SJHMC Hepatology Clinic

Hepatology is a medical specialty focused on preventing, diagnosing and treating liver, gallbladder, biliary tree and pancreas diseases. Our hepatology team provides expert care for many complex liver conditions.

At St. Joseph’s Health Medical Center’s hepatology clinic, we treat a wide range of liver conditions including hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, autoimmune liver diseases, liver failure and liver cancer.

Other conditions we treat include genetic and autoimmune-related liver disorders, such as:

• Autoimmune hepatitis

• Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)

• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)

• Wilson’s disease

• Hemochromatosis

• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

We use advanced diagnostic tools for assessing liver fibrosis and steatosis. Our hepatology team uses several tools to evaluate liver health, including:

• Blood tests

• Noninvasive tests that measure liver scarring and fat

• Ultrasound, CT scan or MRI imaging

• Liver biopsy, when needed for diagnosis

• Endoscopic procedures to evaluate complications

These tests help us identify liver disease early and guide the best treatment plan.

We offer minimally invasive robotic surgery, advanced interventional radiology procedures for tumor ablation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement. These options often lead to less invasive procedures and shorter recovery times.

Yes, our team specializes in treating fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. We may recommend a combination of:

• Lifestyle modifications (including regular exercise and dietary changes)
  
• Alcohol moderation
  
• Medication management
• Monitoring and follow-up care
• Liver transplant (in severe cases)

Several factors may increase your risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:

• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Rapid weight loss
• Certain medications
• Other factors, such as malnutrition, viral hepatitis and certain genetic disorders

Some liver diseases may not cause symptoms at first. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Fatigue or weakness

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

• Abdominal pain or swelling

• Nausea or vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Dark urine

• Joint pain

If you experience these symptoms, a hepatology specialist can help determine whether liver disease may be the cause.

We prioritize patient-centered care with individualized treatment plans, shared decision-making, and a multidisciplinary team approach. Our team, which includes social workers, dietitians and psychologists, offers comprehensive support for your physical and emotional well-being.

Your medical history, goals and test results help guide your treatment plan, which may include:

• Lifestyle changes

• Medications

• Minimally invasive procedures

A liver transplant may be recommended when the liver is severely damaged and can no longer function properly. This can occur with:

• Advanced cirrhosis

• Liver failure

• Certain cases of liver cancer

• Some genetic or metabolic liver diseases

The Norton Thoracic Institute team has performed over 100 liver transplants and provides comprehensive evaluation and support throughout the transplant process.

Yes. Patients in our hepatology program may have opportunities to participate in clinical trials and research studies.

Clinical trials may provide access to new medications, innovative treatments or advanced diagnostic tools that are not yet widely available. Participation is always voluntary and discussed with your care team.