What Is the FibroScan® test Used for and How Does It Help?
7/6/2023
In the past, a live biopsy was the standard way to determine the state of your liver. However, due to the latest advancements in health care, GI specialists can now assess the state of your liver through a relatively simple, nonsurgical ultrasound procedure called a FibroScan. At Digestive Health Center, our team of GI specialists provides this swift and effective examination to test liver health, as well as help you maintain your overall health and wellness. If you want more information about FibroScan testing and how it can help evaluate the health of your liver, reach out to one of our Thibodaux, LA locations.
What is the FibroScan exam?
FibroScan is a liver elastography that uses ultrasound technology to detect liver damage. This precise exam can establish if there’s scarring or stiffness in the liver. Liver scarring, or liver fibrosis, develops because of vast alcohol consumption, a diet high in fats, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and more. Fibrosis is known to cause cirrhosis, which is immoderate damage and scarring of a person’s liver. Late stages of cirrhosis might result in tiredness, a decline in weight, yellowing of the skin and eyes, a condition known as jaundice, liver cancer, and ultimately liver failure.
While a biopsy of the liver typically requires some sort of sedation, a surgical procedure, and several hours of your time, the FibroScan test can be completed in about ten minutes. The procedure generally causes no discomfort, and often, you can get right back to your daily activities once you leave our office.
Why is the FibroScan test necessary?
Because of the problems affiliated with liver damage, it is important that you take liver health seriously. That is where a FibroScan comes in. After completing the FibroScan, our Thibodaux, LA gastroenterologists will look over and use this information to establish and keep track of liver issues, including:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Hepatitis B or C
- NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
- Alcohol-related liver conditions
Additionally, we will also assess how far your liver damage has developed. This information helps our team construct a plan of action to help meet your needs.
How long will it take until I get my FibroScan results?
An added advantage of the FibroScan is your results are often available within a day or two. Liver biopsy results can take up to two weeks to come in. By using FibroScan, you’ll have your test results much faster, which will allow you to begin your treatment plan right away.
After we get your results, our team of GI specialists will get in touch with you or schedule an appointment in person to explain the FibroScan test results. Our providers will make sure you comprehend your exam results, as well as what the findings mean for the health of your liver and your overall health.
How can I address unfavorable FibroScan results?
If your FibroScan test results reflect liver damage, there are certain choices you can make to help either reverse the damage or prevent new damage from happening. Some steps you may want to take to optimize the health of your liver include:
- Change to a diet that is high in fiber and low in fat
- Work with your doctors to swap medications on an as-needed basis
- Lose weight as necessary
- Cut back on alcohol use
- Work out daily
Schedule a FibroScan in Thibodaux, LA
One of the best ways to prevent medical issues is to take control of your general health. By undergoing quick, relatively painless exams like the FibroScan, you can easily realize your liver health and make essential changes before more damage occurs. At Digestive Health Center, our GI specialists proudly facilitate this revolutionary liver biopsy alternative. Get in touch with at a Thibodaux, LA location near you to learn how FibroScan can help you.