How Is the FibroScan® Used and What Does It Do?
7/6/2023
Throughout the years, the most effective way to establish the state of your liver has been through a biopsy. Because of recent advancements in technology, however, gastroenterologists can begin to test the health of their patients’ livers through the relatively easy, nonsurgical ultrasound procedure, FibroScan. At Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC, our gastroenterologists provide this fast and useful exam to test liver health and help you maintain your total health and wellness. To get detailed clarification about FibroScan testing and how it can help evaluate the overall health of your liver, reach out to one of our many Hattiesburg, MS locations.
What is the FibroScan?
The FibroScan exam is a liver elastography procedure that utilizes ultrasound technology to determine damage to the liver. This simple exam can discover scarring and stiffness in the liver. Liver scarring, or liver fibrosis, develops due to immoderate alcohol consumption, a diet high in fats, being medically obese, type 2 diabetes, and other factors. Scarring of the liver can cause cirrhosis, which is substantial damage and scarring to the liver. The late stages of cirrhosis can cause exhaustion, weight loss, jaundice, cancer, and liver failure.
Where a liver biopsy typically requires some sort of sedation, a surgically invasive procedure, and hours of your time, FibroScan involves little to no discomfort or pain, can be completed in approximately 10 minutes, and you are allowed to resume your normal routine after your exam.
Why is the FibroScan test crucial?
Due to the serious repercussions connected with damage to the liver, it is important to treat your liver health with the utmost importance. That is where the FibroScan test can come in. After finishing the FibroScan, our Hattiesburg, MS gastroenterologists can use the results to identify and track diagnosed liver issues, like:
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- Hepatitis B or C
- Diseases associated with excessive alcohol consumption
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
We will also assess how far your liver damage has progressed. Checking this allows us to put together a plan of action specifically to meet your needs.
How long does it take to get FibroScan test results?
Another great advantage of FibroScan is that your findings are ready in just a few days. Your liver biopsy results might take around two weeks, however. With the FibroScan, you can have your exam results sooner than with alternative testing, which may allow you to start your treatment plan sooner.
Once your results are ready, our team of GI providers will reach you via phone or schedule an appointment in person to explain your exam results. We can help you make sense of the results, as well as what they mean for your liver health and your general health.
Can I take steps to address negative FibroScan results?
If your FibroScan results show damage in your liver, there are various things you can choose to do to either reverse your liver damage or defend against the development of new damage. Steps you could take in order to boost your liver health include:
- Begin eating a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat
- Work with your team of doctors to adjust medications as necessary
- Cut out alcohol use
- Exercise every day
- Lose weight as necessary
Request your FibroScan in Hattiesburg, MS
One of the best ways to prevent medical issues is to take control of your overall health. With a quick and simple, more or less painless FibroScan test, you can understand your liver health and make required changes before additional damage occurs. At Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC, our team of GI providers performs this revolutionary liver biopsy alternative. Schedule an appointment at a Hattiesburg, MS location near you to start your health journey.