Hepatology

The liver plays a vital role in keeping your body healthy. It helps process nutrients, remove toxins, fight infection and support digestion. When the liver or related organs are affected by disease or damage, it can impact many areas of your overall health and wellbeing.

At Affidea, our hepatology service provides specialist assessment, diagnosis and management for conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and biliary system. Our experienced specialists work closely with you to investigate symptoms, identify underlying causes and create a personalised treatment plan focused on protecting your long-term liver health.

We understand that concerns about liver disease can feel worrying, especially as some conditions develop gradually and may not cause symptoms in the early stages. Our team is here to provide clear guidance, timely investigations and ongoing support throughout your care.

Overview: What is hepatology?

Hepatology is the area of medicine focused on diseases and disorders affecting the liver and related organs, including the gallbladder, pancreas and bile ducts.

The liver is the largest internal organ in the body and is responsible for many essential functions, including filtering toxins from the blood, supporting digestion and storing nutrients. Liver conditions can develop for many reasons, including infection, inflammation, alcohol-related disease, medication side effects or inherited conditions.

At Affidea, our hepatology specialists assess a wide range of liver and digestive health concerns, helping patients access early diagnosis, treatment and long-term management where needed.

What to expect during your appointment

Your specialist will take time to understand your symptoms, medical history and any previous investigations or diagnoses.

During your consultation, your hepatologist may:

• Discuss your symptoms, lifestyle and medical history

• Review previous blood tests, scans or investigations

• Carry out a clinical examination

• Recommend further investigations where appropriate

• Discuss treatment options and lifestyle recommendations

• Provide a personalised plan for ongoing care and monitoring

Where needed, your consultant may also coordinate referrals for additional specialist support or investigations.

Conditions we assess and treat

Abnormal liver blood tests

Changes in liver function blood tests that may indicate inflammation, infection or liver disease.

Drug-related liver injury

Liver damage caused by medications or overdose, including paracetamol toxicity.

Gastrointestinal bleeding related to portal hypertension

Bleeding linked to increased pressure in the veins supplying the liver, often associated with advanced liver disease.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin or eyes caused by a build-up of bilirubin, often linked to liver or bile duct conditions.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections, autoimmune conditions or other underlying causes.

Ascites

A build-up of fluid in the abdomen that may occur as a result of liver disease or other medical conditions.

Advanced liver disease

Long-term liver damage that may affect liver function and overall health.

Post liver transplant follow-up care

Ongoing specialist monitoring and support following liver transplantation.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas that can cause severe abdominal pain and digestive symptoms.

Haemochromatosis and systemic conditions affecting the liver

Inherited or systemic conditions that can lead to excess iron build-up or affect liver function.

When to seek hepatology assessment

You may benefit from hepatology assessment if you have symptoms, blood test results or existing conditions affecting your liver or digestive health.

You might wish to see a hepatology specialist if you have:

• Abnormal liver blood test results

• Persistent abdominal swelling or discomfort

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

• A history of hepatitis or liver disease

• Concerns about alcohol-related liver damage

• Symptoms linked to gallbladder, pancreas or bile duct conditions

• Ongoing digestive symptoms requiring specialist investigation

Early assessment can help identify liver conditions sooner and support more effective long-term management.

Specialist liver care at Affidea

At Affidea, we provide access to experienced hepatology specialists alongside modern diagnostic support and personalised care pathways.

Our focus is on delivering timely assessment, clear communication and evidence-based treatment within a safe, supportive and welcoming clinical environment.