Liver Disease

21 March 2025

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for liver diseases, ensuring patients receive expert care in a private, comfortable setting.

What is Liver Disease?

Liver disease refers to a range of conditions that affect liver function, impairing its ability to process nutrients, filter toxins, and support digestion. Liver conditions can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-term), and if left untreated, they may lead to liver failure or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).

Potential Causes of Liver Disease

Liver disease can develop due to various factors, including:

Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Long-term alcohol use can cause fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis.
Hepatitis Infections (A, B, C, D, & E) – Viral infections that lead to inflammation and potential liver damage.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – Fat accumulation in the liver, often linked to obesity and diabetes.
Autoimmune Liver Disorders – Conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
Genetic Disorders – Conditions like Wilson’s disease and haemochromatosis can lead to excess copper or iron accumulation in the liver.
Toxin & Drug-Induced Liver Injury – Damage from prescription medications, herbal supplements, or toxic substances.
Biliary Tract Diseases – Blockages or issues in the bile ducts that can impair liver function.

Signs & Symptoms

Liver disease symptoms vary depending on the severity and type of condition but may include:

Jaundice – Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bilirubin buildup.
Chronic Fatigue – Persistent tiredness and weakness.
Abdominal Pain & Swelling – Discomfort, especially in the upper right abdomen.
Nausea & Loss of Appetite – Feeling sick or a reduced desire to eat.
Dark Urine & Pale Stools – Changes in urine and stool color due to bile processing issues.
Swollen Legs & Ankles – Caused by fluid retention (oedema).
Unexplained Bruising & Bleeding – Due to impaired blood clotting.
Itchy Skin (Pruritus) – Can occur with bile-related liver conditions.

Diagnosis

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we use cutting-edge diagnostic tools to assess liver function and identify the underlying cause of liver disease.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) – Blood tests to evaluate enzyme and protein levels.
Ultrasound, CT, or MRI Scans – Imaging to detect liver abnormalities, fatty deposits, or tumors.
FibroScan (Transient Elastography) – A non-invasive test to measure liver stiffness and detect fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Liver Biopsy – A small tissue sample is taken for detailed microscopic examination.
Viral Hepatitis Screening – Blood tests to check for hepatitis infections.
Autoimmune & Genetic Testing – To identify hereditary or immune-related liver diseases.

Treatment Options

Lifestyle & Dietary Modifications

Alcohol Reduction or Abstinence – Essential for alcohol-related liver disease.
Healthy Diet & Weight Management – Reducing fatty liver disease risk.
Exercise & Regular Monitoring – To improve liver function and overall health.
Medication Review – Stopping or modifying harmful medications if needed.

Medical Treatments

Antiviral Therapy – For hepatitis B & C to prevent further liver damage.
Immunosuppressive Medication – For autoimmune liver conditions.
Cholestyramine & Other Bile Acid Treatments – Helps manage bile duct diseases.
Iron & Copper Reduction Therapy – For genetic liver disorders.

Advanced Liver Treatments

Endoscopic Procedures – To manage variceal bleeding or bile duct blockages.
Liver Transplant Referral – For patients with end-stage liver disease.
Interventional Radiology – To treat liver tumors or blocked bile ducts.

Monitoring and Follow-Up Care

Regular monitoring is essential for managing liver disease and preventing complications. At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we provide:

Routine Liver Function Tests (LFTs) – To track progress and detect early signs of deterioration.
FibroScan & Imaging Reviews – To monitor fibrosis or cirrhosis progression.
Hepatology Consultations – Specialist reviews to adjust treatment plans.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Support – Helping patients make liver-friendly choices.

Arranging To Visit A Private GP

To discuss any worrying symptoms that might be an indication of Liver disease, then you can make an appointment with one of our private GPs. Appointments are available to everyone and can often be booked for the same day. There is no need to be registered with our The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, or live locally.

If you have insurance which covers a GP visit, we can in most cases invoice the insurer directly. Where you are paying directly, the cost for a 30 minute consultation is £100.

Any additional costs will always be discussed. They could apply if you are referred for an MRI scan, or to a consultant, or for other agreed decisions to support your health.

Our Resident Private GP

Dr Chamali is welcoming and highly experienced. He offers his patients sound diagnosis and treatment, along with individual care focused on their future health.