FibroScan – Assessment of Liver Diseases and Fatty Liver in South Delhi
Quick Answer FibroScan is a painless, non-invasive ultrasound-based test that measures liver stiffness (fibrosis) and fat content (steatosis) in about 10-15 minutes, without needles or sedation. It is used to detect and monitor fatty liver disease, hepatitis-related liver damage, and cirrhosis, and can often replace the need for an invasive liver biopsy. Dr. (Brig) Pankaj Puri offers FibroScan testing at Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, South Delhi. FibroScan is a non-invasive test that helps assess the health of the liver by measuring liver stiffness and fat content. Using a technology called transient elastography, FibroScan works similarly to an ultrasound, sending gentle vibrations through the liver and measuring how quickly they travel to estimate the degree of scarring (fibrosis) and fat buildup (steatosis) present. FibroScan has become an important tool for diagnosing and monitoring fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and other liver conditions, often reducing or eliminating the need for an invasive liver biopsy. The test is quick, painless, and requires no sedation, making it an accessible first step for anyone concerned about their liver health. If you are searching for the best Gastroenterologist in South Delhi for liver health assessment, Dr. (Brig) Pankaj Puri — FRCP (London & Edinburgh), DM Gastroenterology (PGIMER) — is a trusted Gastroenterology Specialist in South Delhi, offering FibroScan testing at Fortis Escorts Liver and Digestive Disease Institute, Okhla Road, conveniently located for residents of South Delhi neighbourhoods including Okhla, Kalkaji, Nehru Place, Greater Kailash, Sarita Vihar, Jasola, and New Friends Colony.
Who Should Get a FibroScan?
A FibroScan is recommended for individuals with liver disease symptoms, abnormal liver tests, or risk factors that require a detailed liver health assessment.
Suspected Fatty Liver Disease
Evaluates liver fat in patients with obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or abnormal liver enzyme levels.
Chronic Viral Hepatitis
Monitors liver fibrosis in patients diagnosed with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection.
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Assesses liver stiffness and damage caused by long-term excessive alcohol consumption.
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Helps investigate unexplained abnormal liver function test results and identify possible liver disease.
Monitoring Liver Disease
Tracks the progression or improvement of liver fibrosis, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis over time.
Alternative to Liver Biopsy
Provides a safe, painless, and non-invasive way to evaluate liver fibrosis and fat without surgery.
Why EUS is Performed
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a specialized diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound technology to obtain detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding organs. Doctors often recommend EUS to investigate gastrointestinal conditions, detect abnormalities, and evaluate the stage of certain diseases for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Detecting tumors or abnormal growths
- Evaluating pancreatic diseases
- Assessing gastrointestinal cancers
- Examining bile ducts and gallbladder
- Investigating unexplained abdominal pain
- Staging cancers of the digestive system
- Detecting cysts or lymph node enlargement
How the EUS Procedure is Performed
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to closely examine the digestive tract and surrounding organs using a combination of endoscopy and ultrasound technology. The procedure helps provide detailed images and may also allow tissue samples to be collected for further evaluation.
- The patient is given sedation to ensure comfort during the procedure
- A flexible endoscope with an ultrasound probe is inserted through the mouth
- The doctor carefully examines the digestive organs
- Ultrasound images are generated in real time for detailed evaluation
- A fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy may be performed if needed
- The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the evaluation
Benefits of Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) provides several important advantages in the diagnosis and evaluation of digestive system disorders. By combining endoscopy and ultrasound imaging, EUS allows doctors to obtain highly detailed views of internal organs, helping in early detection and accurate diagnosis of many gastrointestinal conditions.
- Highly detailed imaging of digestive organs
- Early detection of cancers and tumors
- Minimally invasive diagnostic procedure
- Ability to perform ultrasound-guided biopsies
- Improved accuracy in diagnosing pancreatic diseases
- Helps doctors plan effective treatment strategies
Preparation for EUS
Proper preparation is important to ensure that an Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) procedure is performed safely and provides accurate results. Patients are usually given specific instructions by their healthcare provider before the test to help achieve the best possible imaging and reduce potential risks during the procedure.
- Avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure
- Inform the doctor about any medications currently being taken
- Share any existing medical conditions or allergies
- Follow instructions regarding blood-thinning medications if applicable
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure due to sedation
- Follow all preparation guidelines provided by the healthcare team
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), including its purpose, procedure, preparation, and benefits in diagnosing digestive disorders.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a medical procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound technology to obtain detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding organs such as the pancreas, liver, and bile ducts.
Doctors use EUS to detect tumors, evaluate pancreatic diseases, examine bile ducts, investigate unexplained abdominal pain, and assess gastrointestinal cancers with greater accuracy.
EUS is generally not painful because patients are given sedation during the procedure. Most people feel minimal discomfort and are able to return home the same day.
The EUS procedure typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being examined and whether additional procedures such as biopsy are required.