What Is FibroScan® Used for and How Does It Help?
7/6/2023
In the past, the way to identify the state of the liver was through a biopsy. Due to recent advancements in technology, gastroenterologists can more easily start testing the state of your liver thanks to this nonsurgical ultrasound procedure, FibroScan. At San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates, our team of gastroenterologists offers this swift and advantageous exam to test liver health, as well as help you maintain your general health. If you want more information about FibroScan testing and how it can help evaluate the health of your liver, get in touch with one of our many locations in San Antonio, TX.
What is the FibroScan exam?
FibroScan is a liver elastography that uses ultrasound technology to detect damage to the liver. This easy exam can detect liver scarring and stiffness. Liver scarring, known as liver fibrosis, comes about because of exorbitant alcohol consumption, a diet high in fats, overweightness or obesity, type 2 diabetes, and more. Scarring of the liver is known to result in cirrhosis, or excessive damage and scarring of the liver. Late stages of cirrhosis might cause exhaustion, unintended weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), cancer of the liver, and, in the end, liver failure.
While a biopsy of the liver requires sedation, a surgically invasive procedure, and hours of your time and attention, FibroScan can be completed within about ten minutes. FibroScan generally causes little to no pain or irritation, and you can get back to your standard routine right afterward.
Why is the FibroScan test crucial?
Due to the serious implications affiliated with damage of the liver, it is very important that you take the health of your liver with the utmost importance. That is where FibroScan can come in. Once you’ve finished the FibroScan, our San Antonio, TX GI providers will use your results to identify and keep track of liver issues, such as:
- NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
- Alcohol-related liver diseases
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Hepatitis B or C
Likewise, we can also measure the degree to which any liver damage has furthered. Keeping track of this helps us craft a treatment regimen to treat you specifically.
How long will it take until I get my FibroScan results?
A second bonus of the FibroScan test is the findings are often available within 1 – 2 days. If you had a liver biopsy, your results may not be available for about two weeks. Thanks to the FibroScan, you’ll have your results sooner than with alternative testing, which will allow you to start your treatment as soon as possible.
After we go over your results, our team of GI specialists will reach out via phone or meet with you to talk about your FibroScan results. We will help you comprehend the results of your exam, and what they mean for your liver health and your general health.
Will I be able to address negative FibroScan results?
If your FibroScan test results imply liver damage, there are several things you can do to help reverse liver damage or halt further damage. Some steps you could take to improve the health of your liver are:
- Move your body every day
- Start a low-fat, high-fiber diet
- Cut back on alcohol use
- Work with your doctor to swap your medications as necessary
- Lose weight as suggested by your doctor
Request a FibroScan in San Antonio, TX
One of the best ways to stave off issues is to take control of your health in general. By having quick, virtually painless procedures such as the FibroScan, you can begin to understand your liver health and make key changes before further damage occurs. At San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates, our team of GI specialists proudly facilitate this state-of-the-art liver biopsy alternative. Call at a San Antonio, TX location by you to learn how FibroScan works.