this modern liver biopsy alternative. Reach out to a Denver, CO location near you to get started.