The liver is an essential organ in our body. The liver supports almost every other organ in the body in some way. A healthy liver is necessary for the smooth functioning of the body. The liver helps regulate toxins and chemical levels in the blood, process nutrients, and digest food. 

 

The liver is responsible for approximately 500 vital functions in the human body. If you have some issues relating to the liver and are not functioning as they should be, your doctor may refer you to a Liver Specialist known as a hepatologist in medical terms.

If you are referred to a Liver Specialist and wonder what a Liver specialist does, you have come to the right place to get answers to your questions.

 

What is Hepatology, and what does a hepatologist do?

 

The word “hepatology” is derived from the Ancient Greek “hepar or hepato,” meaning liver. Hepatology concerns the study of liver, pancreas, gallbladder, biliary ducts, and the management of related disorders.

 

Hepatologists most often treat people who have conditions related to the liver. The most common health issues hepatologist threats include hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, and liver cancer.

 

Hepatologists identify which hepatic organ is most affected and to which degree to diagnose the condition and determine the best treatment symptoms mentioned above mentioned 

 

What do hepatologists treat?

 

Hepatologists identifies and treats all manner of liver problems that include:

 

  • Cirrhosis caused by significant scarring on the liver
  • Hepatitis
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Liver cancer
  • Alcohol damage to the liver and alcohol-related cirrhosis

 

A hepatologist also monitors patients who undergo surgery, such as liver transplants, ensuring they get adequate pre and post-operation care. 

 

Hepatologists are not surgeons, but they diagnose patients and help the patient decide if surgery is necessary or not.

 

What Does a Gastroenterologist Surgeon do?

 

Gastroenterology is a field of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders affecting the digestive system. This article discussed in-depth what a Gastroenterologist Surgeon does and when you need to see one.

 

A Gastroenterologist surgeon is a medical professional specializing in the digestive tract. Many generalists study the entire digestive tract thoroughly. They can treat you or refer you to a specialist in the field,j and you will also find a good number of surgeons who have specialized in a particular subfield. Such specializations include:

 

  • Gastrointestinal Cancer
  • Pancreatic disease
  • Endoscopic surveillance
  • Transplantation
  • Hepatology

 

When you need to see a Gastroenterologist surgeon

 

If you suffer from Gastrointestinal diseases like constipation, diarrhea, general gut discomfort, or bloating that won’t go away, you may need to see a Gastroenterologist in such cases. If you are experiencing the below symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a Gastroenterologist without making any delays. Click here to know more.

 

  • Drastic weight loss without any reason.
  • Heartburn
  • Bloating
  • Fresh blood or bloody stool in the toilet
  • When you suspect Hemorrhoids
  • Difficulty in swallowing

 

Is a gastroenterologist the same as a hepatologist?

 

Gastroenterologist studies the digestive tract as whole and Hepatologist is a liver specialist who has majorly studied the liver and treating the disease that causes in the liver. All gastroenterologists have a basic understanding, but a hepatologist has a higher, more detailed liver and its functions.

 

Even after studying and focusing on the liver and liver-related disease, a hepatologist spends many years researching and investigating further in the field. So if you are experiencing issues relating to the liver, it is better to consult with a hepatologist and, if not, book an appointment with a Gastroenterologist. 

 

To Conclude –

 

If you or your loved one are facing any of the above-mentioned symptoms and are referred to a Liver Specialist or a Gastroenterologist surgeon, it is wise not to delay in consulting with them. Consulting with a specialist in the early stage when you discover the symptoms can save a lot of pain, suffering, and dollars.