Liver Disease
The Center for Liver Disease
A Multidisciplinary Approach
The Hospitals of Providence offers a high quality, multi-disciplinary approach to the management of acute and chronic liver disease. This program was developed in response to the reality that the incidence of primary liver cancer is a one of the complications of cirrhosis and is known to have a high prevalence in our community of El Paso, in some cases higher than that of the national average. At the same time, the prevalence of Hepatitis C in El Paso is also high, estimated to be at about 2.5% which is higher than the estimated 1% of other counties in Texas. The increase in liver cancer correlates with the high prevalence of hepatitis c.
Our multi-disciplinary team focuses on diagnosing cancer at an early stage when the lesions of the liver can be managed, improving the length of survival. Together, the multidisciplinary team formulates a treatment plan consistent with standards set by the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
The program addresses the various risk factors in the development of Liver Cancer. Hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are among the more common risk factors.
The multidisciplinary team is coordinated by a hepatologist and includes surgeons, gastro-enterologists, medical oncologists, interventional radiologists, and pathologists who specialize in the management of liver disease. The team meets two to three times a month to review cases and establish a plan of care for each individual patient. A Nurse Navigator works with the team to assist patients throughout the screening and treatment process. Additionally, the Nurse Navigator establishes timely communication with your primary care physician, a key priority of the program to insure prompt treatment.
Services
Early detection includes screening for hepatitis c and timely follow-up on abnormal findings. Early treatment of abnormal findings is key to minimizing damage to the liver. The Nurse Navigator works with the radiologist and laboratory services to address abnormal findings such as positive hepatitis screening, abnormal blood tests and abnormal findings on ultrasounds, CT Scans and MRIs. The navigator notifies your primary care physician of the findings and facilitates referrals to the Liver Disease Case Conference. This approach facilitates prompt treatment and management of liver disease, including hepatitis, nonalcoholoic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis and liver cancer.
For more information about your symptoms, call 833-276-1957 to connect with one of our liver disease specialists or use the physician finder tool below