Private Hepatology

Hepatology is the area of medicine concerning the liver, gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas, and the management of related disorders and conditions, which are often referred to collectively as liver disease. The doctors who specialise in this area are called hepatologists.
It is often the case that doctors will specialise in gastroenterology as well as hepatology, and for this reason our team of liver specialists consists of both consultant gastroenterologists and consultant hepatologists.

According to the British Liver Trust, more than 40 people die from liver disease every day in the UK. It is thought that 90% of deaths from liver disease are preventable, however liver conditions are sadly too often diagnosed in the late stages when it is too late to cure them using less invasive treatments.

At Syon Clinic, our experienced consultants are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of liver problems. We use the latest technology and a wide variety of diagnostic tests to investigate and diagnose your problems with your liver, biliary system and pancreas.

What causes liver disease?

The common causes of liver disease include obesity, the misuse of alcohol, or an undiagnosed hepatitis infection. In the early stages of most forms of liver disease, you might not experience any signs or symptoms. This means that they are often difficult to diagnose.

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

The signs of liver damage (also known as cirrhosis) include a loss of appetite, the loss of libido (sex drive), feeling constantly tired or weak, and yellow skin and sclera (the white part of your eyes). You might also experience nausea and vomiting. However, many people don't experience any of these symptoms until their liver disease is quite advanced.

At Circle Health Group, you can either pay directly for hepatology treatment, or you can use your private health insurance.

If you are paying for your own treatment, you can take advantage of our flexible payment options , which allow you to spread the cost of treatment over a fixed period. Many people find the monthly payments more affordable.

If you want to use your insurance to pay, speak directly to your provider to see if the treatment you need is covered by your policy. We work with all major insurers.

Most people who visit a hepatologist or other liver specialist do so because they have liver disease. There are many different types of liver disease, most of which can be avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD)

Also known as alcoholic liver disease (ALD), this is the term given to liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption. There are three main stages: alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis and cirrhosis. These stages are progressive, thought the stages can overlap.

There are not usually symptoms in the early stages, but ARLD is often indicated by lifestyle factors or in the results of routine blood tests. A liver biopsy can then be taken to confirm a diagnosis.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

This type of liver disease is caused by a buildup of fat in the liver and is usually seen in people who are overweight or obese. In the early stages, MASLD is not usually dangerous, but gradually it can develop into cirrhosis.

Liver cancer

Cancer of the liver does not always have an obvious cause but it is more likely if you have a form of liver disease such as hepatitis or AFLD.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, and the most common causes are a viral infection or drinking alcohol to excess. Hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis and, in some cases, liver cancer.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)

This is a form of liver disease that if left untreated can lead to liver failure. If you have PBC you will be given medication to prevent liver failure. But a liver transplant may be needed if you have severe liver damage.

Treatment for liver diseases will be carried out by our multidisciplinary team, comprising of dedicated consultants, gastroenterologists, radiologists and more. Whether you are suffering from hepatitis or PBC, our team will work with you to diagnose your liver problem and provide effective treatment.

Liver biopsy

During a liver biopsy, small pieces of tissue are removed from your liver using a needle. These are sent for analysis in order to find out if you have inflammation, damage or cancer in your liver.

Lifestyle changes

The first port of call when treating liver damage is to consider whether lifestyle changes can slow the progress of the disease. Even if your liver disease is considered too advanced to be treated using lifestyle changes alone, you will typically still have to change your diet and alcohol consumption if it's found that your liver is damaged.

Medications

Much of hepatology is considered internal medicine, which means that you will usually have medical rather than surgical treatment. There are various medications and therapies available to treat and manage liver disease and our consultants can help you to find the best solution for you.

Resection of liver tumours

A liver resection surgically removes the cancer from your liver. Open surgeries are used to perform most liver resections and will use a horizontal incision under your ribcage to remove your tumour.

Repair of the liver

Surgery for repairing the liver includes laparoscopic operations. A laparoscopy, also known as keyhole surgery, uses small incisions into your abdomen to check the health of liver. Your surgeon may take tissue samples (biopsies) from your liver during the procedure to be analysed.

People in Brentford and the surrounding areas choose to visit Syon Clinic for hepatology treatment because of our reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate, personalised care.

Many will have been referred by their GP or through their private medical insurance company. Others will choose to self-refer because they want to get help sooner than is possible elsewhere. We treat people with private medical insurance as well as self-paying patients.

When you choose Syon Clinic, benefits include:

Access to an expert, ASAP

If you’re concerned, worried or frustrated by a problem, you’ll appreciate being able to see a specialist as soon as possible. We can book you a private appointment with an experienced consultant quickly so that you’re able to benefit from starting any treatment required sooner.

Flexible appointments

We offer private appointments throughout the week, making it easy to find a time that’s convenient for you. Bookings can be made online or by phone.

Remote consultations available

The majority of consultations are carried out in person at Syon Clinic, but we are able to offer remote consultations by telephone or online video call if needed and where clinically appropriate.

Bespoke treatment

Treatment is always best when it’s tailored to you and your unique situation. Your consultant will review your response to treatment at appropriate intervals and adjust things when necessary to provide you with the best relief of symptoms.

Multidisciplinary team

Your consultant is supported by a number of other healthcare professionals at Syon Clinic, including radiologists.This range of expertise help ensure you receive the support and treatment that is best for you, whatever your skin condition.

Comprehensive range of services

Effective treatments are available for a wide range of hepatological problems, and our experienced consultants would be delighted to help you. They will fully investigate the cause(s) of your problem and then talk with you about suitable treatment options available.