Living in Singapore and concerned about your liver health? A Liver Specialist, also known as a hepatologist, can be your partner in maintaining optimal liver function.
What is a Liver Specialist?
A liver specialist is also known as a hepatologist. ‘Hepato’ in this case refers to the liver and ‘-ologist’ means that they’re specializing in something.
So, a liver specialist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating liver diseases and conditions. Thanks to their training, a fully qualified liver doctor in Singapore is equipped to handle a wide range of liver-related issues, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver transplantation.
These specialists can provide personalized treatment plans and also help you monitor disease progression. If you’re planning to see a liver specialist, you will want to look for them in reputed hepatology or gastroenterology clinics like Andrea’s Digestive Clinic in Singapore.
This article explains the role of a liver specialist in your health. But first;
Gastroenterologist vs. Liver Specialist: What’s the Difference?
The conditions that gastroenterologists and liver specialists treat overlap. So, if you’re recommended an appointment with a liver specialist in Singapore, you may wonder; is a gastroenterologist the same as a liver specialist?
The answer is no. A gastroenterologist specializes in treating digestive tract issues, including the liver. On the contrary, a hepatologist specializes in liver and bile duct disorders. Here’s a more detailed explanation of the differences between a liver specialist and a gastroenterologist;
- Gastroenterologist: A gastroenterologist is a specialist in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Specifically, they’re trained to diagnose and manage disorders of the digestive tract. While they do treat liver conditions, it’s just one aspect of their practice. They also handle issues related to the esophagus, stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, rectum, and anus.
- Hepatologist: On the other hand, a hepatologist is a liver specialist with a primary focus on liver diseases and bile duct disorders. Most hepatologists undergo a fellowship in gastroenterology but then concentrate their practice on liver-related ailments. There are also transplant hepatologists, who undergo additional training to manage advanced liver disease and perform liver transplants.
- Training and Focus: Gastroenterologists and hepatologists receive similar training in many organ systems. However, hepatologists specialize further in liver and bile duct disorders. Hepatologists are skilled at diagnosing and managing a wide range of liver conditions, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, liver failure, liver cancers, and vascular liver diseases.
When deciding whether to see a gastroenterologist or a hepatologist, you will want to think about your specific needs. If you have liver-specific concerns or need specialized care like liver transplant evaluation, a liver specialist in Singapore may be the better choice. However, if your condition involves multiple digestive organs, a gastroenterologist might be more suitable.
Why Do I Need to See a Liver Specialist?
When deciding whether to see a liver specialist in Singapore or a gastroenterologist, many patients frequently ask; why do I need to see a liver specialist?
It is simple; your primary care physician may refer you to a liver specialist if they suspect liver disease based on abnormal liver function test results. This appointment will be for further evaluation and management.
Also, if you’ve previously been treated for liver disease by a gastroenterologist and your condition becomes more complex or requires specialized care, your gastroenterologist may refer you to a hepatologist. This referral ensures that you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for your liver condition to ensure better outcomes and improved quality of life.
How Does a Liver Specialist Check Your Liver?
When seeing a liver specialist in Singapore, especially for the first time, you may be itching to know what to really expect. This best explains why so many people frequently ask; how does a liver specialist check your liver?
It is simple; when a liver specialist needs to assess the health of your liver, they typically rely on a series of liver function tests (LFTs). These tests are crucial for diagnosing liver diseases, monitoring liver health, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. Here’s a detailed look at how a liver specialist checks your liver;
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Liver function tests are blood tests that measure various enzymes and proteins in your blood, indicating how well your liver is functioning. These tests are often used to:
- Check for liver damage from infections like hepatitis B or C
- Monitor the side effects of medications known to affect the liver
- Monitor liver disease progression and treatment effectiveness
- Investigate symptoms or family history of liver disorders
- Assess liver health in individuals with certain medical conditions or habits, such as high triglycerides, diabetes, alcohol consumption, or gallbladder disease
Now, there are several liver function tests. The decision on the specific LFT that will be used for your case will be influenced by several factors, including your medical history, symptoms, and the suspected or known liver condition.
Common Liver Function Tests Explained
The selection of LFTs helps your liver specialist in Singapore assess different aspects of your liver function and health. Here are some of the most common LFTs you may want to know about;
- Albumin Test: Measures the main protein made by the liver, which is vital for nourishing tissues and transporting hormones and other substances throughout the body.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test: Detects an enzyme found in several body parts, including the liver. Elevated levels may indicate liver or muscle problems.
- Alanine Transaminase (ALT) Test: Measures an enzyme used by the body to metabolize protein. High levels can indicate liver damage or dysfunction.
- Bilirubin Test: Assesses a waste product from red blood cell breakdown. High levels may indicate liver processing issues.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test: Evaluates an enzyme found in bones, bile ducts, and the liver, often used to assess bile duct system health.
Interpreting Results
Elevated levels of AST and ALT, disproportional to bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels, often indicate liver disease. Abnormal results on any liver function test require further investigation to determine the underlying cause.
The Bottom Line
If you have concerns about your liver health or need to undergo liver function tests, please consult with a hepatologist or gastroenterologist. They can interpret the test results accurately, provide a diagnosis, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan if necessary.
If you’re in Singapore Andrea’s Digestive Clinic in Singapore is one of the best clinics you can trust with your liver health. Our facility is not only accredited. Our specialists are board-certified so you can rest assured of the best possible care. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call or visit us at;
Andrea’s Digestive Clinic: Colon | Liver | Gallbladder | GERD | Acid Reflux Specialist
101 Irrawaddy Road #21-11/12
Royal Square Medical Centre
Singapore 329565
