Liver diseases are increasingly common, affecting millions worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and management.
Liver Shearwave Elastography (Fibroscan)is a revolutionary, non-invasive diagnostic tool that offers precise insights into liver health.
At Phoenix Ultrasound Clinic, with branches in Central London and Surrey/Banstead, we specialize in this advanced technology to help our patients achieve optimal liver health.
What is Liver Shearwave Elastography(Fibroscan)?
Shearwave Elastography is an ultrasound-based technology that measures the stiffness of liver tissue. It works by sending a shear wave through the liver and measuring the speed at which it travels. The speed of the wave correlates with tissue stiffness, which is indicative of liver health. This method is particularly effective in diagnosing conditions like liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Liver Diseases Diagnosed with Shearwave Elastography
Liver Fibrosis
Description: Liver fibrosis involves the formation of scar tissue due to chronic liver injury. Causes include viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Diagnosis: Shearwave elastography measures liver stiffness, which correlates with the extent of fibrosis. Early detection and monitoring can prevent progression to cirrhosis.
Benefits: Accurate, non-invasive measurement of fibrosis allows for early intervention and better management of the disease.
Cirrhosis
Description: Cirrhosis is advanced liver fibrosis where normal liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, affecting liver function. Causes include chronic hepatitis, long-term alcohol abuse, and autoimmune liver diseases.
Diagnosis: Shearwave elastography can detect increased liver stiffness indicative of cirrhosis. This is crucial for staging the disease and planning treatment.
Benefits: Early diagnosis and regular monitoring can improve prognosis and guide treatment decisions, potentially delaying the need for liver transplantation.
Hepatitis
Description: Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections (hepatitis B and C). Chronic hepatitis can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Diagnosis: Shearwave elastography helps in assessing liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis, monitoring disease progression, and guiding treatment.
Benefits: Non-invasive monitoring allows for regular assessments without the discomfort of repeated biopsies.
Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Description: NAFLD involves the accumulation of fat in liver cells, not due to alcohol. It is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Diagnosis: Shearwave elastography can detect early fibrosis in NAFLD patients, which is crucial for preventing progression to more severe liver damage.
Benefits: Early detection and lifestyle modification can halt disease progression and improve liver health.
Advantages of Shearwave Elastography
Non-Invasive: Unlike liver biopsies, which require tissue samples, shearwave elastography is a non-invasive procedure that poses no risk of infection or bleeding.
Painless: The procedure is completely painless, making it more comfortable for patients.
Quick Results: The scan takes only a few minutes, and results are available almost immediately.
Accurate Diagnosis: It provides precise measurements of liver stiffness, aiding in the accurate diagnosis of various liver conditions.
Repeatable: It can be performed multiple times to monitor disease progression and response to treatment without causing discomfort to the patient.
Cost-Effective: As a non-invasive procedure, it reduces the need for more expensive and invasive tests, lowering overall healthcare costs.
Why Choose Phoenix Ultrasound Clinic?
Phoenix Ultrasound Clinic stands out for its commitment to providing state-of-the-art diagnostic services. Here’s why you should consider us for your liver health needs:
Experienced Sonographers: Our team comprises highly skilled sonographers with over 20 years of experience in liver diagnostics.
Convenient Locations: With branches in Central London and Surrey/Banstead, we offer accessible and convenient locations for our patients.
Same-Day Results: We understand the importance of timely diagnosis, which is why we provide same-day results for your peace of mind.
Patient-Centered Care: Our clinic prioritizes patient comfort and care, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Preparing for a shearwave elastography scan at Phoenix Ultrasound Clinic is straightforward. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure to ensure accurate results. During the scan, you will lie comfortably while the sonographer places a transducer on your abdomen. The procedure is quick, painless, and typically takes less than 20 minutes.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t wait to take control of your liver health. Early detection and monitoring are key to managing liver diseases effectively. At Phoenix Ultrasound Clinic, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality care using the latest diagnostic technologies.
To book your Liver Fibroscan Shearwave Elastography scan, visit our website www.phoenix-ultrasound.co.uk or contact our Central London or Surrey/Banstead branches directly. Our friendly staff will assist you in scheduling your appointment at a time that’s convenient for you.
Take the first step towards better liver health today with Phoenix Ultrasound Clinic. Your health is our priority.