hepatologen

Hepatologen, or hepatologists, are medical doctors who specialize in diseases of the liver, biliary tract, and related metabolic disorders. They are typically internal medicine physicians who have completed additional training in hepatology, a subspecialty often within gastroenterology. Their practice encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of a wide range of liver conditions.

Common areas of focus include viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis B and C), fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH), alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune liver diseases, genetic and metabolic disorders (such as hemochromatosis and Wilson disease), cirrhosis and its complications, liver cancer, and evaluation for liver transplantation. Hepatologists also play a central role in coordinating multidisciplinary care with transplant surgeons, radiologists, nurses, nutritionists, and other specialists.

Diagnostics and procedures used by hepatologists include liver function tests, serologies, imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI), noninvasive fibrosis assessment (elastography or FibroScan), and liver biopsy when necessary. They may perform procedures related to portal hypertension and biopsy and are involved in the medical management of hepatitis therapies, immunosuppression for transplant recipients, and preventive care such as vaccinations and lifestyle counseling.

Hepatology also includes transplant hepatology, focusing on donor evaluation, perioperative care, and post-transplant management. Practitioners work in hospitals, liver clinics, and academic centers, and may participate in research to develop new therapies and improve patient outcomes.