Hepatology
Specialist assessment and management of liver disease
Our team includes gastroenterologists and hepatologists with specialist training in liver disease, several of whom hold hepatology appointments at Christchurch Hospital and have completed advanced training at liver units in New Zealand and overseas.
We assess and manage a broad range of liver conditions, including fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis B and C, autoimmune liver disease, and cirrhosis and chronic liver disease.
FibroScan, also known as transient elastography, is an examination similar to an ultrasound, used to assess the stiffness of your liver. It is non-invasive, quick and painless, and gives an immediate result.
A FibroScan helps your doctor assess the health of your liver by assessing the likelihood of scarring (fibrosis). The stiffer your liver, the more likely it is to have scarring. FibroScan is often used instead of a liver biopsy.
fibro scan
What does it involve?
What does it involve?
You lie on your back with your right arm raised behind your head. A water-based gel is applied and the probe placed on your skin. You will feel a slight vibration as each measurement is taken. Around ten measurements are made, and you are given your result at the end. Most assessments take 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I eat or drink beforehand?
Can I eat or drink beforehand?
No. You should not eat or drink for at least two hours before the examination, as this may affect the result.
Do I need to rest afterwards?
Do I need to rest afterwards?
No. You can continue with your normal daily activities, with no need to rest or take time off work.
what can affect my results?
what can affect my results?
Results may be less accurate or unable to be obtained if you are overweight (BMI>30) or if your liver is inflamed.
who will perform my FibroScan®?
who will perform my FibroScan®?
Specialist liver nurses who have received extensive training in performing and interpreting FibroScan®.
how long will the FibroScan® take?
how long will the FibroScan® take?
Most FibroScan® assessments take between 10 and 15 minutes.
ERCP is performed at Southern Cross Hospital.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an endoscopic procedure used to examine the bile duct and pancreas duct. A long, thin, flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth into the duodenum, and a catheter and guidewire are placed into the bile duct. Dye is injected and X-rays taken to show bile duct stones or narrowings. Stones can be removed and stents placed during the same procedure.
You will be deeply asleep under an anaesthetist, and the procedure takes between 10 and 60 minutes. The main risk is pancreatitis, which occurs in around 5% of cases and is usually mild; bleeding or perforation occurs in 1 to 3% of cases. Your specialist will discuss the risks with you beforehand.
ERCP
how do i prepare for my procedure?
how do i prepare for my procedure?
For this procedure to be successful, your stomach needs to be empty
Do not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours before the procedure
Please make arrangements for someone to collect you from the unit and care for you for 24 hours after the procedure. This is for your own safety and protection. The anaesthetic makes you forgetful and can impair your judgment and reflexes
Even if you feel alert after the procedure you must not do any of the following for 24 hours:
Drive a car
Operate machinery
Drink alcohol
Sign any legal document or
Ride on public transplant alone.
what should i expect?
what should i expect?
Intravenous fluids may be started before the ERCP. A diclofenac suppository (anti-inflammatory) is given to reduce the risk of pancreatitis. The procedure will be performed in an operating theatre with an X-ray machine present, with you lying on your front. . An anaesthetist will be making you deeply asleep. A mouthguard is often inserted as you are drifting off to sleep. The procedure can take 10-60 minutes.
After your ERCP procedure you may have a sore throat which can last for up to 24 hours. Your stomach may also feel bloated from air in the stomach during the procedure. This will settle over the next few hours as you pass wind naturally
Depending on how difficult the procedure is, you may drink fluids after till 5pm, then have a light dinner. The next day you may eat and drink normally.
what are the risks?
what are the risks?
The main risk of ERCP is pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas at 5%. Most of the time if this happens, it is mild, requiring hospital admission for 3-7 days. Serious cases of pancreatitis can result in long hospital admissions – for months, often requiring further surgical or radiology procedures, and extremely rarely resulting in death.
1-3% of patients can develop bleeding or bowel perforation. This may require further procedures, and very rarely surgery. Other problems can include incomplete removal of stones requiring further ERCP, or bile duct infection requiring antibiotics
enquire or refer
Ask your GP to refer you to one of our specialists, or contact us to discuss your options and arrange a consultation.
get in touch
Ask your GP to refer you to one of our specialists, or contact us to discuss your options and arrange a consultation.
