Liver Elastography
Liver Elastography is a quick, non-invasive measurement of the elasticity of liver tissue, without the need for a biopsy. It is a similar process to an ultrasound and carried out as an outpatient test where you can go home straight after.
Using high frequency sound waves, a Liver Elastography measures how elastic or stiff your liver is, to assess scarring and damage. Liver fibrosis refers to a scarring of liver tissue. It is the liver’s response to injury; and can, in some cases, lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
Frequently Asked Questions
The liver, the second largest organ in the body, carries out more than 500 vital functions, such as filtering blood and eliminating toxins. However, liver disease often shows few or no symptoms until it has reached a late stage. Cirrhosis, which involves excessive scarring or fibrosis of the liver, has become increasingly prevalent in the UK in recent years. It can result from long-term alcohol consumption, obesity, or diabetes, often referred to as fatty liver. While some individuals may experience fatigue, itching, or vague aches and pains, most look outwardly healthy. Early detection of liver fibrosis is crucial for effective treatment and intervention, helping to prevent long-term complications. Why is a Liver Elastography carried out?
Liver elastography employs a technique called transient elastography to assess the stiffness of the liver, providing an accurate indication of the amount of scar tissue (fibrosis) present. During the procedure, you lie on a couch while the device is placed over your liver to take measurements. The process is quick, non-invasive, and painless. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes in total. What should I expect during a Liver Elastography?
Once your Liver Elastography is complete, you would be fine to drive yourself home, unless you were given any sedation or anti-anxiety medication, in which case you will need someone to come and collect you. The Consultant will analyse and interpret your scans and the results will be sent to your referring doctor who will follow-up with any next steps of treatment required. What happens after a Liver Elastography?
How to Arrange a Liver Elastography
To book an appointment, please contact our reservations team on 01233 423 000 or make an online enquiry. Our competitive fixed price packages give clear transparent pricing to ensure patients feel confident that there will be no hidden bills.
Private Health Insurance
A number of patients do not realise that the cost of their treatment is covered by their private health insurance policy. If you yourself have private health insurance (through work or a policy you took out yourself), it is worth checking to see if you could be covered.
You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Liver Elastography treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at the One Ashford Hospital .
Why One Healthcare
- Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford)
- Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
- 0% and low finance options**
- Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
- Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
- Little or no waiting time
- ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
- Freshly prepared food
- Calm, dignified experience
**Terms and conditions apply
Contact us and find out more
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One Ashford, Kennington Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0YS
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