Fatty Liver - Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio

Fatty Liver Services

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We Are Committed To Providing Comprehensive Care

Leading-edge fatty liver treatment in San Antonio, Texas.

I really liked Dr. Pruitt. He is friendly, talks to me, not at me, and knows his business of medicine. I and my medical needs come first… the nurses are friendly have [a] good [sense of] humor…I love this doctors office!

Gene S.

Click here to request an appointment

Don’t wait for symptoms of late-stage liver disease before seeking treatment.

FibroScan® measures fatty liver damage in just 5 minutes and without an invasive biopsy.

Liver disease isn’t exclusive to alcohol drinkers. In fact, the American Liver Foundation estimates that 80 million Americans have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although NAFLD typically lacks symptoms until its later stages, it’s one of the leading reasons for liver transplants.

In the past, a biopsy was necessary to evaluate the level of scar tissue (called “fibrosis”) present in the liver. FibroScan® removes the need for biopsy in many cases, and we’re one of the only practices in San Antonio that offers it!

Our experienced specialists can diagnose the correct type of fatty liver, putting you on a path to resolution.

Fatty liver is an umbrella term that applies to many different conditions, including alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). AFLD is caused by alcohol-related damage, which makes the liver unable to efficiently process fat cells, so it stores them instead. This condition will typically reverse itself if you stop drinking.

NAFLD is trickier to manage than its alcoholic cousin. We don’t know the exact cause of NAFLD, but it seems to be associated with obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. When liver cells accumulate too much fat, they burst and your body replaces them with fibrosis. We’ll generally categorize NAFLD according to four stages:

  1. Fatty liver/steatosis – Fat deposits in liver cells.
  2. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) – Presence of scar tissue and inflammation of the liver.
  3. Cirrhosis – Almost complete replacement of liver cells with scar tissue.
  4. Liver failure – Liver is no longer able to function and requires a transplant.

Assess your fatty liver in just 5 minutes with FibroScan®… no biopsy!

A blood test is often the first step we take when diagnosing NAFLD, followed by a traditional imaging ultrasound. In the past, an invasive biopsy was then necessary to measure the extent of scar tissue in your liver. No longer! FibroScan is a simple, noninvasive test that measures liver fibrosis in just 5 minutes, a crucial step toward evaluating the stage of your condition. Although a biopsy may still be necessary, FibroScan can help many people with middle-stage cases of NAFLD avoid a biopsy altogether.

FibroScan means

  • No pain
  • No downtime
  • No time off work

Don’t wait for symptoms of late-stage liver disease before seeking treatment.

Late-stage fatty liver disease refers to cirrhosis and liver failure, which occurs when fibrosis has replaced enough liver cells to inhibit normal function. You may begin to experience serious symptoms at this point, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Memory loss and/or confusion
  • Pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen
  • Shaky hands, and/or difficulty performing tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as writing
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Don’t let your fatty liver progress! Effective management is possible at GCSA. Not only are our doctors up-to-date on the latest fatty liver treatment strategies, we’re also affiliated with Pinnacle Clinical Research. They’re pioneering new techniques and medications to help nonalcoholic fatty liver by conducting late-stage clinical trials.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about how Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio specializes in fatty liver treatment in the San Antonio communities of Medical Center, Stone Oak, Northeast, Westover Hills, Boerne, or Bulverde, call 210.614.1234 today. You can also request an appointment online here.

 

Fatty Liver Treatment Testimonials

“I began to see Dr. Ali right after the pandemic started. He was able to diagnose and treat me for my fatty almost cirrhosis liver. With his help, my liver levels dropped 75% and my liver is now functioning normally. My IBS has also been controlled with his help. Thank you, Dr. Ali!” – Brianna

“My visits with Dr. Piesman are always informative. He is extremely thorough and proactive when it comes to my health. He has encouraged me to participate in a research study because I have a fatty liver that concerns both of us. I am so glad to have a doctor that not only takes care of me but also my husband. He jokes and says we are on the family plan. Great doctor with a great sense of humor. I will see him again by the end of the year. He’s a great doctor, wish we could clone him!” – Rachel

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