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A new procedure for patients designed to detect and diagnose liver disease faster is now available at Mercy Southeast, the first of its kind in the Southeast Missouri region.
Mercy Clinic Gastroenterology – Broadway has added FibroScan, a non-surgical test used to assess a patient’s liver condition and diagnose issues that may affect liver function. Utilized instead of a traditional biopsy and using ultrasound technology, the procedure evaluates and measures the amount of fat buildup or tests the degree of stiffness in the liver. FibroScan assessments typically take about 5 to 15 minutes and are painless for patients.
“Bringing FibroScan technology to our community is a game changer for liver health,” said Dr. Brent Keller, Mercy Southeast gastroenterologist. “It allows us to offer a quick, non-invasive way to detect liver issues much earlier than before, potentially preventing advanced disease and providing our community with a high standard of care close to home. In just a few minutes, we can get a baseline understanding of a patient’s liver condition and begin making a plan the same day to treat or monitor any issues we may see. FibroScan emits a small pulse of energy and feels like a slight vibration, so there’s no pain. We can obtain the patient’s degree of liver fibrosis much sooner and monitor their liver health more closely over time.”
A primary care physician or gastroenterology specialist may recommend FibroScan assessments for patients who have indicators of a liver condition including:
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Fatty liver disease related to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure
- Hepatitis
In addition to the FibroScan assessments, Mercy Gastroenterology – Broadway will add a fatty liver clinic for highly specialized care for current and new patients. The clinic is a targeted effort to track a patient’s progress, monitor their liver condition over time and coordinate care with their care team.
“We’re excited to extend this additional service to our patients and help them understand their condition, stay organized with their care and take practical steps toward improving their liver health,” said Hannah Robinson, coordinator of the new fatty liver clinic. “This may be a confusing diagnosis for our patients, but we want to provide them reassurance and get them the answers they need and support them in long-term management of their condition.”
For more information about FibroScan, the fatty liver clinic or Mercy’s gastroenterology services in Cape Girardeau, call 573-331-7910 or visit www.mercy.net/practice/mercy-clinic-gastroenterology-broadway/.
